People who know me, know that I love animals. I had several pets growing up and like most little kids, I wanted to be a veterinarian. Somewhere along the years, that plan changed, but I still loved animals. I still absolutely love animals...of all kinds. I also have lots of respect for all animals, creatures...and life. With that said, the other day, I was thinking about our dogs at home and how much I love them. Then today I saw an article talking about 'dog people' and 'cat people.'
First I was thinking about how smart animals are. I believe my dogs are smart. I mean, how do they know their names? We have two dogs, Bora and Kumla...how did they learn which name is theirs? How come they can learn human words, but we can't learn their 'language'? And how can they read human emotions? It's amazing. What's up with the inter-species connection between humans and dogs? Well, I do know that dogs have had a close relationship with humans for over 14,000 years. Of course the dogs of thousands of years ago are not the same dogs we have in this current day and age, but after many years of domestication they have come to be known as "Man's best friend."
When I am with my dogs, and when I play with them, or when I talk to them, or when I give them a hug or just look in their eyes - I many times forget that they are DOGS. No, I am not delusional or some crazy dog lady. lol I believe this is because dogs exhibit many emotions that are similar to humans. Although it is hard to determine, as animals cannot communicate to us in words, I believe dogs have the ability to feel deep affection towards people. Their body language shows whether they are happy, sad, angry, depressed, or excited. They seldom complain, never threaten to leave us, don't judge us, and always forgive our failings. Their constancy can be a comforting presence as we go about our daily ever-changing lives. Dogs have successfully been used for therapy, to lower blood pressure, and to relieve stress. They are also trained to be loyal guide/companion dogs to disabled persons...and have also been known to rescue many people from dangerous situations. When I think about what lengths dogs will go to for their human companions it amazes me. It also amazes me that there are so many people who abuse their pets. I just don't understand it. All dogs (and other pets) want is love, food and attention - and probably in that order.
All this talk doesn't mean I'm necessarily a 'dog person', but if I was told to choose between a dog and a cat to have as a pet, and I had the means to care for either, then I would pick a dog. But I'd be happy with either...or many other animals. (In the past, I have wanted a rabbit, a ferret, a lizard, a rat, a snake, a turtle and a gerbil, among other things. lol) According to the article I read on CNN.com today, the personality description of a 'dog person' does not really describe me. I'd say I'm in between a dog and cat person. The 'dog people' in this study were apparently more social and outgoing, and scored higher on agreeableness and conscientiousness, while 'cat people' tend to be more neurotic but 'open' - meaning creative, philosophical and nontraditional. I'd say I'm a little bit of both - not so much neurotic, though. ....or am i? lol jk
Either way, I just wish more people would have a better understanding, appreciation and compassion for all living creatures. We are all taught (hopefully) to have compassion for other humans, but why not extend that to ALL living beings. I mean we all inhabit this earth, playing an important role in each other's existence - why not treat animals, who provide so much for us, with compassion and respect?
First I was thinking about how smart animals are. I believe my dogs are smart. I mean, how do they know their names? We have two dogs, Bora and Kumla...how did they learn which name is theirs? How come they can learn human words, but we can't learn their 'language'? And how can they read human emotions? It's amazing. What's up with the inter-species connection between humans and dogs? Well, I do know that dogs have had a close relationship with humans for over 14,000 years. Of course the dogs of thousands of years ago are not the same dogs we have in this current day and age, but after many years of domestication they have come to be known as "Man's best friend."
When I am with my dogs, and when I play with them, or when I talk to them, or when I give them a hug or just look in their eyes - I many times forget that they are DOGS. No, I am not delusional or some crazy dog lady. lol I believe this is because dogs exhibit many emotions that are similar to humans. Although it is hard to determine, as animals cannot communicate to us in words, I believe dogs have the ability to feel deep affection towards people. Their body language shows whether they are happy, sad, angry, depressed, or excited. They seldom complain, never threaten to leave us, don't judge us, and always forgive our failings. Their constancy can be a comforting presence as we go about our daily ever-changing lives. Dogs have successfully been used for therapy, to lower blood pressure, and to relieve stress. They are also trained to be loyal guide/companion dogs to disabled persons...and have also been known to rescue many people from dangerous situations. When I think about what lengths dogs will go to for their human companions it amazes me. It also amazes me that there are so many people who abuse their pets. I just don't understand it. All dogs (and other pets) want is love, food and attention - and probably in that order.
All this talk doesn't mean I'm necessarily a 'dog person', but if I was told to choose between a dog and a cat to have as a pet, and I had the means to care for either, then I would pick a dog. But I'd be happy with either...or many other animals. (In the past, I have wanted a rabbit, a ferret, a lizard, a rat, a snake, a turtle and a gerbil, among other things. lol) According to the article I read on CNN.com today, the personality description of a 'dog person' does not really describe me. I'd say I'm in between a dog and cat person. The 'dog people' in this study were apparently more social and outgoing, and scored higher on agreeableness and conscientiousness, while 'cat people' tend to be more neurotic but 'open' - meaning creative, philosophical and nontraditional. I'd say I'm a little bit of both - not so much neurotic, though. ....or am i? lol jk
Either way, I just wish more people would have a better understanding, appreciation and compassion for all living creatures. We are all taught (hopefully) to have compassion for other humans, but why not extend that to ALL living beings. I mean we all inhabit this earth, playing an important role in each other's existence - why not treat animals, who provide so much for us, with compassion and respect?
I don't care what anyone says...my babies are cuties and I love em! :)
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