THE PERFECT COMPANION
We can take in countless things from a dog’s character, disposition, and above all, eagerness to offer unbounded care, steadfastness, and friendship to loved ones.
At the risk of sounding cliché, it’s a well-known and an accepted fact that dogs are a person’s best friend! Yes, they can be very naughty at times, make huge messes, and require more monitoring than any other animal companion, but these qualities make them all the cuter and want.
While writing this up, I am reminded of all those moments which I have spent with my friends’ furballs and how adorable and clingy they are. My time shared with dogs is like experiencing heaven on earth - and I’d venture to guess that many of you feel the same! Dogs have been incredible friends of humans and loving, loyal companions for centuries. The relationship between dogs and people has only become deeper over time, too. Yet, have you ever thought about where the saying “dogs are man’s best friend” came from?
Origins of the phrase
In 1958, a statue of a hound dog named Old Drum was erected on the lawn of the Johnson County Courthouse in Missouri, US, to commemorate the unbreakable bond between two friends. In 1869, Old Drum was shot and killed by a neighbor who had accused the hound of trespassing and hunting sheep. Old Drum’s human companion, George Vest, powerfully expressed that he did not lose his “pet” that day - rather, he mourned an important family member, the most selfless friend imaginable.
The statue’s inscription summarizes Vest’s comments on the murder of Old Drum: "A man's best friend is his dog." As the story of a loving human-dog bond reverberated throughout the world - reminding people of this powerful emotional relationship - people started using this phrase more and more.
The roots of human-dog relationships
Coincidentally, today it is straightforward why we receive such a great amount of warmth from our canine buddies. A dog is not exclusively our dearest companion; s/he is likewise our most seasoned one. Despite agreement among students of history that dogs were the primary animal trained by humans, there is an ongoing debate on precisely when and where this bond began. Historians are of the view that today’s furballs descend from a long line of grey wolves, which eventually became extinct. From the early days of endearing themselves to early communities to the relatively recent process of becoming domesticated, these canines evolved into fiercely loyal companions that cling to everyone! And in exchange, we offer shelter, warmth, food, security, and love to them. Current tamed furries have come to see this as a characteristic life.
Also, researchers suggest that wild wolves may have been companions with people from the very start of human civilization. Recent findings indicate that humans were additional food providers to wolf packs (giving them scraps), which suggests that wolves, as ancestors of dogs, decided that it was more advantageous to endure our graciousness than to engage in conflict with people. The creatures that acknowledged this relationship developed into an ever-increasing number of devoted friends - the core of our relationship with dogs to this day.
While these theories of history and evolution speak to how our shared bond developed, let’s fast forward to the present and look at how our relationships with dogs impact our lives today!
A dog’s loyalty…
At the point when you ask any dog parent why they love their canines so much, it's almost certain they will specify the way that dogs are so faithful. Dog owners are first-hand witnesses of the joy a dog can bring in one’s life and how their love for their owners is unconditional.
There is no ignoring that one of your dog’s most defining characteristics is his/her loyalty. This dependability can be overpowering and humbling at times and has frequently been referred to as an illustration of what people can gain from canines.
Dogs are consistently there for us, and many will do anything for their human companions - even attempt to save them or find support in a crisis. They have the power of filling a person’s life with laughter, happiness, and company, and they provide us with immense love and affection. While dogs’ lifespans are only a fraction of our own, to a dog, that human bond is his/her whole life!
A recent edition by LovetoKnow chronicles instances of heroic, devoted dogs rescuing their human companions. One of the many among them was a retriever dog named Toby, who saved his beloved friend, Debbie, from choking on an apple by jumping on her during the crisis. Truly, their reliability knows no limits!
Why are canines so faithful? It's partly on the grounds that they've figured out the benefits of loyalty - for them and us - over the course of their long history as our companions.
Companionship and health
Dogs can also set an example for people who are currently working distantly because of the pandemic. Canines will, in general, be exceptionally organized animals. For the most part, they eat, rest, and exercise around a similar time each day. Dogs’ regular timetables can inspire at-home workers to keep their own schedules relatively organized, too.
Pets can help us overcome depression and sorrow by giving us companionship. Studies have shown that the connection between individuals and their pets can improve wellness, lower stress and anxiety, and deliver happiness to their human companions. Indeed, according to Vanderbilt University: “Dogs can decrease levels of human loneliness and give humans a sense of purpose as they care for their animal companions.”
These furballs have the innate capacity to spot changes in their human partner's enthusiastic state and non-verbal communication. A decent snuggle will handily cause you to feel less restless. Another advantage of dogs is their ability to mirror our feelings. At the point when you're cheerful, your canine sways his tail and seeks to keep you happy; when you're upset, your canine will give you the suitably named “puppy eyes” to cheer you up. That sort of association is so significant when people and families are socially separated.
These are only a few of the endless benefits that come with developing a bond with a dog. If one starts researching about this, trust me, it is a never-ending process!
Reading this piece is also a sign: If you are seeking companionship in this difficult time, then don’t look any further than your nearest puppy shelter. These havens are the halo to your life.
So, what are you waiting for?!
