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finsterhund · 2 years

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One week since I lost my baby girl.

I've managed to eat and get small amounts of sleep. Been having constant abdominal pain don’t know if it’s because I’ve been making myself eat or not.

I'm selectively mute, which I was anticipating, but it's better than I thought it was going to be. Maybe age, maybe my medicine, maybe actually getting to say goodbye to her. I don't know. I can't mask it well enough to interact with strangers but I'm able to express needs to my roommate.

Roommate wants to get his own dog. He was actually looking for another dog before what happened so it’s not 100% him just wanting to replace her. Maybe him saying that Cazza was "jealous" of his rabbit was him projecting being jealous of what me and Cazza had. I don't care.

I'm not ready yet but I'm not going to stop him especially if the dog needs a home. If a dog needs me then that’s my duty regardless of how I feel. But they're not going to be *my* dog. I don't know when I'll be ready to love again. It feels like I never will but I know I'd rather die than not have a dog so I either manage to get to that point or I just never recover at all. I don't think I'll be ready to self train my service dog when I'm finally ready either. Cazza was so special to me and the thought of forming that bond again hurts me way too much.

Cazza's last night she had a heartbeat toy with a heat pack that I saved for her. Saved for this. The very last photos of her she is holding that little thing. And when they took her from me it became mine. That little stuffed dog is the one thing keeping me together. I'm saving the last heat pack for as long as I can. You can both hear and feel the heartbeat.

My life is over. I am just waiting for them to send me her ashes. That's what's keeping me going. The days are agonizing. I just keep waiting for her ashes. I’m so aggressive about getting them back. I’m so scared that they’re going to get lost or they weren’t actually her ashes or that they didn’t take one of her canine teeth like I paid them to. I didn’t want her cremated I wanted her buried but they took her so soon I didn’t have time to contact the pet funeral services. I feel like shit. I did not want her burned. Her tooth will be the last thing that will survive. I will be able to hold it. I will be able to feel it. I’ve saved fur and nail clippings but those are delicate and fragile and my touch will ruin them. They reside in little glass vials. Sterile. Cold. The more I touch her blankets and toys the less they will smell like her. But a tooth is tangible. It is her. I have no experience with cremation. I do not know if the ashes will *be* her.

I keep thinking about how after we were allowed to stay with her and I wanted to never leave but eventually I had to leave and I just had to get up and leave her there. Close the door on her still in there. Go back home without her. Then they fucking burned her like trash. I try looking up early human cultures that engaged in cremation to try and help myself feel better. But that’s not me. That’s not what I believe. I want *myself* cremated because I want my body entirely eradicated. Who I am is what I’ve created and the body I inhabit is a prison. That wasn’t the same for Cazza. I did not want that for Cazza.

I have ice cream for her in the freezer that she never got to eat. Chicken thighs too. I don't have the heart to get rid of them. The vet sent me flowers. I have no clue what to do with flowers. I switch their water out every 12 hours. Do I press them in a book? Is that even a thing? I try not to think about them.

My friend Fishy literally mailed me treats for her the same day they put her to sleep. The universe is fucking cruel. He literally came back home from sending off the package to see that she was gone.

I've put everything save for a handful of comfort items into my closet because it hurts to look and see the remnants of her. I want to preserve them. I don’t want time to touch them. I don’t want to physically alter them.

The first week I kept imagining I was hearing her. Every time I entered my room I thought for a second I could see her in her bed. These have slowly started to pass. I don't know if that's better or worse.

I put my big blanket that she lay on and snuggled under in a double garbage bag to try and keep the smell. It's too hot for it anyways.

Roommate posted on facebook and someone came forward who had been in a relationship with Cazza’s abusive previous owner. And I get a shock that I think a part of me deep down knew all along but it still hit hard. Cazza’s past was Spot’s life. This lady’s little toddler-aged boy, same age I had been, had bonded with her through shared abuse. She protected him. She comforted him. There’s photos of the two embraced like how I held Spot. But this time things ended differently. The mother took that little boy away and Cazza was rescued.

And then against all odds she found me.

And maybe it’s the delusion of grief, but was this meant to be? Was Cazza entering my life Spot’s way of finding me again?

I look back on how I had that instant connection when I first saw photos of Cazza. Of how I just knew we were meant for each other.

Cazza is officially spelled “Kaza” you know. And it means “arrow” in Carrier. I didn’t change her name like I had planned when I found that out. I didn’t make a big deal of it because I’m not Carrier and I’m too white to incorporate that into our lives I think. But the significance is obvious. I wanted to name her “Comet” because of the blaze on her forehead. The same blaze that had a little brown mark inside that everyone said was a heart but I knew looked like an arrowhead. Just one more coincidence that leads me to believe that there’s some significance to how we found each other. That we were meant for each other. That Spot sent her somehow. I wanted so badly to have given Spot the life she deserved. I hope I was finally able to repay my debt to her and give Cazza that life instead.

Maybe I’ll think of a way to share the photos. Heavily censor the kid out for his privacy like how I edited the Spot photos to get rid of my blue lipped corpse skin that I had in them. But I don’t know. They’re not my Spot photos even though they’re my Cazza. Maybe I’ll keep them locked away for someone else to make the decision to share them.

I’m not suicidal after finding out about that little boy that Cazza was the Spot to. Both because it feels like some power out there cares about me and because I think someday when that boy is older, stronger, he is going to want to talk about the dog that kept him safe. I know this from personal experience after all. And I want to be around to let him know with confidence that she went on to be safe and loved by the end. She was a fellow abuse survivor’s very best friend.

Twenty years apart. Two dogs, two boys. And love in spite of abuse and pain connects them.

But grief is still eating me up inside. This has perhaps been the longest week of my life. I miss her so much. More than anything. I’d give anything just to meet her gaze again. To feel her warmth again. Even for a second.

I wish I had something more to say. Some comfort. I’m not going to be okay, but I think I’ll survive for now. For them.

#text post #long post #negative #cw: death #cw: cancer #cw: animal death

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whereflowersbloom · 4 years

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Fly with me

Chapter III: Take a chance on us.

The tower was silent, the rest of the occupants not yet awake. The pale pink light of an autumn morning was beginning to color the horizon. Raven couldn’t sleep. She woke up a bit earlier than usual. She brew a cup of Earl Grey, added a small pitch of milk, two teaspoons of honey. Done. She was sitting quietly, started sipping her tea as she recalled the events of yesterday. She’s always been honest and open with Damian, over the years they became close comrades, friends, things changed though, lately she felt troubled looking at him in the eye. His observant eyes perceive every little detail. Her stomach was in knots and it seemed to be something not even meditation could solve. She found herself losing focus. The reason? Thoughts of Damian consuming her, completely, slowly, like a fire spreading. She had to find a way to fix this.

She heard light footsteps on the kitchen floor. She turned and looked back to find Kori.

“Raven, I’m sorry if I startled you.” Kori’s soft voice said as she smiled serenely.

“Kori, you’re up early. Good morning.” Raven replied weakly, it was evident she didn’t have a goodnight.

“Morning to you. I was sent on a mission to get an ice-pack and a mug of black coffee, for Richard.” She explained as she proceeded to brew the drink for her partner. However the Tamaranian noticed Raven’s bewildered look on her face. “Raven, is something particularly bothering you?” She asked eyebrows knit together in concern.

Raven looked at her for a minute. How was she supposed to explain the situation. It was strange and silly. On second thought, perhaps Kori could guide her, give her an idea of how to handle her emotional conflict.

“I’m not quiet sure how to deal with certain new emotions surging. It’s overwhelming at times.” She confessed.

