Well done Sir Frank Peters and thank you!

Stray dog, feed the hungry

Sir,

Both my sons Altaf (14) and Tuhin (16) are gluttons for news and take every opportunity to read the latest news on Green Watch and in print.

They rarely argue or disagree among themselves about most things and can hold their own ground in family debates quite well. My husband, Ali, and I are very proud of them.

After reading the Sir Frank Peters report on Green Watch a while back about showing compassion and feeding stray dogs and cats, there’s been a number of arguments among themselves. The problem is the lack of waste food to give the animals – there isn’t a lot and they practically engage in a tug-of-far over it!

At first Altaf collected all the left-over food and gave it to dogs in the street on his way to school. Then seeing the dogs behaviour towards Altaf, Tuhin formed the habit. The problem arose when the street dogs befriended them and wagged their tails madly to show their appreciation whenever they approached.

Now, both of my boys are overjoyed, overwhelmed, and cherish the near to nature experience. I know they would love to take them home with them, but it would not be practical, as we live in a 4th floor apartment.

Tuhin has one particular dog, which he’s named Sandy and calls it his favourite. Altaf has another. Although they do not give the dogs a lot of food both animal and human has bonded closer together.

I’m particularly pleased to see Altaf become engaged in the humanitarian exercise because he was terrified of dogs at one time. He’s now seeing them from an entirely different angle and he’s not afraid of dogs any more.

Sir Frank Peters should be pleased to learn that his report, good example, compassion and kindness has generated positive change in attitude towards street dogs and we see the enriching benefits in our own two boys.

They being involved and contributing as they do to alleviate some of the problems faced by stray dogs will help them become more compassionate towards both animals and people.

Speaking from experience, I would recommend other parents to become involved and use the exercise towards the animals to help teach their children compassion and respect for human life.  Well done Sir Frank Peters and thank you! Joi Bangla to you!

(Mrs) Prisha Chowdhury

Farmgate, Dhaka.