Loss on a Different Level – Or Is It?

[In Honor of Baxter, Bela, Elle, Kilo, Rocky, Zoe…and so many more...]

I don’t think we ever really get over the loss of the physical presence of our loved ones when they pass on. Some of us find it easier than others to learn to live with the loss – which we do mostly because we don’t have a choice – and the rawness wears away gradually, but there’s something eternal to all souls and that piece stays in our hearts and minds. That presence that we got to share for a period of time on Earth that makes us miss them unendingly. For many people, this includes our beloved pets, who are sometimes more loyal and loving than some of our two-legged loved ones. The downside of having pets is that their lifespans are not very long, so we are bound to have to say good-bye to them sooner than later. But perhaps in that sense, they help us to survive and adjust to the human departures when they also must come.

Pets have an interesting history though. It’s curious to me that the wolf was the first animal to be domesticated. They were the common ancestor of all modern-day dogs, so that part, of course, makes sense, but they are also one of the few dog species left who are still wild – that’s the interesting part; mankind couldn’t tame the original mold. (Wolves, foxes, coyote, jackal and a couple wild dogs, such as the dingo are all that’s left of the wild dog species). Once domesticated, dogs have continuously helped mankind in hunting, guarding, and herding. In more recent times, they have been trained as police dogs, to aid in war – sniffing out buried landmines, etc., as well as in several different medical areas from seeing for the blind, cheering up home-bound people, and even dogs smelling a diabetic’s sugar count rising and saving their lives. What you may not know is that dogs were kept as co-therapists in the healing temples in Greece for their perceived ability to cure illness. Definitely a precursor to the modern range of conditions some dogs help with now. Most dog breeds thrive best when they have a job to do, but as early as at least 16,000 years ago, some were already considered pets. Dogs or wolf pups were discovered buried with their owners in an affectionate manner with the humans’ hands resting on the dogs’ heads.

When the nomadic cultures began to change and people put farm roots down, working dogs became very valued. It was about this time that cats entered the picture. Barns full of grain and such, became a feasting place for rodents and small mammals, and once cats discovered this, they “moved in” as well, and were likely tolerated or even encouraged to stay. It’s debatable as to whether cats have ever truly been domesticated though (lol, to my cat “owning” friends who I am sure most are laughing and nodding their head in agreement). While there are plenty of cats who are very affectionate and some who are more “domesticated” than others, I expect on the whole, they simply tolerate our living accommodations as we offer a safe, comfy, food-available place to abide. The truth is they think they own us, and in actual fact that’s what they are showing when they are being affectionate – by transmitting their scent and pheromones when they rub against us, head bump us, and so forth. They are marking their territory. Still, we love their cuddles, so we’ll tolerate their so-called ownership or kitty delusions.

[Add In for my horse lovers:] Some animals don’t make great pets, but horses do. And I’m talking about the kind of pets that help us and love us back in their own way. Horses can play tag with us, be affectionate, encourage us – helping to build self-esteem and confidence, help us succeed, and some walk through elderly hospitals, making the occupants light up and heal faster, while others aid the handicapped. Horses also have the capacity to show empathy and create a bond – a willing spirit – between them and the rider. They are pretty amazing.

There were some rather bizarre practices in ancient civilizations, which I will not get into, but the rise of dogs as pets began primarily with the nobility as far back as ancient Egyptian times. Pets were not considered good for the lower classes as it was felt these people would neglect their other social responsibilities. (What!? Not fair!) While the rise of pets took off, the Christian church decided to frown on animals being human companions. During the Inquisition, evidence against heretics often included references to close associations with animals. During the witch trials, many innocent people were condemned to death. Possession of an animal was used as evidence of their guilt. As the interest in witchcraft declined, animal companionship returned to favor and was even considered to symbolize good fortune. (Don’t people get some bizarre ideas? And so fickle in their ways.)

The shift of feeling toward pets likely began in Victorian times. England certainly led in much of dog’s history. Much more recently, the Western world commonly viewed animals as lacking feelings and that they were on Earth to serve humanity (I remember this attitude myself as a child). But now in our modern times, Western society’s common reason for having animals is for companionship. We have come to see the very positive effects pets can have on human health and psychological well-being. They have proven themselves to be of therapeutic value. They are steadfast, loving companions. As for having feelings; when your dog is jumping ecstatically for joy when you walk in the door, or quietly sitting at your side when you’re sick, how can we think otherwise?

Pets have certainly been an interesting addition to our history – even a scapegoat for nefarious deeds at times. The animals didn’t have a choice either way; but I expect they’re happy with the way it’s all turned out. And what an amazing blessing they’ve been to us in so many ways. Whether you’ve had pets that were great hunters or guard dogs, or pets that were your best friend, you understand the worth of owning – or sharing your space with – a pet. Or as some quite accurately call them, our Fur Babies.