Kori nodded and took Raven’s hand in her own. “Does these new emotions involve Damian, by any chance?” The older woman carefully inquired.

The dark haired teenager opened her eyes widely in surprise. “How did you know?”

“Call it woman’s instinct.” Kori replied confidently. There was more to it. Raven knew it. She raised her eyebrows in a silent question. “Alright. Richard did mention Damian is going through a similar situation. They had a bonding moment last night.” She gave Raven an apologetic smile, her cheeks flushed.

Raven has never been so mortified in her life and Kori was telling her, Damian Wayne, always calm, collected, disciplined, sure he had a bad temper at times, sharp tongue, but he appeared to be in control all the time. Those fits of emotions she was getting through her empathic powers were also Damian’s. Raven seemed to be notoriously absentminded, lost in her tangled thoughts. But why did they affect her so much?

She felt the weight of Kori’s hand fall on her shoulder, catching her attention, snapping back to reality. “You two have gotten intimately close over the years. Have you considered you are developing romantic feelings for each other?” The alien ex-princess asked pointedly.

She held her breath as she considered Kori’s question. Romantic feelings. It hit her like splashed water on her face. Was Damian romantically interested in her? He did ask her on a date. She was going to meet his family, formally. Oh Azar. She didn’t want to take it too seriously. Because Of her insecurities, she felt inadequate. She wasn’t human like the, after all. Even so Damian wasn’t the type of person to play around, he means his words and actions. When did this start? How? Why her? She wondered how long he has harbored affection for her. And did she like him? Of course, she did, but falling in love was never supposed to be part of her life. Until you met him she thought. In her heart he was unparalleled to anything in the universe. She admired his intelligence, his passion, he’d shown her he could be kind and thoughtful, stood up for justice in a world that was often more focused on doing what was more comfortable. He was also very attentive to her and gentle. She loved those sides of him.

“I have feelings for Damian Wayne.” Raven said quietly, speaking the words into existence, practically falling over the weight of the words she just said.

“Doesn’t it feel nice to admit it?” Kori teased her, smiling warmly.

“Oh, Kori. I have no idea what to do about it.” Raven but her lip, covering her face embarrassed.

Kori nodded, understanding her friend’s concern. “I think it’s something you two should discuss. That’s my advice. Honesty is always the answer in these cases. In my humble opinion.”

