Hey guys,
If you go to the book store, there are a dozens of books written on the special connection between people and animals… and most of these books deal primarily with “man’s best friend”. I am addicted to these types of books, from Marley and Me to the latest book I’ve read, Dog Years.
Dogs (and other animals as well) can be more than just simple pets. There is an entire industry devoted to service animals, and an entire branch of psychology devoted to the health benefits of interactions with animals.
Dogs have been used by the military and police for decades, however now they are being used to sniff out all sorts of things from mold in houses, to early stages of certain forms of cancer in people!
There are countless stories about the love and devotion of dogs, from the dog that kept going to the train station long after his owner died because it’s what they always did together, to the heroic efforts of rescue dogs during September 11, to the heartbreaking stories of dogs who have died hours after their owners or another k9 companion.
Personally, I can attest to the healing power of dogs… to make that long story short, my Isis literally saved me.
Science is just beginning to understand the special talents and connections these animals can have with people. So please keep in mind six year old Michael from Bellingham, MA whose one year old Lab died yesterday from unknown causes. His dog Chemis, who was only one and weighed in at over 100lbs, had an important job. Chemis would help Michael get through his treatments for an immune disorder which include having needles in his back for hours at a time.
What do you think?
I think it is crazy the things dogs are able to do. My dad had three different police dogs because he was the K9 officer, and they always amazed me. The dog we had longest, Bert, was able to sniff things over quite a long distance. He could be the most agressive dog when he needed to be, because that was his job, but then when he was at home, he could be the nicest dog anyone has ever meet. We also had another dog, Nero, who started off with the police station, but ended up getting Pneumonia and going back to New York. He ended up being one of the fire fighter's dogs in 9/11. It is very impressive how much a dog can learn to do in a short time.
ReplyDeleteDogs such as seeing eye dogs are also extremely impressive to me because they learn all kinds of things and do all different things that the handicapped person can not do for themself. I am always impressed by stories about dogs that were able to find help for their owners when there is a problem. I remember one specific story about a dog and his owner who were walking on a path in the woods. The owner fell and was unable to get up. The dog was able to find it's way out of the woods to get help for the woman. He caught the attention of a man who followed him into the path to where the woman was, and then got her immediate help. It is truly amazing how smart dogs really are.
I personally have two dogs now and they are great. They are always getting themselves into trouble, but they are always there for you when you need them. It is a great feeling to walk through the door and know that the two of them are there to greet you, or to go to bed with them snuggled up close to you. Dogs are just a great companion to have.
I think that the affect any animal can have on a person is something unique. Any person who says that animals don't have emotions is wrong because the amount of love they show for their owners cannot be matched, especially in dogs. In my opinion, dogs are the most devoted to their owner out of any animal.
ReplyDeleteLiving with cats too, they just want to be left alone, but with dogs, all they want is attention and a friend. Even though people show great affection towards each other, the bond of people and their pets have is just different.
-Brandon
Some people don't understand how sacred animals are to some people, and take them for granted. Places like dog pounds euthanize the animals like it is nothing at all. To me, this is a sickening action. These pets can be sold or given to many different people to help with their respective handicaps.
ReplyDeleteI believe that it is reasonable to say that a multitude of problems may have gone unhindered were caught because of dogs. Watch Animal Planet for a day and you will see about ten different shows praising dogs for their abilities.
For example, there have been shows, such as "The Most Extreme," that have discussed the incredible sensory skills of canines. Also, and, perhaps, most amazingly, survival shows portray the impeccable intellect of dogs, as well. They can run off and fetch help for their owner or another person. The dog will even forfeit its own life to save the person it loves most. This honor, loyalty, and immaculate wit is what makes canines so lovable and unique from other animals.
-Jake M.
Dogs are the worlds best listeners...I might sound crazy but my dog knows everything about me. When im upset, she can just cuddle for hours because she really doesn't have anywhere to be! Oddly inspirational, she had been horribly abused before we got her, resulting in the loss of her right eye. Despite that she will never bark or bite, not even with little boys poking and pulling.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the day before my step mother went to the hospital to have on my brothers, the dog would not leave her alone. Followed her everywhere. The literally know when something is wrong. The epitome of unconditional love, dogs are willing to be with anyone, through anything.
Not only are they emotionally helpful, after missing my train Friday I enjoyed watching the 15 minute short on bomb sniffing dogs (eight whole times). That is amazing, and so comforting. What a job, to literally smell out bombs. I wouldn't do it, dogs are the best.
I feel so badly for this poor little boy. He used to endure this painful treatment, at least knowing that his dog and buddy Chemis would be there to help him through it. Now, he still has to endure this treatment, but without his buddy by his side. Chemis probably helped Michael not through just the physical pain of this needle treatment, but also the emotional pain of having this disorder in the first place. I think animals definitely have a special connection with people. I truly believe this because I have seen this connection in movies, read about it in books, heard about it in the news, and seen it firsthand. This is also why pet therapy is also becoming so popular among hospital and nursing home patients. Animals just naturally help people feel better.
ReplyDeleteThe impact an animal can have on people is amazing I had a dog from when I was five until this summer he was one of my best friends. It sounds stupid but I would talk to him. Whenever I cried he would comfort me. He was a stray and I fell in love with him at first site at the hummane society. He also helped me when we moved from New hampshire and I hadn't made a single friend yet. Dogs really are mans best friend they are better then friends because they don't judge you for who you are. The only problem is they don't always get to live long enough to help you throughthe hardest part of your life.
ReplyDeleteThis topic reminds me of the tv show Miracle pets I used to watch all the times when i was in elementary school. I highly agree that animals are becoming more than just pets. I thinks its amazing how dogs can actuallt sniff the early stages of cancer! Sooner or later we won't be needing to go to the doctors to a diagnosis.
ReplyDelete