Samuel Tiwonitaaba, a professional dog trainer, shared his inspiring story of how his Labrador, Nala, aided his recovery from a spinal cord challenge during the 2nd Edition of Nala’s Memorial Lecture.
Tiwonitaaba, the host of the event, recounted how Nala, meaning “Queen,” became his therapy, comforter, and healer after he was bedridden for nine months. “Dogs have a special love and feelings in them. When you touch your dog, hormones like oxytocin are released, bringing excitement and joy, reducing pain,” he explained.
Nala’s presence and interactions helped Tiwonitaaba regain strength and mobility. Together, they performed at children’s birthday parties, earning income and spreading joy.
Sadly, Nala passed away due to cancer. However, her legacy lives on through the annual memorial lecture, which educates the public about dogs’ value in therapy, security, and companionship.
Tiwonitaaba emphasized, “Dogs are like human beings. Until you get a dog, you won’t
understand. They save us from health issues, provide security, and offer companionship.”
On his part, Dr. Koney, President of the Ghana Private Veterinary Surgeons Association, emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership during NALA’s Memorial Lecture.
“Free-roaming dogs pose a significant rabies risk to both owners and animals,” Dr. Koney cautioned. “Rabies is incurable, so prevention is crucial.”
He advised regular anti-rabies vaccinations every three months and encouraged owners to keep their pets secure to prevent fights with other animals.
“Responsible ownership can save lives,” Dr. Koney stressed. “Don’t risk your safety and that of others – secure your pets.”
For more information on rabies prevention
and responsible pet ownership, consider consulting a reliable online resource.
The event highlighted the importance of treating dogs with kindness and respect, urging those who chain, lock, or mistreat dogs to reconsider their actions.
Key Takeaways
Dogs can aid recovery from physical and emotional challenges
Hormones like oxytocin are released through dog-human interactions, promoting joy and reducing pain
Dogs play vital roles in therapy, security, and companionship
Kindness and respect towards dogs are essential
The Nala’s Memorial Lecture aims to continue educating the public about the transformative power of dogs in our lives.
By Kingsley Asiedu
