Humans do not deserve Dogs

[Taverner]

Back in the old days, man was able to domesticate wolves. They would find them in the trash heap, and the ones who were brave enough to meet us were domesticated.

By artificial selection, man invented the dog - and in doing so he channeled a loyalty that far surpassed his own.

The dogs have saved our lives, brought us food, protected us from intruders, watched our children, and kept us warm on cold nights.

In return, we have beaten them, abandoned them, killed and eaten them and in general treated them as a despot treats his subjects.

But the dog did not complain. The dog did not revolt. The dog merely served the human, with a faith that would put any religious man to shame.

The dogs we have in our lives are gifts. A dog is more than just an 'animal companion' - they are members of the family. They are our brothers, our sisters.

The Christian concept of 'grace' fits in well with dogs. The dogs love us unconditionally no matter what we do. In turn, we do not respect that love.

Humans do not deserve dogs.

I've never met a dog that was amoral, unethical or treasonous.

I have, however, met many amoral, unethical and treasonous humans.

Go out and hug your dog. If you don't have one, hug someone elses. It's the least we can do.

[trof]

1. I like dogs.

Most dogs like me back.
That's a good deal.
I like cats, too.
But dogs like me back more than cats do.
:-)

[Taverner]

2. Gaining trust from a dog is a gift

Make the most of it

:hug:

[trof]

9. Read "How to be Your Dog's Best Friend"

http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/books/bk.html

"One of the goals of this series is to inspire owners to take the time necessary for building a healthy relationship with their dogs. By presenting a unique vision of the human/dog bond, we seek to both alert and motivate owners to explore the deeper dimensions present in a relationship with a dog ..."
Monks of New Skete

The Monks of New Skete: In 1966 a small group of Byzantine-Rite Franciscans established a monastic community in northwestern Pennsylvania. Today, the monks reside in their permanent home east of Cambridge, New York, close to the Vermont border. It is here that the monks have, for more than 40 years, nurtured their deep love for and spiritual connection with dogs, and developed their expertise in dog training and breeding.

I've visited their monastery, and I'm an atheist/agnostic.
That doesn't matter.
If you're nearby, I highly recommend it.

[freshwest]

33. I don't trust people that dogs don't trust. They can smell the evil, or whatever it is.

[Taverner]

34. Dogs aren't always the best judges though. Let me explain...

My friend had fun loving, if not obnoxious big mutt. She was a rescue dog from a shelter. She loved anybody and everybody who gave her the time of day, except bearded men.

I think someone in her past had a beard and most likely abused her. I met her when I had a beard, and she didn't like me. I came back freshly shaven and she couldn't get enough of me.

[freshwest]

36. Well, true, but I'm talking about my own animals though. If I see someone with a dog that is not

A rescue they are trying to heal, and the dog cringes, it says a lot about what that dog is getting from them. I take your point.

[pscot]

3. Dogs don't deserve humans

[Taverner]

4. I doubt that - we didn't ascend up the food chain because of our loyalty

It has only been because of our greed, and antipathy

[trof]

5. Touche'

True.

[Taverner]

6. I seriously doubt that...

When's the last time we took a bullet for our dog?

[lukasahero]

8. Really

This dog certainly didn't deserve his.

[Taverner]

10. Aw man - and that dog's only "crime" was trying to love their owner

But when you raise fighting dogs, you have to practice this "tough love"

Hmmmm....sound familiar?

[lukasahero]

14. Sorry for the harshness of the photo

I wasn't sure what the point of the poster I was responding to was...

But yeah, I'm not big on tough love.

[Taverner]

27. Sorry - yeah I was a bit unclear

Basically both dog abusers and Republicans are all about "tough love" which to me means "no love"

[lukasahero]

28. No worries, Taverner

Your post I understood. It was the intentions of pscot that I found unclear.

"Dogs do not deserve humans" can be read two ways:
They don't deserve humans because we take care of them and they do nothing to "deserve" that care or, as I suggested, they don't deserve the horrible treatment we humans dole out on them.

I'd like to believe pscot was going for the second interpretation but I'm, even still, not sure as he never came back to the thread.

[Brigid]

20. That's Patrick.

Happily, he is doing much better these days.

[lukasahero]

21. Yes it is

and yes, he is. :)

I've been following his progress every day on Facebook. Sounds like you're another fan. :hi:

[kimi]

22. Me too, another Patrick fan here!

Patrick's story touched me in so many ways, and led me to other sites and other causes. Because of his suffering, I've been made aware of other animals who deserve support, have done my best to do so. Sometimes some good things can come out of horrific events.

Patrick is doing well these days, thanks to so many who care.

[lukasahero]

7. We surely do not.

I hug my pupster every day happy to have her safe with me and no longer facing starvation and abuse.

[Taverner]

11. Enjoy her, Give it an experience they aren't used to

But are pleasurable nonetheless

[Taverner]

12. Wait that sounded wrong. I meant take them to new places - physically

Like Park X instead of Park W

[lukasahero]

13. LOL

I got the intent.

But heck, my little scared-y dog get taken to new places every day - by the garbage bin, near that downed tree that wasn't there before. The first time she encountered stairs was a trip. Everything's a new experience for her. I'm working on agility with her now - just getting her to step over a pole was the first step and now she leaps over a 3 foot jump like a champion.

Their time with us is with us far too short - I can't imagine not appreciating every moment I have with her.

[Curmudgeoness]

15. Definitely don't deserve them, but so glad they are here.

There is a reason that dog spelled backwards is god.

[Taverner]

35. Absolutely

:thumbsup:

[Skittles]

16. the only animal on earth born with a love of humans in its DNA

I read that somewhere and it is so true

[RebelOne]

17. Fabulous post.!!

[Brigid]

18. No dogs nearby at the moment to hug.

Would my cats do?

Those pictures are heartbreaking. :cry:

[dawg]

23. er, um, well...

:hug:

[Brigid]

19. No dogs nearby at the moment to hug.

Would my cats do?

Those pictures are heartbreaking. :cry:

[dbt]

24. Error: you cannot recommend threads from this forum.

Then this thread is in the WRONG FORUM, innit?

The faith of the lowliest dog puts the Pope to shame.

[GreenPartyVoter]

26. +1,000,000

[stuntcat]

29. +1,000,001

can't think of any animals capable of the types of Evil humans can do, especially doggies.

[freshwest]

32. + a googol

[Zorra]

25. "Lord. help me to be the person my dog thinks I am" nt

[geardaddy]

30. We hug our little one everyday.

We just can't help ourselves!

[freshwest]

31. What a powerful statement. So much is needed to reverse disrespect for life. Let's keep on it.