Do you have pets? Why/why not? We asked several persons in the street this question and these were their responses:
Benjamin Dufu, computer technician
‘Yes, I have a dog and it’s about five to six months old. He is a common breed and I like dogs. My brother named him ‘War’ but I don’t know why. He doesn’t fight or anything, and I guess he just liked the name. The only problem we have with him is that when he is not fed on time he gets restless. It is costly to feed him because you have to give him nutritious food. Sometimes we would give him chicken and beef. I would like to have a parrot some time in the future. I like them because they are like companions.’
Alicia Joyce, unemployed
‘No I don’t have a pet because I don’t like animals. They are too much work because you have to make sure you bathe them, feed them and care for them. I think that a pet will be costly to look after. I never had a pet in my life and I don’t want one. In the future I would probably think of having one to keep me company. A dog perhaps. I would prefer a dog to be my pet.’
Sabrina McClean, private sector employee
‘I don’t have a pet because it will be harmed by my two-year-old nephew and I wouldn’t have time to take care of it because I have to work. About four years ago I had a dog and it ran across the road and was hit by a car. I never had a pet since then because I don’t want to go through that heartache again. Maybe I would consider getting a pet in the future, but once I have my own home.’
Mohamed Ali, cook
‘No I don’t have a pet. I love horses though, because my family has been around those animals for years now. I had a dog once but he got sick and died. I never had a pet after then. I would love to have a pet but I am living in a rented house so I can’t have one. I don’t think that feeding a pet is expensive because pets will eat what you eat. I love birds because of how they whistle and look in their cage.’
Alicia Benjamin, public sector employee
‘No I don’t have pets because I don’t have the time to take of any animal. I have a dog at home but I wouldn’t consider him a pet. I believe that a pet is an animal that you have in your house. I had a monkey once but it started behaving vulgar so I got rid of him. I will get another one sometime because my daughter likes monkeys. Pets should be kept in the house.’
Marlyn Dugid, businesswoman
‘No I don’t have a pet because I am a very busy person. I like animals and I believe that people have pets for companionship. My daughter likes rabbits and she will buy one. I don’t believe that taking care of pets is expensive. If you really like the animal then you will maintain them.’
Raul Chin, florist
‘I like pets but I just don’t have the time. I like dogs especially because they could be obedient, understand what you say and are very protective. I think that I will buy rabbits for my children for Christmas. I work all the time, from 8 to 8 so I don’t have time, but the kids will have to commit themselves to taking care of them.’
Shawn Sanbatch, missionary
‘No, and I never had one. I like animals but not to live with. Pets would be a lot of responsibility for me. These days we are so taken up with our needs and priority that I think our time should be spent on bringing in an income. I like big, strong dogs and horses. In the future I will probably think about getting a horse. I can ride a horse a lot and use it for transportation.’
Amrita Dojoy, businesswoman
‘I don’t have a place of my own so I am restricted in terms of being in a rented house, so I am not allowed to have a pet. I love animals like cats and dogs. I grew up in the country so I was exposed to animals. We did cattle ranching and reared sheep and goats, so I am accustomed to and appreciate being around animals. I have always wanted a pet and I would like to have a dog. I wouldn’t mind also having a parrot but he must be able to talk. I love birds too. I don’t think that it is expensive to feed pets because their food is not expensive.’
Rohini Persaud, housewife
‘I have a lot of pets. I have a parrot, two dogs and four cats. I love all animals, even rats. I have been taking care of cats and dogs since I was a little girl. I got the parrot last year as a gift. He doesn’t talk but he is fun to be around and he is so handsome. I plan to get another parrot some day. Once someone gives it to me I will gladly accept it. I would like to have one that talks. For me it is not hard financially to look after my pets. I cook food for the dogs, the cats eat sardines and rice and the parrot eats nuts. The cats and the parrots live in the house with me and the dogs live in the yard. I feel comfortable around my pets. I treat them like humans.’