“Thanks, Kori. For your words and listening.” Her leader nodded and told her it’s what friends are for. She left the kitchen, deciding to meditate to regain composure. Think clearly before speaking with Damian about their developing bond.

~~~

Hours later, she standing in front of Damian’s door. She tried to gather courage to knock. Anxiety had poooled in her chest. She was about to do it when the door opened, the figure of Damian appearing in front of her. Both looking surprised, to see each other. She couldn’t help but smile, her heart fluttering. Had his eyes always been this beautiful, like two pools of the deepest, richest green known to human kind? His strong jawline. Apparently her presence astounded him.

“Hey, I was about to find you.” Damian said casually. Going back to his neutral expression.

“Oh. Anything you need? I also wanted to have a word with you.” Raven said looking away, feeling heat on her cheeks, her nerves getting the best of her.

“I was going to ask you. Would you mind accompanying me to walk Titus?” Damian muttered serious, masking his emotions. Be in control. Reminded himself.

“Sure. I’d love to. We can talk on the way to the park.” Raven said quietly, almost in a whisper. It’s not the first time they walk Titus together.

The park was relatively quiet for a Thursday afternoon. There were a few joggers. Other dog owners walking their canine friends or more like canines with their humans, because most of the time it seemed like the dogs made the rules. Except Titus. Damian trained him personally, and he proved be obedient and a fast learner.

Damian let Titus off his leash, he did it for a little time on their walks, so that he could get a good run and taste of freedom. He never went too far though. However sometimes he’d come back bringing an abandoned ball or an empty soda can. Damian raised his eyebrows and gave him a look and somehow Titus knew it wasnt a toy to play with. But Raven loves spoiling him, playing with him, giving him secret treats she thinks Damian doesnt know about. He didn’t mind pretending he wasn’t aware of it, if it made her happy.

“Raven” he repeated her name. “Have I done something to offend you?” He asked considering if he did something incorrect. “You haven’t said a word the entire time.”

“No!” She said loudly and feeling guilt, tentatively taking a step forward, closing the distance between them. “Actually, I want to apologize for my behavior these last days.” They were so close, she gulped nervously.

“Apologize? Why? Care to elaborate?” He said firmly, calm. His eyebrows rising questioning her.

“Perhaps I gave you the idea I wasn’t taking your proposal seriously. The date.” She exhaled. Getting a weight off her chest. Those mixed feelings messing with her again. The words stuck in her throat.

“Damian” she said holding her breath, her throat dry, heart speeding. “You like me.” said in a low voice, only Damian was able to hear it. Raven bit her lip painfully once she realized what she just said. Damian’s eyebrows shot up in surprise at her words. He looked at her, analyzing her expression. Choosing his words carefully. He took a step forward.

“Yes. I like you.” He said slowly, his tone firm, direct, speaking with all seriousness. His eyes locking with hers. That was the truth, why deny it anymore? He liked to think he was doing things properly.

Even knowing it, hearing it from him, made her heart soar. Wishing to hear him say it again, and again. She didn’t want to give herself the pleasure to replay the moments in her mind. She had questions.

“But. Why?” He cut her in. He was frowning and suppressing his temper. It was exasperating how blinded she was by her self-doubts. He wanted to make his feelings and intentions clear.

“Please, stop and listen to me.” He pleaded. “How could you not understand why?” concealing his anger at her incomprehension, not understanding all the things she was. Things he discovered everyday about her. Everything she was becoming. He exhaled his frustration. And cleaned his throat.

“I could tell you a million reasons why I harbor romantic feelings for you. It’s something complicated to describe in detail. If you’d let me, I’ll, do it. But I’d rather show you.” He confessed.

He took her hands in his. They were warm, practically engulfing her small, pale hands in his larger, rougher ones. Those precious hands. Hers. His eyes were the same as they had been yesterday burning and filled with desire and passion. Her heart skipped a beat and her mouth went dry. She was breathless at his declaration.

“There’s no one quite like you. There’s only one Raven. The one I want.” Damian murmured, his voice low, soft, expressing all his devotion. “This date is a chance for us to see everything we could be together.” She took a deep breath, found truth in his emerald eyes and nodded silently. Agreeing. She would do it. Take a chance. Damian only sneezed her hands still in his gently.

It was about time for a update and I was inspired. Hope you enjoy it. 🥰🥰😂😂😂❤️💜🙈

@chromium7sky enjoy 🙊🙊

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mahmancat · 3 years

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Why Are We So In Love With Cats

Cats and also their human followers are a misunderstood lot. This I discovered when I composed "Why cats never ever became male's buddy" discussing how the recently mapped cat genome reveals that, compared with canines, residence cats are only partially tamed. The reaction on Quartz's Facebook page was legendary. The article obtained almost 1,700 remarks more than any other post on Quartz's Facebook page, ever. What triggered this outpouring? I referenced the feline stereotype frequently traded among dog people that cats are passive-aggressive and also psychologically unavailable.

On the face of it, pet people appear to be less touchy. Our short article in 2014 on pets' genetic wildness (" Quit coddling your pet dog he's 99.9% wolf") was widely read, but it sparked minimal feedback from pet dog people in any way as well as certainly no outrage.

So why do pet cat individuals come off as so darned delicate? Possibly since they are. Research studies weightgal.com do without a doubt show feline individuals often tending towards higher nervousness as well as moodiness than the pro-canine team. Current research likewise recommends animal owners with even more aberrant characteristics are additionally inclined to feel more anxiety regarding their animals' sensations towards them. Whether consciously or otherwise, both media as well as society appear to love to massage this insecurity in.

Yet many in the pro-cat camp suggest that the bond they show to their felines transcends to what pet dog individuals experience with their pets:

Sounds quite bitter, possibly. But on this point, at the very least, the pet cat people are not as crazy as the stereotype maintains. Their animal of selection has actually greatly stood up to the human meddling that has actually in some way hewn chihuahuas as well as whippets from the genetics of wolves indicating: cats simply aren't programmed to please individuals the way pets are. And also this might explain why feline people seem to have an extremely deep bond with their animals.

Meowing martyrs

This disliking on felines thing it isn't all that original. The pomposity's real leader was Pope Gregory IX, who declared in 1233 that during Satanic masses, the Devil took the form of a black pet cat.

Throughout Europe edumattress.com , the Catholic Church tortured as well as carried out pet cat proprietors for witchery. Considering that having pet cats could obtain you burned at the stake, individuals started slaughtering residential felines a fad worsened by the false impression that pet cats triggered the Black Fatality

, which started ruining the continent in the mid-1300s. Europe's entire domestic feline population was really nearly erased, and also lots of 10s of countless "witches" were burned at the stake over the following 400 years.

It wasn't simply Catholics who had it in for felines, though; Queen Elizabeth I's crowning celebrations consisted of melting a cat active (so joyful!). To today, cats withstand torture as well as persecution that just doesn't seem to take place to dogs. For instance, individuals could claim this concerning certain pet dog types pit bulls or poodles, state yet not about pets as a whole:

Canines, the people-pleasers

Against that backdrop, it's not actually all that surprising that cat individuals may be tired of combating the dominating knowledge that pet dogs are a lot more charitable of spirit than felines. And also, scientifically speaking, this bias is unfair. Recall that canine genetics have been shuffled around for centuries to suit human requirements. While people throughout the ages were melting and also brutalizing cats, pet dogs were by their sides bring ducks, going after foxes, and also eliminating Attila the Hun's enemies, among others of the abilities they were reproduced for.

This brings us back to the development issue. Once again, house felines are mainly an item of all-natural, as well as not man-made, choice they trained themselves, you could say.

Dogs, not so much. Starting between 11,000 and also 16,000 years earlier, when pet dogs were first trained from old wolves, they have actually been bred to please individuals. The convenience with which people can reproduce them likewise suggests that human beings have selected for genes that make pet dogs extra appealing to them as well as not just for skills, however likewise for aesthetics as well as individuality avantsuccess.com .

That lack of enigma might have something to do with why Hollywood, the media as well as the basic population is extra likely to relate to dogs than pet cats, notes Mikel Delgado, a researcher at the University of California, Berkeley as well as an expert cat actions specialist.

" I assume part of the [media prejudice] is because pet cats are less transparent to us they show up to have less facial expression," she states. Canines, comparative, are thought to act on their whims as well as conveniently mirror what appear to human beings to be familiar feelings. Yet pets have probably been reproduced for these traits, states Delgado. "They were fed since they can wrinkle their eyebrows, and also we bred them additionally to mirror our own expressions," she states.

The feline aura

