Why We Need Dogs
What is it that dogs hold over us? Besides the over exhausted story of domestication, why do we need these little creatures in our lives? Can you imagine if we were living life right now, with no dogs? Just take a minute– it’s kind of inconceivable. Now, it’s true that in other countries they are not treated as they are in America, but sometimes there is still an underlying communication and understanding for their worth. So I ask, do dogs make us better people?
Growing up with dogs was never a want, it was a necessity for my family. My first family dog was Freckles, who was my Grandpa’s pride and joy. She was a beagle/whippet mix that had the demeanor of an old soul but the athletic capabilities of a cheetah. When my Grandpa Al use to drop me off at school in the morning, she would joyfully run along the side of his car and follow him there and back. Now if someone saw this today, 20 years later, they might call animal services. I used to ask my grandpa what if she gets hit? What if she decides to chase another dog? He always looked at me, chuckled like that was a crazy thing to ask and would simply say “Freckles knows the drill”. Freckles didn’t only possess loyalty but she had so much faith that her human would never lead her into harm’s way or she was just brave enough to take the chance.
The next dog we took into our tribe was actually my crazy aunt Kathy’s. Charlie was a Chow/Keeshond mix who I’d known since I was born. When I was about 1 and he was a little puppy, he use to chase me around and bite my diaper as I screamed my head off. Since then we never went more than a week without seeing each other. When I was in 6th grade Charlie began jumping my aunt’s fence to come all the way down to our house and hang with me. On the 4th escape he ended up slicing his abdomen open but still made it down to our house. I stood up and said we are taking this dog in, no questions were asked.
Today I have a 5 year old Malamute/German Shepard by the name of Coho. When I was a Junior at UO I decided that it was the perfect opportunity to raise a puppy. My logic was simple– I had more time to potty train and a bunch of free puppy sitters because, after all, what college kid doesn’t LOVE puppies. Not only did I have to be on my A-game in terms of loving my puppy but I had a new sense of responsibility. I had to be home by certain times, make sure I calculated dog food and toys into my expenses and most importantly I had to have a whole lot of patience when it came to teaching my pup the household rules ( 2 pairs of dr.martens, chacos, uggs and 1 couch cushion later).
So through our experiences with dogs, it seems that we can give them credit for certain traits that we possess. To break things down:
Grandpa Al had a companion that was loyal, trustworthy and was a partner in crime.
Charlie taught me the power of resilience and compassion.
My dear Coho is still teaching me to this day…
If you have ever had a dog I suggest looking back and remembering how that animal made you feel. Think about all the times they were there when was no one else. There is a void these loving creatures fill whether we notice it while they are here or when they’re gone. Dogs have a special purpose and I think it is to make humans better people.
