Jamaicans aren’t very fond of dogs.

For most, dogs are seen as a means of security, meant to stay outside at all times, but they’re definitely not man’s best friend.

The culture of dog owners in other parts of the world, where they come home to kiss their furry friends, cook them chicken breast and snuggle in bed together, would be met with absolute bewilderment from Jamaicans.

Vaccinations, dog food, grooming, spaying or neutering, training — it’s cheaper to treat a dog as an afterthought.

This is not to say locals hate their dogs or totally neglect their well-being, but when investing in a dog becomes like investing in a baby, it gets overboard.

So, that leaves you with a well fed and watered yet filthy animal in the backyard exposed to all kinds of viruses that no one really wants to get that familiar with — a mongrel, no matter the breed.

It then begs the question: Is this mindset of keeping distance Jamaicans have towards dogs really a problem that needs to be solved?

After all, dogs are not being harmed in any of this, they just aren’t privy to pedigree treatment.