Extra intriguing, however, is what turned up in the comments section at the end of Delgado and also Reevy's survey, in which pet dog owners of both types might mention on their pet of selection. Cat people rhapsodized regarding their cat's uniqueness, composing points like "my feline is the smartest." Canine proprietors, on the other hand, often tended either to celebrate their animal's obedience or make general statements concerning all pet dogs (e.g. "I love pets" or "pets are sweet!"), states Delgado.

The Facebook remark string lends even more proof to the pet cat part of that phenomenon. Dolly, Boris, Buddi, Cuddles, Snowy, Salem, Isis, George Hubert, and Noodle are amongst hundreds of other felines applauded in occasionally TMI-levels of information.

This makes good sense. Pet cats' freedom, absence of openness, and also self-sufficiency implies when individuals ultimately reach harmony with their kitty, they have actually overcome massive all-natural obstacles to develop a bond of mutual respect.

Why do we enjoy cats so much?

We're all cat lovers. That's why we're right here. But have you ever quit to wonder why we locate felines so amazing loveable?

With Valentine's Day just nearby, it seemed the perfect time to explore our attraction with our self-domesticated feline pals.

A few of that innate love could be instinct, based upon felines' one-of-a-kind facial functions manjacompany.com .

Konrad Loren z, that likewise uncovered the concept of inscribing, thought that human beings are drawn to baby-like features, such as large eyes. Because cats have reasonably big eyes symmetrical to their faces, also when grown, we feel an instinctual protectiveness over them.

The response can also depend on just how felines domesticated themselves. Unlike pets, that were bred from wild wolves to be searching tools as well as family members friends, pet cats most likely complied with human beings because that's where the victim was. Throughout background, any place people went, vermin followed, providing an enough food resource. Fast forward hundreds of years and cats have identified that humans will certainly provide sanctuary, safety and security, and food, without all the initiative.

That's one of the reasons it's so vital to have fun with your cat. He has strong hunting reactions that require exercising. Even if he seems material to sleep throughout the day, he actually needs an opportunity to show off his skill at pouncing, chasing, and scratching. Even simply a few mins a day with a wand plaything, like our Wiggly Stick can maintain kitty feeling frisky and also engaged.

There's likewise proof felines see us as part of their "litter," utilizing vocative sounds like mews and also chittering to attract our interest a habits that's just utilized between mommy pet cats as well as their kitties in the wild. Recognizing your cat sees you as an equal is certainly reason to dole out the love.

One more piece of the problem might lie in a pet cat's unique purrs, which they make use of to calm themselves when they're worried or to share satisfaction. Proof even reveals that a cat's purr can heal both pet cats and also humans alike. As well as there's absolutely nothing like a pleased purring cat in your lap.

It's likewise likely that several of us find pet cats to be a challenge, and that's why we discover them so appealing. Unlike pets, pet cats typically just reveal affection on their terms. So when they do finally show how much they like and depend upon us, it seems that a lot more satisfying.

If you're a meme lover, you could adore cats due to the fact that they are "made of liquid" or since "if I fits, I sits" seems to be their concept. Felines can fit in almost any container. In tight spaces, whiskers help them figure out if the area allows sufficient for their body. Yet likewise, pet cats love a basic cardboard box or a play tunnel like our very own Hide and also Sneak.

In all honesty, though, it's most likely the toe beans. Have you seen the tiny cute pads on the bottoms of their feet? Exactly how can you not enjoy an animal with such lovable toes?

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lastpic21 · 3 years

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DECIDING TO ADOPT A PUPPY

To form a healthy bond with someone requires that we take into consideration the genuine needs and possibilities of the other. This is true not only of people but of dogs. Certainly dogs should not be thought of as human, but they still have a unique value of their own. Many people fail to recognize that having a dog involves what any true relationship requires. We are most successful at adopting and raising a puppy when we build on a clear-sighted respect for the kind of creature a dog is; then we can understand and accept the responsibilities of caring for one properly. Such an attitude flies in the face of the me mentality, a one-dimensional mind-set that fails to respect a dog in its integrity as a dog and instead sees it only in terms of one’s own wants and desires.

So before you rush out to adopt a pup, we recommend that you step back for a moment to challenge yourself and your family on the seriousness of this step. Play devil’s advocate! Examine your motives. Why do you want a dog? What type of owner will you be? What are you prepared to give your dog in return for the pleasure of her company? Far better to raise the issue of responsibility and care before you get a pup than to learn of your mistake later, when you have a twelve-week-old puppy who is suddenly making demands on you… at 3:00 in the morning!

The One-dimensional Owner

Recently we received a call from a married couple inquiring whether we could find a new home for their five-month-old German shepherd puppy, Wolf, whom they were no longer able to keep. Though we explained that we did not offer that type of service, we asked them why they were giving up on their puppy. Embarrassed, the husband said he and his wife lived in a suburb of a large city and had adopted their pup after several local burglaries convinced them that a watchdog would be desirable. They had gone to a reputable breeder and had obtained a bright, affectionate puppy who they assumed would easily meet their needs. “Yet,” the man confessed, “we had no idea what we bargained for.” This was their first dog.

Being professional people, they had to be away from the apartment at least nine hours a day. In itself, this wasn’t a problem, since Wolf had been successfully house-trained in a matter of days, and they had arranged for a dog-walker to take him out for half an hour at midday.

“Then what is the problem?” we asked.

“He won’t leave us alone,” the man replied.

Having Wolf around, he complained, was like adding four more hours to an already hectic day. When he and his wife got home from work, they wanted to relax and be with each other, yet Wolf’s need for attention made that quite impossible. “I mean, he has to be fed, walked, played with…. It’s worse than having a kid.”

“And all that licking,” the wife chimed in on the other line. “It’s disgusting! He simply won’t settle down and be a good boy. The two of us are even starting to get into arguments because of the dog, and the neighbors are complaining about his barking and whining during the day. It’s just a pain having him around. I mean, who needs it?”

What the couple discovered too late was that they did not need a dog but a high-tech alarm system. They never really wanted a dog in the first place; they only thought they did. They were unwilling to accept (because they never dreamed of it!) the real demands a puppy would make on their lives, specifically his need for love and companionship. During our conversation it became obvious that it had never occurred to them to try to see things from Wolf’s perspective, to consider his needs in the relationship. Wolf was bought for protection, period. When it became clear that Wolf’s needs exceeded what they were willing to give—that Wolf was becoming a pain, an inconvenience—their solution was to get rid of him.

This is a frequent scenario that appears in many different disguises. Though nobody intentionally obtains a dog only to keep it for several months, things can easily turn out this way. Sometimes this is caused by the onset of a specific problem behavior in the dog; at other times it is merely the result of the owner’s fading interest. The common thread in so many failed owner-dog relationships is the belated discovery that having a dog is not what the owners thought it would be. Cold reality clashes with their one-dimensional expectations, and so they bypass the responsibility by opting for the easier solution: giving up the dog.

Who Should Have a Dog?

When it comes to dogs, romanticism abounds! Certainly one of the effects television has had on our culture is to create highly idealized images of what a dog should be like. Rin Tin Tin, Lassie, Bullet, Benji, and Big Red are all presented as ideal companions who require no training and are faithfully devoted to attending to their owners’ every need. They never have soiling “accidents,” they do not need to be taken out for walks, and they are always obedient. They mind their own business when they are not wanted and are always ready to give love and affection whenit is asked of them. What could be easier or more wonderful?

The truth is that the Hollywood dog exists only in the movies. What we never hear about is the long and difficult training process these dogs go through to perform the amazing on-screen tricks and stunts, and the patience, love, and perseverance required on the part of their trainers! If you expect your puppy to rise effortlessly to the standards set by Lassie, you will be sorely disappointed.

Many people are simply unprepared for the changes that will take place in their lives once they adopt a puppy. In fact, our experience has taught us that anyone who thinks he or she wants a dog should postpone the decision until after thinking the matter through completely.

Not everyone should have a dog. Because of a variety of circumstances, many people simply do not have the time or ability to care for a puppy or even an adult dog. A pup will take us outside of ourselves and our own little world. Ordinary personal decisions that previously concerned only you or your family will now always have to take into account the presence of the puppy. Free time that was once for yourself alone must now be shared with your pup. How do you feel about that?

