BY: CHRISTOPHER FERNANDEZ

For a growing number of Malaysians having a fellow human as a friend doesn’t seem to be enough and this is why, for a variety of reasons, people are choosing animals to be their best friend and the trend appears to be on the increase.

Whether it is a canine, a feline or bird or fish, the number of Malaysians who are seeking companionship from animals are on the rise as they visit pet shops to acquire a particular animal to befriend.

For some people this appears to be a weird phenomena. They are puzzled how their fellow countryman can be so attached to an animal rather than be friends with humans. This is actually nothing new.

When trained and educated, animals can be of use to bring out the best in us humans. Dogs, for example, can not only offer security and protection but because they are such lovable beasts many Malaysians take great care and pride in them.

For the blind or disabled, dog’s can act as their caregiver and this is why many more people are taking to the affection of dogs. Psychologists  contend that animals are therapeutic in nature and can relieve us of our boredom and depression.

This is why animal welfare has become important. In fact, it has grown domestically to be a multi-million ringgit industry as more Malaysians take to animals as their fellow companions which really is mind-boggling when there are still so many needy, desperate people in this country.

THE MALAYSIA VOICE

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher