We Can Learn a lot From Dogs
Letting our canine friends show us the way
For over 30,000 years, humans and dogs have co-existed ever since wolves first scavenged for food scraps from our ancient ancestors. These ancient humans began to domesticate these wild wolves allowing them to take shelter in their camp providing them with the protection necessary to survive.
Wolves then returned the favor by assisting ancient man with the hunting of giant beasts. Ancient humans did not know it at this time but these actions would forever fortify the relationship between man and our four-legged friends. A this point in time dogs were mainly used for practical purposes, but it was around 14,000 years ago that evidence emerged that shows dogs were used not only as work animals but as companions as well.
Dogs were highly respected animals in many ancient civilizations as we see dogs depicted in numerous cultural mythology. The Egyptian god Anubis, the god of funerary rights, the protector of graves as well as an usher into the underworld is depicted as having the head of a dog. Cerberus in Greek mythology was the multi-headed hell-hound of Hades that prevented the dead from leaving.
As humans began taking in wolf pups and socializing them from infancy the bond between dog or wolf and man began to foster. Fast forward 30,000 years and we see that dogs look very different than they did in the late Pleistocene era, but some things remain the same.
Dogs and humans, for the most part, get along very well. It’s almost like they were meant for each other. Let's take a look at some of the similarities between man's best friend and ourselves. For example, dogs and people share a few social similarities which have only strengthened the bond between man and beast.
We both share a pack mentality and have a natural inclination to form social groups or packs. Taking a look at a school cafeteria can tell you quite a bit about humans and the pack mentality. When we sit down to eat we usually prefer to do so around people we know and feel bonded with in our pack. I would guess this is a primitive trait left over from when we were hunter-gatherers and need a certain sense of security at meal times, but I don’t know for sure.
Human beings are capable of forming lifelong bonds with each other and dogs are no different. They to can experience a wide variety of emotions from love, to fear and sadness. Any dog owner can tell you that when you come home, no matter how long you have been gone, your dog will act like you have been gone for a thousand years, they are very excited and will give you the warmest welcome every time. I know if I leave the house for five minutes our dog acts like I’ve been gone for a lifetime.
Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, social interactions are a necessity for human beings. Both dogs and people need socialization in different ways. Dogs can function on a similar level as we are both social creatures that can benefit from engagement in meaningful relationships. Dogs provide comfort and support for us humans just as they do with other dogs in their pack.
Dogs are pretty special animals, the light behind the dog's eye is the same light that is behind ours. It’s a spirit or a soul, it’s the fire of life that burns within us all only to be extinguished upon death. I have always thought that if dogs were in our place the world might be a better place, after all, dogs don’t start wars or enslave each other.
Have dogs evolved spiritually instead of technologically? Sure dogs can’t go get a job and buy a house, but they can provide unconditional love for their companions both man and animal. From our perspective, a dog doesn’t have the ego that we do but maybe that’s our misconception, maybe they could be treating us with love and affection because they know we need it.
We could probably learn a lot from our dogs. For every dog there’s a personality that is uniquely their own, they are authentically themselves no matter who’s around or where they are, they let their personality shine through with an unmatched humble confidence that only they can exude. They can teach us to appreciate the simple pleasures in life, I am sure you have seen a dog riding in a car, head out of the window with its tongue and slobber just flying in the wind, in that moment that dog doesn’t have a care in the world, and why should it?
From helping humans of the ancient world hunt for wild beasts, to sled pulling in the Arctic, or assisting the disabled, dogs have been by our side for much longer than we have been able to drive a car or order a pizza. They have had our back through the good times and the bad and for the ones left alone, dogs can be their only friend.
When you come home tonight and your dog is going crazy because it can’t wait for you to get through the door, remember, you should consider yourself lucky because their enthusiastic welcome is an enduring testament to the bond of their unconditional love and friendship. After all, they could be the best friend you’ll ever have.
Beautiful work. Also worthy of note: we have co-evolved alongside dogs. They helped us survive and become who we are today! I feel a strong cross-species debt to our furry friends. We have only rescued senior dogs over the last 15 years, and it has been rewarding work.
A dogs emotions and mentality do seem to be of the purest form.