by Todd Daigneault

Created on: April 01, 2011   Last Updated: April 03, 2011

The saying: "Dogs are a man's best friend" holds true to this day and will no doubt last until the end of time.  Where cats are finicky, stubborn and arrogant, dogs are far less so - with far more loyalty and obedience to their masters.  People usually own a variety of animals, ranging from fish to hamsters and birds, to cats and dogs.  But the dog always stands out as a more sought after pet, for its companionship and loyalty to its master.  Many people treat their dogs almost like they are their own kids.  For many elderly, they are especially close to them.  In many cases, they are almost as old...and even older than their elderly masters.  They provide love and affection to them - staying loyal to their owners until death-showering their 'parent' or 'parents' with deep love and affection.  Where cats stick their nosers up in the air and act like totally separate non-members of the family, their canine counterparts are there through thick and thin, with deep almost human emotions of love, empathy, trust, friendship and companionship.

The canine is also there to protect its owner with barking, sharp teeth and brute strength.  From the smallest to the largest, they will bark incessantly and confront a threat to its master with steely resolve, attacking if they have to.  The protective canine is also trained to proterct police officers and go after criminal elements-with the same protective resolve they have for anybody they love.  Through that intense loyalty comes a strong bond, be their owner a young family, an elderly couple or a police officer on the beat.  The dog is infinitely closer to humans when it comes to certain emotions and they demonstrate it everyday through their unquestioned love and affection for their owner.  In some very important ways, the owner and dog are very much like family.  Where the feline sometimes turns his back to its owner, the dog is there to shower love and affection.

This love is demonstrated in so many ways.  Beyond personal and police protection, comes dogs who can sniff out bombs, explosives, narcotics, and even bedbugs.  Their heightened sense of smell also helps in finding trapped humans in landslides, earthquakes, natural and other non-natural disasters.  They can also be companions for the sick and dying at institutions.  The canine is there for all humanity, playing a never-ending role in society.  

Learn more about this author, Todd Daigneault.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.