- Photo by Marlene McPherson
Whitie is a mongrel who suffers from seizures.

Marlene McPherson, Outlook Writer

Loraine's love for dogs is amazing! And guess what? They know it too. To some extent, it would seem that Loraine Donaldson's life revolves around these creatures.

At the Dental Auxiliary School this became evident with her study entitled, 'A World of Teeth on an Animal Farm'. Her peers and lecturers were startled about her graphic illustrations and inquired of her how she came in possession of her instructional materials.

"I dug up a dog that I had buried," was her response.

Her project was so creative that she received a special prize for it.

Loraine is a dental nurse at the Yallahs Health Centre which is in proximity to her home where she can reach her dogs if there is any emergency. Although she is from a family of five brothers and eight sisters, she is the only one who is fond of dogs.

To date, she has reared 16 dogs, all of different breeds, 10 of which have died. But the six remaining dogs are quite content, it seems, to sleep during the days and watch at nights. She has trained them well too, even in 'doggie etiquette'. Seriously! They wait patiently as she prepares and shares their meals and if any of them tries to eat before being called, the others would growl so much that the offending dog would have no choice but to wait.

Loraine knows her dogs - their likes and dislikes.

"Ruff is a male greyhound and is stationed in the house because he does not like the sun, thunder nor gunshots. He is very protective of me."

He watches, dances and greets her and strangers by extending his paw (if he takes a liking to the visitor that is.) He likes Julie mangoes too.

"Shaggy is a German Shepherd. He does not eat from anyone except his mistress. He'll remain quiet if he is not provoked. When provoked, he remains angry for a long time and is vicious yet appreciated.

"Sheiba is loving towards her mistress. Sheiba takes care of other dogs' puppies. She draws them to her breast whether she has milk or not and cuddles them."

This ridgeback got pregnant once. Her fighting mood kicks in when she is corrected. Then, the thin ridge on her back becomes fluffy and and begins to spread. When that happens, beware!

"Whitie is a mongrel. He suffers from seizures. This was discovered when he was about to be given away. That morning, a shuffling was heard in the grass and on investigation he was having a spell."

She traced the cause of this illness to his fall from a box when he was small. Loraine said had she realised the critical nature of his injury she would have sought medical attention. When he is excited or when he fights, the seizures come on. Consequently, when he mates, she helps him by pouring water in the area of his penis to 'cool' him off then gently takes him off his partner, allowing him to continue later. He has been successful in fathering pups.

"Peps is the uncle to Whitie. He is ferocious stubborn and strong although small in body.

"Scooby is a mix breed, full of excitement, energy and does not keep quiet. He is clever, and can break from chains and pulls doors. He enjoys mischief. He has had to be tied with lock and keys."

Loraine said that caring for her dogs has made her more loving to people. She loves all dogs, not just her own. In fact she said, "if I had a money I would have a dog farm."

Even with that kind of love she confesses, "I don't trust dogs."

Why?

"Remember they are wild creatures."