I believe that people through the ages have domesticated dogs partly because of the measurable physiological reactions in human-dog interaction that physically makes us feel better. In other words, because having a dog makes them feel good. In our society it is not unusual for the dog to be considered a full family member, with accompanying doctor and dental costs and special diets and medications being worked into the family budget.
K. Krist Hirst, writes in archaeology.about.com that,
human and dog partnership is based on human needs for help with herding and hunting, an early alarm system, and a source of food in addition to the companionship many of us today know and love. Dogs get companionship, protection and shelter, and a reliable food source out of the deal.
A burial site in Germany called Bonn-Oberkassel has joint human and dog interments dated to 14,000 years ago. The earliest domesticated dog found in China is at the early Neolithic (7000-5800 BC) Jiahu site in Henan Province. European Mesolithic sites like Skateholm (5250-3700 BC) in Sweden have dog burials, proving the value of the furry beasts to hunter-gatherer settlements. Danger Cave in Utah is the earliest case of dog burial in the Americas, at about 11,000 years ago.
Studies done in Australia and England have shown that dog owners have lower cholesterol and triglycerides and are at less risk of developing heart disease or other cardiovascular problems. In fact, studies show that dog owners overall are healthier than the general population. This can be partially explained by regular walks with the family dog, but there seems to be more at work here.
For example, when I found a sick puppy in Mexico a few years ago, I actually sold some of my stuff for the initial doctor bills and then moved back to Phoenix before I was really planning to, just so I could generate an income for the specialists this pup needed. Very few of my friends and acquaintances thought that was crazy behavior, because my friends know that I am a “dog person”. I feel that I was reacting to the beneficial physiological effects I get from my relationship with my dogs.
Fae, the sick little dog I adopted in Rocky Point, was in rough shape, she was hairless and sunburned, had a gash on her inner thigh, and had the bloated belly of malnourishment. She was too young to be away from her mother, probably four weeks old when I found her, and the poor little bony thing had probably been subjected to the traditional method of ‘placing’ pups in that area. The pup is tossed from a slow car, late at night, rolling through a populated community. I took one look at her and said, Que fea! (How ugly!) I didn’t need a dog at that point, I was busy being a beach bum, with a non-existent income and barely a roof over my head.
I am convinced that I am better for the feel-good endorphins and blood pressure lowering effects of having a dog companion. I have almost always had at least one dog and was without a dog at the time I found Fae only because my beloved mini-Aussie had died a few weeks before I found Fae. Chances are good that I was craving the blood-pressure lowering effects of petting a dog, and that loneliness and her own good luck turned into a rescue for poor little Fae.
Dog owners have lower blood pressure. Several studies have shown that the simple act of stroking a dog can reduce blood pressure. More recent studies have found that these effects continue throughout the day when people are away from their dog as well. Dog owners cope with stress better per these studies, and lowered blood pressure is a result of that relationship between a dog and his human.
Naturally, not all people are inclined to keep a pet, some people in our society are too busy to care for an animal, and in these cases, the presence of an animal that depends on humans for food and water, bathroom breaks, and grooming and health maintenance would probably raise the blood pressure of the people who own them. But in people who like the responsibility, and have time for a pet, dog ownership shows clear health benefits per behavioral and medical studies.
Fae has had a lot of medical problems but has remained cheery and friendly throughout, lifting my spirits with each wag of her tail. She is always ready for a cuddle or a romp, whichever comes her way. She has the sunniest disposition I have ever seen in a dog and never even balks at going to the vet, even though she’s been there enough to know what goes on in that place is not always comfortable. She really likes people and trusts me completely, no matter where she is getting pricked or prodded. My spouse and I currently have five dogs, and sometimes it seems too much work, but I get a lot of happiness from being with them. When the time came that Fae was healthy and attractive, I interviewed a few people to place Fae in a home of her own. I found that I couldn’t approve of any home that wasn’t mine, so I kept her, and I had a choice with the other four, too, so I know I won’t stop adopting dogs, fixing them up to find them good homes, rescuing them whenever and wherever I find them. They just make me feel too good, and my health probably depends in a significant way on my love of dogs.
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I got a ‘C’. Partially (from the comments) I was over thinking the assignment ( she actually liked parts of the original draft) and lost focus on answering the question.
I can see that. 70% of the class got “C” there were no “A’s” , TWO “F’s” (!!) I had to sit all class wondering if I got one of the “F’s” before we got our papers back, so i was almost relieved to see 35 out of 50.
This composition class is tough.
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