Caring for a dog is a lot of hard work. Canis familiaris, the pet dog, cannot attend to herself. From the moment of her adoption until the day of her death (which, barring accident or illness, can be fifteen years or more), she is a highly dependent creature who will count on you for all the essentials of canine living: food, water, shelter, exercise, training, and periodic veterinary care. But beyond these, the principal need a puppy has throughout her life is social. She requires an owner who is a companion in the fullest sense of the word. Can you see yourself or your family in such a role?

From this perspective, the old injunction is as relevant as ever: Know thyself! People who are willing to look at themselves honestly and who try to find a dog who blends in with their lifestyle and living environment stand the best chance of developing a healthy, long-term relationship with their puppy. Any normal puppy has a unique personality; he will naturally and actively seek out a relationship. Though there are a number of legitimate practical reasons for getting a pup (working, sport, show, breeding, protection, etc.), none of them should ever exclude or override the chief one: the desire for companionship and therefore the willingness to accept the obligations this entails. Taking the time to consider the choice realistically and listing the demands and responsibilities beforehand will bring rewarding results for both puppy and you.

So You Really Want a Dog?

Frequently visitors to our monastery are interested in obtaining one of our shepherds. On just such an occasion, after meeting many of our dogs and talking at length with one of the monks, a woman asked what she should do next in order to get a puppy. We explained that there would be a waiting period and that she would first have to fill out a puppy application form .This is a detailed application that we use to help match prospective customers with individual puppies. As she looked over the form, the woman expressed amazement, saying, “My heavens, you’d think I was adopting a child!”

This is precisely the point. Though a puppy is not a child, the decision to adopt one involves a similar sort of seriousness. It is entirely appropriate for breeders to question potential clients thoroughly, since their answers will help indicate what sort of puppy is best suited for them. Any conscientious breeder feels a personal sense of responsibility for the pups she has bred; her interest is less in selling them than in placing them in the right homes (that is, right for the owner and right for the puppy). Thus, if we prefer to use the term adopting a puppy instead of buying one, it is only because it puts the emphasis squarely where it belongs: bringing another member into your family.

All canids live naturally in packs, the immediate members of their social circle. With domestic dogs, those human beings with whom they live are considered fellow pack members, even if the “pack” involves only one other individual. There is nothing sentimental in regarding a new puppy as an additional member of your family: this is how he will view you.

That’s why it’s important that your choice be more than just a hit-or-miss proposition. It should involve serious thought and planning. Personal circumstances and those of the dog also must be considered. Dealing as we do with a large variety of dogs and people, we have files of case histories that repeatedly demonstrate the effects of poor selection on the human-dog relationship. Making a smart decision regarding a puppy is more complicated than most people imagine.

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randallvangundy · 4 years

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Pug

The Pug is a toy dog breed known for being the sturdiest among all toy dogs. They have a lot of personality inside a little body. Plus, they are known to be the clown of the dog’s world. Their charming face, featuring their deep wrinkles and round eyes, will make anyone who looks at them smile.

Since they were bred as lap dogs, these dogs thrive in human companionship. They perfectly fit in any home situation, whether you live in a city or a country, or whether you have kids or other pets. They are very affectionate dogs who love sleeping.

Pug Statistics

Dog Breed GroupToy Group Height10-13 inches Weight14-18 pounds Lifespan13-15 years

Pug Ratings

Energy level Exercise needs Requires attention Playfulness Trainability Shedding Grooming Friendly with family Friendly with strangers Friendly with other dogs Prey Drive

Pug History

The Pug is an ancient breed from China that existed way back to the Han Dynasty in 400 BC. During that time, Emperors of Ancient China loved flat-faced dogs, which includes the Pugs. They were pampered and treated like royalties with guards following them. They were treasures where outsiders can only receive as a gift.

For centuries, the Pugs remained hidden inside China’s Palace grounds. Well, they were until the late 1500s and early 1600s when China started trading with European countries.

When Dutch traders brought the first breed of Pugs, they immediately became popular. And just like in China, they were the favorites of the royal households. They even took part in some of the most critical events in history, such as saving the Prince of Orange from Spanish assassins.

Their popularity continued rising, especially in the Victorian Era. They were featured in paintings, postcards, and even figurines of the era. They were pictured as having large bows to create an image of nobility.

It was only after the US Civil War when the Pugs were brought to the US. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885. To this day, the Pugs continue to be one of the most popular dog breeds in the US, ranking 28th, according to the American Kennel Club.

Pug Temperament

The Pug’s temperaments vary from being playful to being calm. But, one fact always remains: Pugs are lap dogs. You certainly can’t expect them to guard, hunt, or retrieve. Instead, they do best as charming, mischievous, and loving family companions.

They are very friendly and peaceful with everyone, and that includes strangers and other animals. You can expect them to let out a bark when a visitor arrives. But, don’t worry, though, as they’ll still welcome them with snorts and grunts.

With his large expressive eyes, wrinkled forehead, flat-face, and undeniably innocent expression, you surely wouldn’t help but treat them like babies. Which, in fact, they are.

They have very child-like and clownish personalities that will surely make you laugh all the time. However, be very careful not to spoil them too much.

Puppy Pugs tend to be stubborn. But the adult ones are labeled to be couch potatoes who would love to sleep all day or sit on your lap.

If you want to ensure the best behavior, early socialization will always be the key. Meeting the parents will be very great too so you would know what temperaments might be present. This way, you’ll also be given guidance on how to handle these temperaments.

Pug Care Requirements

Nutrition: It’s essential always to provide a dog, no matter what breed, a high-quality, well-balanced diet. With Pugs, in particular, it is crucial to monitor their daily calorie intake to avoid overfeeding. If they go overweight, they might find it more difficult to breathe. Caloric intake will usually depend on the age and activities your Pug is doing in a day. This is something you can discuss with your vet if you don’t have an idea how to calculate it. Between commercial and home-cooked diets, the latter is highly recommended. This is because you can control what specific ingredients you can put in or not, avoiding any allergies. Just remember, only provide high-quality ingredients. Animal protein is always the primary ingredient and must be the majority of the diet. You can also put in some carbohydrates such as brown rice or sweet potatoes. Additional fruits and vegetables also help in providing fiber. If you’re going for commercial dry or wet food, still make sure it contains high-quality ingredients. The primary component should always be animal protein. Avoid those that contain meat by-products, flavorings, and fillers as they are not healthy.

Grooming: The Pugs have a short, smooth, and glossy coat that should be maintained. It regularly sheds, which means regular brushing is needed as well. Weekly brushing will usually do the trick in removing loose hair and reducing shedding, but if you can do it daily, why not? Besides, Pugs love human bonding, and it’s a great way to spend time with him. Bathing is done regularly. Since their indoor dogs that love to laze around, they don’t get dirty much. However, make sure to clean up their wrinkles regularly to avoid any dirt build-up that may cause skin allergies. Check their ears regularly too, and make sure to keep it clean. Their nails should be trimmed regularly as well. Even if they don’t need a lot of activities, long nails can still cause them pain.

Exercise: Pugs are indeed couch potatoes. However, as the owner, it is your responsibility to give them a few minutes of exercise daily. Pugs are prone to obesity, which is why minimal exercise is highly needed. Two 20-minute walks in a day or a quick play session in the yard will do. Just make sure to observe symptoms of shortness of breath. If you notice him panting, it’s time to go home. You mustn’t over-exercise them. Also, avoid going out in hot weather conditions as this may cause difficulty in breathing as well.

Health: Pug Dog Encephalitis and Canine Hip Dysplasia are two major diseases that Pugs are prone to. Minor health issues they’re prone to include elongated palate, patellar luxation, stenotic nares, Legg-Perthes disease, entropion, hemivertebra, obesity, and skin infections. Watch out for rare diseases he might also be affected with, such as allergies, seizures, and nerve degeneration. As some of these diseases are genetically transferred, seeing the parents is highly recommended. For conditions with available screening tests, you can have your dog take those as well.

Lifespan: The life expectancy of Pugs is 13-15 years.

Famous Pugs

Lamb and Moss: Stolen Pugs from China’s Emperor Palace

Click: Offspring of Lamb and Moss; Forefather of the Pug Line

