Thursday, May 14, 2009 8:31 PM CDT
Dog Speak: What are dogs good for?
By Katie Gammill
Dogs insinuate themselves in many aspects of our lives. If the truth were known, we did not domesticate the dog. They domesticated us!
Dogs approached our campfire for food and violated our set parameters. Slyly they let us thinks we are their master. Wagging tails and lolling tongues reflect a secret grin that says they pulled the wool over our eyes. That occasional scrap turned into high powered expensive dog food.
If we are the boss, then why run when a dog barks? Aren’t they always on the wrong side of the door? A simple whine means food, a pant triggers fresh water, and a scratch demands entrance. Bathed, combed, powdered, puffed, trimmed, sheared, coddled and slept with, dogs take vacations with us. An innocent gaze convinces us dog had nothing to do regarding obvious destruction.
Dogs, with their willingness to please and sincerity of affection, are capable of doing many things. Here are a few of their contributions.
1. Hearing ear dogs. They alert deaf people to situations around them.
2. Guide dogs for the blind allow the handicapped to move about unassisted. Retrieving articles upon command, they alert when strangers are present.
3. Drug enforcement dogs search airport luggage. Drug dogs are used on borders for search and seizure.
4. Some dogs warn patients of impending seizures. Others recognize disease by smell before it is confirmed by medical professionals.
5. Search-and-rescue dogs assist in locating missing persons in unusual circumstances regarding safety issues.
6. Cadaver dogs work in law enforcement to locate cadavers.
7. Herding and livestock dogs assist ranchers and farmers in penning and moving stock. Their “hard wired” genetic instinct to herd is passed generation to generation.
8. Guard dogs protect property. Lords use guard dogs to protect land from poachers.
9. War dogs carry supplies and bandages to the front lines.
10. Hairless dogs are considered a “cuddle cure” by some. Rare Mexican hairless dogs are used not only to relieve chronic pain, but to lift the spirits of their owners.
11. For centuries hunting dogs (gaze and scent hounds) retrieved hares, birds and other small game for food for the table. Retrievers, pointers and setters continue to be popular in the sport of hunting and assist in disease control through overpopulation of wild animals.
12. The Norwegian Lundehund, a dog with the minimum of six toes on each foot, flexible necks that bend backwards to touch the spine, and rotary front movement, were used to climb cliffs and retrieve Puffin birds as a source of food to the natives.
13. Sled dogs move serum and supplies in Alaska when other modes of transportation cannot cover the terrain.
14. Freighting dogs move large loads of freight to holding stations.
15. Water dogs dive for fishing nets for the Portuguese fishermen.
16. Bulldogs enraged the bulls in the Victorian Era, as it was felt when the blood was flowing through the animal, the meat was tender.
17. Temple dogs guard temples in China and Japan. The Akita is a national monument today.
18. Ratter and terrier dogs clear barns of undesirable varmints.
19. Companion dogs visit senior citizens.
20. Most homes have a house pet for companionship.
21. This space is left open for those dogs with admirable traits I missed.
A dog is happiest doing a job. Each breed, at one time, fulfilled a particular need and many still earn their “biscuits.” Dog experts continue to breed dogs with a soundness of both mind and body AND the ability to fulfill their original purpose.
Dogs earn Canine Good Citizen Certifications that allow nursing homes and hospital privileges. They compete in agility, rally, earth dog and obedience. They assist in “Bite Prevention Programs” in kindergartens, teaching children proper behavior regarding dogs.
Some dogs are floor vent covers, fan huggers, blanket grabbers, welcoming committees, beggars and ball players. Our dog/human bond offers incomparable riches. Amazing us, puzzling us, forgiving us, their determination and loyalty surpasses many human relationships.
Too soon our pets leave us. Some dogs lose the will to live when their human counterpart passes. We humans are given time on earth to learn to love and forgive one another. Dogs obviously are born with that knowledge and “get it right” quicker, thus their lives are shorter. A new puppy softens the grieving process.
If you have no specific breed in mind, visit your local shelter. Some dogs have baggage, but most problems are surmountable. Nothing makes a day brighter than an armful of happy wiggles, so move toward the future.
Dogs, like water, reach their own level within a family unit by seeking out those with the greatest need. A head pushed beneath a dangling hand becomes a caress. With sparkling eyes and thumping tails, our sterile atmosphere becomes one of completeness, giving us a reason to wake up in the morning.
A dog’s appearance is immaterial. Individual quirks make any dog unique. Enjoy each canine for what it is. “A dog is a dog is a dog.” The human/dog bond must be preserved. By accepting the challenge, we will become the person our dog thinks we are.
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medic57 wrote on May 17, 2009 4:05 AM: