Stripping away the overall solid performances by cast members, particularly that of sorely missed Gallen Lo, and the attractiveness of odd canine-feline couple Siu Ba and CanCan, When a Dog Loves a Cat had not the potential to receive high TV ratings. More than ever, the average Hong Kong viewer now seeks drama as re-defined by Heart of Greed : season-ending cliffhangers in each episode and arguments that mercilessly hammer away our senses. And that is a disappointment.

Weaknesses are seen in its script and character development, but When a Dog Loves a Cat is less concerned with triggering a full range of emotions and more about promoting ethical approaches to dealing with stray animals. Its message is clear: we have life-long responsibilities to our pets. Some may think these words are too “out there” and laugh, but having made the decision to bring home, care for, and form a bond with another being, should an owner then abandon it so easily on the street?

Of course, life is fragile and filled with unexpected surprises. There may come a time when caring for oneself is difficult let alone another. Having all shelters adopt a “no-kill” policy would be most beneficial to these abandoned pets. Remember: most animals in shelters are not “put to sleep” or “spared” from suffering a serious injury or illness. They are simply killed due to the lack of space, money, and proper medical treatment needed to keep them alive - that is not the true definition of euthanasia.

While the problems are clear, the solutions are not. How many actually have the time and resources to place strays in temporary housing or pet stores for adoption like MC, Chow Chow, and Jim? Far too few, and understandably so. Ultimately, eradication begins at the root of the problem, and basic options still include:

• Do research on an animal beforehand to be sure of compatibility with lifestyle.
• Adopt from a local shelter rather than purchase from a pet store.
• Bring pets to the veterinarian for regular check-ups and immunizations.

Recently, TVB has been producing alternative endings by popular demand. Viewers elected not to kill off Roger Kwok’s character in D.I.E., the highly-rated detective drama that peaked at 44 points. As a result, a silly and senseless ending featuring Bobby Auyeung was released. Again last week, an online clip of another Catch Me Now ending was made available; Jack Ko (Damian Lau) did not take a bullet but was arrested by Kwong Yeung (Joe Ma).

“Happy” endings are often favored by many viewers, but they don’t always make for realistic representations of life. Tragedies, suffering, and pain are unavoidable and occur in every part of the world; the recent devastating earthquake in China and cyclone in Myanmar are two unfortunate examples. At the same time, television shows not only provide an outlet to convey lessons and information, but the power to infuse us with fantasies that may never materialize. We are given the chance to momentarily escape our own realities and live through those of fictional characters. In a way, these are reasons some people are disappointed when a certain character dies or a couple don’t end up together: they invest a lot of time, energy, and emotions into a series that a “good” result is expected.

While I’m glad to know that TVB knowledges the importance of its audience, somehow I feel that it purposely produces these “sad” endings as an excuse to show us “happy” ones. It’s killing two birds with one stone. Those who like perfect endings opt to see the alternative ones and those who don’t can ignore them. But unless an original ending is very sloppy or poorly written, the addition of an alternative ending is unnecessary and likely ruins the impression of the series as a whole due to a lack of definite closure to the storyline.