Pompey: Pug of Prince William of Holland who warned him about Spaniards’ presence during the war of Spain

Basco: Favorite Pug of Queen Elizabeth II

Bully, Olga, Pedro, Minka, Fatima, and Venus: Queen Victoria’s Pugs

Jack: The first black Pug

Mops: The Pug of the queen of France, Marie-Antoinette

Fortune: Pug of Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife, Josephine; he was also the only one allowed to visit Josephine during her imprisonment, and became the messenger of secret messages for her husband

Punch and Missy: Harriet Beecher’s Pugs

Oliver: Pug owned by Valentino, the greatest Italian designer

Chester Ludlow: The Pug with a graduate degree from Rochville University

Fun Facts About Pugs

The Pug is an ancient breed existing way back to 400 BC in Tibetan monasteries.

They were initially called “losze” by Tibetan monks.

The wrinkles on their forehead were meant to resemble the Chinese Character for “Prince.”

They were pampered pets of the Emperors of China.

You call a group of Pugs “Grumble.”

The Pug is the official breed of the House of Orange. This is after one Pug saved the Prince of Orange, William the Silent, from Spanish assassins.

There is a secret organization named the “Order of the Pug” formed by Roman Catholics in 1740.

They’re not excellent swimmers, but they do love sleeping.

The post Pug appeared first on Furry Friends Gear.

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#pets #Pet Care #dogs #cats #veterinary care

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buynewsoul · 6 years

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Where Do Dogs Come From?

From the tall Great Dane to the tiny Chihuahua, us humans are used to being around dogs of all shapes and sizes. We’re so used to it, in fact, that we forget that humans more-or-less created dogs…. And how we did it is a question that still stumps scientists to this day. So, where do dogs come from? Let’s take a look.

Before we answer the question, “where do dogs come from,” let’s look at what dogs are

We bet you’ve wondered: “Where do dogs come from, in the first place?” Photography ©Aimes Element | Thinkstock.

While scientists don’t know exactly how and when and where dogs came from, we do know what dogs are. They are the species Canis lupus familiaris, a member or subspecies of the family Canis lupus. Other species in the Canis lupus include wolves, coyotes and dingoes, and they all share a common wolf-like ancestor.

Here is where things get tricky. Scientists aren’t sure exactly where the wolf-like ancestor that formed the modern dog came from. The general consensus is they came from Europe, but there has been recent evidence to suggest that dogs may also have originated in Asia, too. However, scientists largely agree on one thing: Around 9,000 to 34,000 years ago, our human ancestors met our dogs’ wolf-like ancestors, and started a relationship between our species that continues to this day. Even though that wolf-like ancestor is long extinct, its legacy lives on in the dogs we know today.

The evolution of dogs

Scientists are still trying to figure out where our dogs’ wolf-like ancestor originated from (either Europe or Asia, or both), but a recent study shows that all modern dogs might come from 23 ancestral dog clades. Over time, through interbreeding between the groups, dogs developed into the breeds we see today.

Science Magazine reports that, “The clades […] bring together dogs with similar traits: Thus, Boxers, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers — all bred for strength — fall into one clade; whereas herders like Sheepdogs, Corgis and Collies fall into another; and hunters like Retrievers, Spaniels and Setters fall into a third.” Later on, the piece adds, “The data [shows] how some breeds helped create others, as they share DNA with multiple clades.”

In conclusion, according to Science Magazine, “The grouping of different breeds that share particular jobs suggests that ancient breeders likely bred dogs for specific purposes, choosing to care for those that were best at guarding or herding. Then, in the past 200 years, people subdivided those larger groups into breeds.”

What breeds were ancient dogs?

The Alaskan Malamute is an ancient dog breed. Photography by Darina Matasova/Shutterstock.

So, what were the first dog breeds? Research varies, according to the Dogster article, Extinct, Primitive or Ancient: Which Are the Oldest Dog Breeds? The general consensus is that the following are the most ancient dog breeds:

Afghan Hound, a breed that originated in the Middle East

Akita, a breed that originated in Japan

Alaskan Malamute, a breed that originated in North America

Basenji, a breed that originated in ancient Egypt

Chinese Shar-Pei, a breed that originated in southern China

Chow Chow, a breed that originated in northern China

Saluki, a breed that originated in Egypt, and may be the oldest dog breed

Samoyed, a breed that originated in Siberia

Siberian Husky, a breed that originated in northeast Asia

The most popular dog breeds today

Given that we’ve had dogs around for 9,000 to 30,000 years, is it safe to say that they’ve always been the most popular pets? While popular pets have changed over the millennia, nowadays, there are always top contenders for the most popular dog breeds. The American Kennel Club (AKC) releases the most popular dog breed rankings every year, with Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherd Dogs taking the top slots.

In the United Kingdom, Labrador Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels are the most popular dogs, followed closely by French Bulldogs. In China, according to eChinaSites.com, Siberian Huskies and Labrador Retrievers top the list.

While there are no official stats from other countries, in 2014, an app called Klooff did a survey of the top dogs around the world, based on posts from their users. They created an infographic, which Business Insider reported on.

No matter where dogs come from, they’re a unique species

Dogs are a unique species, and the traits that make them unique may be the direct result of their relationship with humans. It cannot be overstated how much mankind’s influence shaped the dogs we know and love today, and made them so different from other canines and other animals.

Here are the many ways dogs are unique:

1. Domestication:

Earlier, I said that we created dogs, which is an oversimplification of a complex process that scientists are still trying to figure out. Without a doubt though, we had an impact on where dogs came from and their evolution through a process called domestication. The theory is that a group of friendly wolves started interacting with our ancestors — though whether those ancestors were hunter-gatherers or the first agrarian people is still up for debate.

Either way, these wolves self-domesticated themselves by starting to interact with us and then we did the rest by breeding for the traits we liked best. That produced various breeds of dogs, some that still exist today largely unchanged, some that went extinct and some that we started to domesticate but didn’t fully complete the process, for example, dingoes. (More on dingoes later.) We’re still creating new breeds of dogs even to this day — in fact, four new breeds were just recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

2. Hypersociabilty:

It’s sometimes hard to believe that all the dogs we know and love today came from one or two populations of friendly wolves. But what made the wolf-like ancestor of our dogs so friendly to us? A recent study suggests that they might have had a variant in their genome that causes Williams-Beuren Syndrome (WBS) in humans.

WBS in people makes them hypersociable — for example, they are extremely friendly, outgoing and trusting. In dogs, this genetic variation might have led to the behaviors we associate with dogs today: overall friendliness, the way they love to interact with us and the fact that they make eye contact with us.

3. Using Facial Expressions to Communicate:

Humans are somewhat unique in that we use facial expressions to communicate, along with language. Most animals don’t, and any expressions they make are involuntary and inactive means of communication.

Except for dogs, of course, according to a recent study. Dogs actively use facial expressions to communicate with us, too. In a press release, lead researcher Dr. Juliane Kaminski of the University of Portsmouth says, “The findings appear to support evidence [that] dogs are sensitive to humans’ attentions and that expressions are potentially active attempts to communicate, not simple emotional displays.”

4. Eye Contact:

No other canine likes making eye contact with us quite like dogs. And dogs do it to the extreme: Not only do they look to us for directions and information, but they also seem to just like staring into our eyes. This is another aspect of the gene variant that causes WBS in humans that was found in dogs. In fact, dogs evolving to regularly make eye contact with us may provide the most clues on how we domesticated dogs.

Can dingoes provide more clues to the question, “where do dogs come from?”

How and when we domesticated dogs is still largely unknown, but a recent study of dingoes might provide some more insight. As mentioned above, dingoes are a species of canine we started to domesticate, but when they were introduced to Australia, domestication stopped.

However, because ancient humans started to domesticate dingoes, it gives us a snapshot into the early domestication of dogs, according to Angie Johnston, Ph.D. student in Psychology at Yale University and lead researcher of the study, “Uncovering the origins of dog —human eye contact: dingoes establish eye contact more than wolves, but less than dogs.” The study revealed that dingoes do something that wolves don’t really do and dogs do all the time: Make eye contact.

“Previous work shows us that when you compare dogs and wolves, dogs are more likely to make eye contact with people,” Dr. Johnston says. “Eye contact is important for two species communicating with each other, but also for bonding and attachment. With dingoes, we found that they are more likely to make eye contact with humans than wolves were.”

According to the researchers, these findings suggest that dogs may have developed the motivation to make eye contact with people early in their domestication, but only developed the desire to maintain this contact later in their evolution.

