Man's Best Friend, no doubt about it - Page 1

Recently, I watched a show on TV that was called something like "The Making of a Dog" or something similiar.  It was a scientific discussion of how come so many unique styles (breeds) of dogs exist, so fast, as compared to the attempted changes to other mammals, such as cows or whatever.  It explained that the genes in a dog are much more "maleable" and can be changed quickly.  It is something nature gave them to allow them to adapt quicker than most, to whatever.  It also discussed how domestic dogs differ from their ancestor, the wolf, because the domestic dogs have learned to associate on a more than friendly basis with humans.  The domestic dogs have learned to "pick up" on our every little subconscious movement (body language) and also have learned to "trust" us and work with us, accepting direction to solve problems.  Furthermore, it discussed and demostrated how they will come to us for help.  I will give the examples they demonstrated.

They took a group of wolf pups and a group of domestic dog pups, raised them separetly from the other group, but gave them the same affection and care, making all of them very tame.  Then they "tested" them with some interesting tests.  One consisted of putting two buckets in a room, putting meat in one, and then pointing to the bucket with the meat in it (knowling that the canine had already picked up on the scent).  Another person was covering the canines eyes until the appropriate moment.  When the canine was "let go", the wolves would go on their own and investigate both buckets, not taking a clue from the pointing human, and of course, find the meat.  The domestic dog always went to the bucket the human was pointing at first.  They also did this with meat in both buckets, but the domestic dog always went to the bucket pointed at by the human, first.  The wolves did not.  They went "hunting" on their own.  Keep in mind that all of these canines had been raised and trained as pets.

They also tested the differences by putting meat inside cages and the domestic dogs would try briefly to get at it, then turn to the human in the room and give that "help" look, and just wait for the human to open the cage and give them the food.  The wolves never looked to the humans for help.

However, the main point of this program was about the changes that man has made in the domestic dog and the unintended consequences that came with those changes.  For instance:  Certain breeds of dogs that have to have puppies cesaerian, the breeds that carry genes for blindness (Dalmations, Briards), HD (GSD's and others), etc, etc.  This was a very interesting program and shows very well how much domestic dogs and humans have "connected", and have a special relationship, not seen in other animals with man.  It made me more aware (I already was aware), of the special bond that exists and how no other pet species can "relate" to humans as dogs do.  Not cats, parrots, (I have had pet cats and parrots a plenty and it ain't close), horses, etc.

When someone is torturing or neglecting a dog, they are in effect torturing or neglecting a part of mankind.  At least a part of mankind that no other living thing has such a "connection" with us, as dogs do.  I abhor neglect, meaness or torture of any living thing.  Even a grasshopper, but when it is done to a dog, it is just a little bit worse and more "inhumane".  They truely are "mans best friend" and have a relationship with us that no other living thing has.  Yes, I know there are cat and horse lovers out there, but "they" ain't like dogs.  I have never had a horse, but do understand that they of course have a long association with humans also, and can develop a relationship with humans that can be similiar to that of the dog, but it ain't the same.  The dog has lived in our homes and shared our food and bed, in many cases.  Sorry horse and cat lovers, but it ain't the same.

I could not imagine living a life that did not include a dog as a member of my family, now that I have experienced it.  I do not understand those that "could care less" about dogs as pets.  What a missing link in their lives, that they don't even know they are missing.

But DoRight, if they really hate dogs that much, they shouldn't be owning them...Thats why we have shows like Animal Cops and such.

It was on National Geographic.

no prob

my dogs are everything to me. I know that I can trust them no matter what! They can give to me what no other human can, and that is unconditional love! I also don't understand how people can hate dogs! They are truely man's best friend!

Funny you started this post at this time Do Right.  It was just in the last week I saw another show on Geo or A.P. and I was telling my mom how amazing it is that dogs are the only animal to share such a marvelous bond with Humans. The show I was watching was a different program and it was explaining how their sense of smell is so amazing as they scent air inside the nasal "chamber" and how they blow out or exhale thru the side slots, and how Humans are so inferior to canines as far as smell, eyesight, senses etc and yet the Dog respects and bonds with the human.

I have to say, I would NEVER,....Never Never Never want to live my life without my furkids. They give me a reason to face each day in this hardened and sometimes cruel World.

They are my only reason to even want to get out of bed in the morning and the very first thing I see when I open my eyes is my Service Dog holding my slippers at my bedside waiting on me. The last thing I see at night is my dogs loving looks and the last thing I hear at night is their sighs of contentment after our evening romp.

I started reading 4Packs post on his dogs cancer and I simply could not finish as It was making me cry.....I have lost many dogs in my lifetime, most due to old age, but it doesn't make it any easier.

Let us all be sure to give our doggie dearests an extra hug today, a little special something in their bowls and a little extra quality bonding time & romp tonight and to thank our God for the wisdom to have created them for us.

Jan

great post, do right---im gonna search for that title so i can watch the show...