by Gretchen Mccabe

Created on: January 20, 2009   Last Updated: January 27, 2009

Dogs are known as man's best friend and perhaps it is this friendliness that we, man, find so irresistible. Dogs like us. They enjoy our company. They enjoy sharing our homes, our time, our cars, our outings, a hike, a jog, a swim, a walk. kayaking, camping. Is there anything, we wonder, that they will not do to make us happy? And of course the dog engages in these activities simply because he is deriving pleasure from them and from our presence. What is it about us that our dogs find so endearing? I am sure our mothers would like to hear the answer to that question.

I have thought for some time now about how dogs became man's best friend and have concluded that man domesticated dogs because the dogs of world allowed him to do so. They gave their permission, so to speak, to be trained, refined, developed, overly-developed, bred, overly-bred, just because they like our company. Man does not engage in this same way with a species that does not regard him in such a friendly, caring manner. Our somewhat large and sensitive egos will not allow it. None of us are able to ignore a sweet dog that sits at our feet, licks those same feet, and keeps them warm. These kinds of actions keep those egos warm as well.

The domestication was done by the dog. We humans were their target. And why not? They probably looked upon us as a means to a reliable food supply and source of fresh water. Early on we left all those mammoth bones lying around for them to eat and so they began to follow us around. They were friendly. perhaps they even protected us from predators. We could learn a lesson from their tolerance and their wit. They took us into their pack. Sure, it was to their advantage at the time. You have to admire them. Think about inviting some strange-walking, foreign-talking, weird smelling being to become part of your pack. Think about the changes that have occured because a simple act of trust, based on need and want, allowed the common needs of two separate groups to unite.

Really, think about it.

Good doggie.

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