“It might have been beneficial for the wolf-like ancestor of dogs and dingoes to make eye contact with humans in order to get food or similar,” Dr. Johnston says. Whatever the reason, this made such an impact on dog evolution that dingoes haven’t stopped making eye contact with humans, even after thousands of years as wild dogs. Because of that, dingoes might be the missing link in how wolves became dogs.

“Dingoes represent the kind of intermediate point of domestication,” Dr. Johnston says. “By comparing dogs and dingoes, it shows us what might have been influencing the changes we see over domestication.”

Thumbnail: Photography by Sergieiev/Shutterstock.

Read more about dogs in history on Dogster.com:

5 Dog Breeds With Fun and Historical Nicknames

All the President’s Pups: Meet FDR’s Dog, Fala

5 Dog Breeds Named — and in Some Cases Bred — for Their Color

The post Where Do Dogs Come From? appeared first on Dogster.

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daddyslittlejuliet · 6 years

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Where Do Dogs Come From?

Before we answer the question, “where do dogs come from,” let’s look at what dogs are

We bet you’ve wondered: “Where do dogs come from, in the first place?” Photography ©Aimes Element | Thinkstock.

The evolution of dogs

What breeds were ancient dogs?

The Alaskan Malamute is an ancient dog breed. Photography by Darina Matasova/Shutterstock.

Afghan Hound, a breed that originated in the Middle East

Akita, a breed that originated in Japan

Alaskan Malamute, a breed that originated in North America

Basenji, a breed that originated in ancient Egypt

Chinese Shar-Pei, a breed that originated in southern China

Chow Chow, a breed that originated in northern China

Saluki, a breed that originated in Egypt, and may be the oldest dog breed

Samoyed, a breed that originated in Siberia

Siberian Husky, a breed that originated in northeast Asia

The most popular dog breeds today

No matter where dogs come from, they’re a unique species

Here are the many ways dogs are unique:

1. Domestication:

2. Hypersociabilty:

3. Using Facial Expressions to Communicate:

4. Eye Contact:

Can dingoes provide more clues to the question, “where do dogs come from?”

Thumbnail: Photography by Sergieiev/Shutterstock.

Read more about dogs in history on Dogster.com:

5 Dog Breeds With Fun and Historical Nicknames

All the President’s Pups: Meet FDR’s Dog, Fala

5 Dog Breeds Named — and in Some Cases Bred — for Their Color

The post Where Do Dogs Come From? appeared first on Dogster.

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jeffreyrwelch · 6 years

Text

Where Do Dogs Come From?

Before we answer the question, “where do dogs come from,” let’s look at what dogs are

We bet you’ve wondered: “Where do dogs come from, in the first place?” Photography ©Aimes Element | Thinkstock.

The evolution of dogs

What breeds were ancient dogs?

The Alaskan Malamute is an ancient dog breed. Photography by Darina Matasova/Shutterstock.

Afghan Hound, a breed that originated in the Middle East

Akita, a breed that originated in Japan

Alaskan Malamute, a breed that originated in North America

Basenji, a breed that originated in ancient Egypt

Chinese Shar-Pei, a breed that originated in southern China

Chow Chow, a breed that originated in northern China

Saluki, a breed that originated in Egypt, and may be the oldest dog breed

Samoyed, a breed that originated in Siberia

Siberian Husky, a breed that originated in northeast Asia

The most popular dog breeds today

No matter where dogs come from, they’re a unique species

Here are the many ways dogs are unique:

1. Domestication:

2. Hypersociabilty:

3. Using Facial Expressions to Communicate:

4. Eye Contact:

Can dingoes provide more clues to the question, “where do dogs come from?”

Thumbnail: Photography by Sergieiev/Shutterstock.

Read more about dogs in history on Dogster.com:

5 Dog Breeds With Fun and Historical Nicknames

All the President’s Pups: Meet FDR’s Dog, Fala

5 Dog Breeds Named — and in Some Cases Bred — for Their Color

The post Where Do Dogs Come From? appeared first on Dogster.

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stiles-wtf · 6 years

Text

Where Do Dogs Come From?

Before we answer the question, “where do dogs come from,” let’s look at what dogs are

The evolution of dogs

What breeds were ancient dogs?

The Alaskan Malamute is an ancient dog breed. Photography by Darina Matasova/Shutterstock.

Afghan Hound, a breed that originated in the Middle East

Akita, a breed that originated in Japan

Alaskan Malamute, a breed that originated in North America

Basenji, a breed that originated in ancient Egypt

Chinese Shar-Pei, a breed that originated in southern China

Chow Chow, a breed that originated in northern China

Saluki, a breed that originated in Egypt, and may be the oldest dog breed

Samoyed, a breed that originated in Siberia

Siberian Husky, a breed that originated in northeast Asia

The most popular dog breeds today

No matter where dogs come from, they’re a unique species

Here are the many ways dogs are unique:

1. Domestication:

2. Hypersociabilty:

3. Using Facial Expressions to Communicate:

4. Eye Contact:

Can dingoes provide more clues to the question, “where do dogs come from?”

Thumbnail: Photography by Sergieiev/Shutterstock.

Read more about dogs in history on Dogster.com:

5 Dog Breeds With Fun and Historical Nicknames

All the President’s Pups: Meet FDR’s Dog, Fala

5 Dog Breeds Named — and in Some Cases Bred — for Their Color

The post Where Do Dogs Come From? appeared first on Dogster.

0 notes

grublypetcare · 6 years

Text

Where Do Dogs Come From?

Before we answer the question, “where do dogs come from,” let’s look at what dogs are

The evolution of dogs

What breeds were ancient dogs?

The Alaskan Malamute is an ancient dog breed. Photography by Darina Matasova/Shutterstock.

Afghan Hound, a breed that originated in the Middle East

Akita, a breed that originated in Japan

Alaskan Malamute, a breed that originated in North America

Basenji, a breed that originated in ancient Egypt

Chinese Shar-Pei, a breed that originated in southern China

Chow Chow, a breed that originated in northern China

Saluki, a breed that originated in Egypt, and may be the oldest dog breed

Samoyed, a breed that originated in Siberia

Siberian Husky, a breed that originated in northeast Asia

The most popular dog breeds today

No matter where dogs come from, they’re a unique species

Here are the many ways dogs are unique:

1. Domestication:

2. Hypersociabilty:

3. Using Facial Expressions to Communicate:

4. Eye Contact:

Can dingoes provide more clues to the question, “where do dogs come from?”

Thumbnail: Photography by Sergieiev/Shutterstock.

Read more about dogs in history on Dogster.com:

5 Dog Breeds With Fun and Historical Nicknames

All the President’s Pups: Meet FDR’s Dog, Fala

5 Dog Breeds Named — and in Some Cases Bred — for Their Color

The post Where Do Dogs Come From? appeared first on Dogster.

0 notes

caredogstips · 7 years

Text

Can Children Really Be Promoted By Swine Like In “The Jungle Book”?

The brand-new Jungle Book movie is now in cinema, and once again it features the century-old narration of Mowgli, an orphaned boy raised by the inhabitants of the jungle. Apart from the astoundingly breathtaking happening that Bill Murray is expressing Baloo, the soft-hearted permit, the movies story will never fail to win viewers over thanks to its fantastical take on a human living among a menagerie of exotic animals in the wild.

Although such a complex collecting of swine obligates for a piece of visually resplendent story, you may be wondering if theres any true behind a boy being raised by wolves. “Theres” numerous mythological or literary whisperings about children being reared in this way, including Tarzan ogled after by great apes and Romulus and Remus, the expected founders of Rome, who were also tended to by wolves.

So is there any evidence or science at all behind the narratives of the so-called feral progenies, or is it all only the stuff of myths? Tells take a look.

Once Upon A Time In Ukraine

Oxana Malayas story. Animal Planet via YouTube

Oxana Malaya, as the story croaks, was abandoned by her parents in the village of Novaya Blagoveschenka as a 3-year-old brat. She was left outside in the cold, so she moved to where there was tendernes and food, which in this case was a shanty sheltering puppies snacking raw flesh. She presumably assembled them and spent five years old gradually losing human linguistic and behavioral traits and adopting far more canine ones.

When she was found in 1991, the eight-year-old Oxana was more dog than human, and nowadays she is assigned to a promote home for the mentally-disabled, where she facilitates out on the farm. Multiple documentaries have been made about her, and although she used to frequently bark, ranged around on all fours, slept on the storey, and feed like a dog, she is now able to suppress such behaviors.

The problem is that theres no documented proof of different kinds that she lived with puppies in this way. Although her behaviours seem real, this could all be research results of her being mentally impaired, and there would be no way to tell the difference.

Raised By Wolves

A captive Indian wolf( Canis lupus pallipes ). Pavan Kunder/ Wikimedia Commons; CC BY 2.0

Of the other feral infants stories drifting around, one of “the worlds largest” amusing is a matter of a boy appointed Ramuwho, just like Mowgli, was raised by Indian wolves or so it seems.

In 1976, he was said to have been found by wolf puppy, behaving as they did; he even had claw-like nails. The missionaries that chose him noted that he learned how to cleanse and dress, but never to expres. At nighttime, hed raid the nearby chicken coops. He died in 1985, and his obituary represented the front sheet of the Times of India.

An investigation by the Los Angeles Times found that the narration began to disentangle with weird latitudes to the Rudyard Kipling collection of fibs the Jungle Book first written in 1894. Beings at the missionarys retreat, including an elderly solicitor, spoke about another wolf boy announced Bhaloo who was detected running alongside aggressive wolf puppies, who was adopted by another person in a nearby village.

