How Dogs Shaped Human Civilization and Became Our Companions
Why is the Dog Man’s Best Friend ?
What a simple but great question. There are so many great pets that we as humans love and have as family members. But what has made the Dog so special that he has been honored with the title given of Man’s Best Friend?
Maybe we should first analyze what the word Man refers to. Is it simply our current relationship with the dog today as a member of our family, to give us love and companionship? Is that what we think of when we say those words, “Dog is man’s best friend”? Perhaps we need to look deeper into the history of where the domestic dog first arrives and how it has fundamentally altered the entire evolution of Mankind. Perhaps this is a tint, “Man’s Best Friend”, should be Mankind’s Best Friend.
The history of how the dog first entered our everyday lives goes back many thousands of years, and likely began with one young she-wolf that left her pack of wolves to find food and comfort among humans. As the wolf slowly entered the lives of those early humans, trust was born between them, and the wolf’s natural instinct to protect its “pack” was demonstrated with its unique sense of smell sensed danger, therefore protecting the humans from other forms of animal aggression. The humans saw the wolf’s value and the first bond between them was formed – the first wild animal was becoming domesticated.
Throughout the ages the Dog has evolved to understand the needs of man. So what does that really mean? Well, it means that without the dog, the early farmers would likely have lost their agriculture to different forms of prey, which the Dog sensed it needed to protect for its humans. Farms prospered because of Dogs. Again, the human saw the Dog’s great value when it chased away those predators. In different parts of the world the Dog continued to evolve and its intellect became known to his humans. The dogs’ unique ability to understand what the human needed continued and dogs became herding dogs protecting the farm animals and guiding them to safety. Without them, herding ranchers would have lost their herds of sheep and goats to predators. But the Dog protected the herds and even felt them to be part of their family.
As the dog evolved to suit the needs of humans, they became guard dogs, rescue dogs, retrievers, companion and service dogs trained to help those humans needing guidance and care. The Dog has become protectors for those in the military trained to sniff out bombs and booby traps, the dog continues to learn what the human needs him to do.
Today, many dogs are simply our “fur babies” giving us unconditional love. Many people living alone live more productive lives because of the dog. And children become better humans too when loved by a dog. They teach us loyalty and devotion and love.
We should all pause when we think of the dog’s unconditional love to humankind, regardless if treated unkindly. Truly, the Dog is “Mankind’s best friend” – without the Dog, Mankind would have suffered greatly. It is our wish to help those dogs in need to live better lives.
Author: Mary Ann Meshkin