Ultimately, the anecdotes of Bhaloo and Ramu could not be confirmed. It seems that there are plenty of legends of feral progenies out there for anyone to peruse, but few of them have documented evidence of their occurrence.

Adoption In The Wild

Chimpanzees are like us in many ways so would they accept a babe that isnt theirs? Gudkov Andrey/ Shutterstock

In any case, the crux of the problem here is not that children can be abandoned and survive in the wild because this let that happen but whether animals of completely different species would want to share their resources and even protect someone who isnt one of their own in any way.

Chimpanzees, with their striking genetic, social, intellectual and behavioral attributes, are perceived as the closest living evolutionary cousins to humen, but this doesnt mean theyd adopt a human brat. They certainly evidence empathy and kindness, but theyre too documented as engaging in both assassination and warfare, either to dislocate another male rising up the social hierarchy or to defend their territory, respectively.

Theyre also known to engage in infanticide, as are types of monkeys, bears, penguins, and a whole multitude of swine. Nevertheless, chimpanzees have been known to adopt other orphaned chimps, both in captivity and in the wild.

Speaking little horrifically, even though they may not kill you, if you dont serve a use to some animals like cats, who visualize humen as inessential landowners they may simply discard you entirely, leaving you to fend for yourself. These events considered, it seems pretty unlikely that swine would be willing to adopt an alien-looking, resource-swilling human child.

However, “theres” plenty of cases of swine actually borrowing or at the least befriending each member of other species. Captive dogs have wet-nurse child squirrels and owls, and one particular captive gorilla has a propensity for adopting kittens, for example. Even the wild has its share of approvals, including a pod of sperm whales that took care of a deformed bottlenose dolphin.

Researchers have noted that one of the main different forms of animal adoption is when a being chooses a member of its own species, something known as instinctive approval. Looking after your own is a way to ensure DNA that is at least somewhat similar to yours is passed on to the next generation.

Mutual benefit also facilitates; in the case of the deformed bottlenose dolphin, it was likely adopted because it obligated the group stronger overall. As long as you arent taking up too many resources, youd likely be fine, it seems. In many cases, adoption of an individual occurs when a brand-new baby takes on a young orphan, perhaps due to their temporarily higher levels of oxytocin, a hormone known to promote social bonding.

Youre Either With Us Or Against Us

In the wildernes, reciprocal benefit may be the answer to this razzing topic. Peter Batarseh/ Shutterstock

With respect to reciprocal assistance, one tale of feral infants stands out: Between the ages of 4 and 6, Ivan Mishukov befriended some wild bird-dogs on the street of Moscow. He eventually gained their trust completely and became their jam-pack lead; they safeguarded him like he was one of their own, and they all shared nutrient together.

Although its still difficult to verify the truth of this history, theres less skepticism swimming all over the Internet than usual when it comes to fables like these. So perhaps a young human could be adopted by a wild swine, as long as they gathered their load in their new society we are only havent determined verifiable, convincing, documented evidence of it just yet.

In Mowglis case, it could just perhaps be true: wolves have been observed choosing other pups. Tiny humans, though, may be seen as little more than a luscious amuse-bouche.

Main image: The Jungle Book, Disney via YouTube

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themomsandthecity · 7 years

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Why Kids Prefer Family Dogs to Family

This article by Patrick A. Coleman was originally published on one of our favorite sites, Fatherly. The Air Bud franchise proves that "kids love dogs" is a powerful meme in Western culture, but scientists have long been working to sniff out the real-world origins of that cliche. Why do children love dogs? It's a big question requiring a massive amount of delicate social research. That work has now uncovered both evidence of how bonds are forged and unexpected data on the surprising strength of those relationships. Academics are demonstrating that children may forge stronger bonds with family dogs than with family, specifically siblings. If pop culture hypothesizes that there is something distinct and durable about puppy love, scholars may be on the verge of finding proof. A 2017 study by Cambridge researchers looked at the interactions of 12-year-olds and their pets in 77 British households. The children were asked about the quality of relationships with the members of their families, including pets. That quality was measured in four different dimensions: satisfaction with the relationship, feelings of companionship, communication, and conflict. Of those parameters, the kids reported less conflict with pets than with their siblings, but also, surprisingly, more satisfaction. That's an academic way of saying they felt a stronger bond with their pets than with their brothers or sisters. Importantly, researchers noted that in the hierarchy of pets, kids were most bonded with dogs, followed by cats. "The most fascinating finding was particularly around disclosure," says study author Matt Cassells. "That element is about how much you talk to your pet or your sibling about your problems. It was really striking to find equivalent ratings between pets and siblings." Related To All the Moms Who Hate When I Call My Dog My "Baby" Cassells notes disclosure is already known to be a good thing for psychological well-being in humans. In fact, simply putting thoughts and feelings into a journal can be therapeutic. Cassells posits that compared to a diary, or even a sibling, a dog offers a better sounding board. He theorizes that's because dogs can make eye contact, offer expressions, and show empathy (or appear to show empathy), they are generally viewed as sympathetic. Maybe they are. More likely, they are engaged in an entirely different sort of emotional exchange. But the lack of true understanding doesn't diminish the power of the interaction on both sides. "Another advantage that pets have over siblings is that they don't respond. They don't judge, and they don't talk back," says Cassells. "A sibling will communicate their actual feelings, and those will sometimes be hostile." What makes the emergence of the specific behavior - kids disclosing to canines - particularly remarkable is that most children are not instructed to open up to spaniels. The behavior that leads to strong bonds doesn't need to be taught. Dr. Gail Melson, Professor Emerita in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Purdue University, has been studying the interaction of animals and kids for much of her career. She writes about those relationships in her "Why the Wild Things Are" column in Psychology Today. Melson points to several factors that have caused children to be so bonded with dogs, beginning with the concept of biophilia. When he published Biophilia in 1984, Harvard professor E.O. Wilson was claiming that he'd discovered a concept core to the continuation of life on Earth. "If you just look at the word, it looks like, 'a love of biological things,' but it doesn't mean that," Melson says. "Built into our brains is an attentiveness to other forms of life. . . . There's a study of babies under the first year of life, who are presented with a living animal and a wind-up toy. The attention and interest go to the living animal." But that's just one link in the leash. It explains why the kid wants to be with the dog, but not how that relationship is reinforced and strengthened. Melson says that western culture, not evolution, deserves credit for furry cosleeping. "For hundreds of years, we've accepted a kind of link between children and animals," she says. "We've tended to see them as similar. Part of raising a child is taking something that is wild and making them part of civilized society." Both babies and animals are considered "imperfectly socialized" creatures we have to train to be part of our families. Melson explains that the parallel developmental path between animals and children has caused Western society to see them as interchangeable analogs. Hear the words "fur baby" just once, and this point is forever seared into the brain. Related Saying Your Dog Is Your "Baby" Is an Insult to Moms Everywhere Because of this, we reflexively push kids and animals together, both physically and symbolically. This results in baby-meets-puppy media and pajamas lousy with cartoon zoo animals. Melson is also mindful of the fact that dogs' minds work differently. She notes that the evolution of prehistoric wolves into modern pets was mutually beneficial for both human and animal. As Canis lupus familiaris emerged, they became valuable tools. What was a professional relationship - wolves learned to coordinate hunts with humans - warmed into something friendly. Dogs came closer to the fire. "Dogs evolved to be part of the human family," Melson explains. "The evolution of the wolf into the dog took place beside human evolution. So the natural environment of the dog is with human beings." Once the symbiotic relationship was formed, dogs took on more specific working roles. But dogs in postindustrial Western society live in a largely postwork world. They've been able to adjust largely because the qualities that once made them valuable to their owners - attentiveness, ability to follow direction - make them adept at emotional labor. "When a dog comes into a family now, they're coming into a role already set up for them as a companion," says Melson. And they are thriving in that role. So, instead of retrieving game for hunting ancestors, they now fetch sticks and balls to the delight of kids everywhere. And instead of paying attention to subtle cues from a shepherd, they watch and listen attentively as a child tells them their secrets. And it appears that the relationship between dogs and families is primarily here - here being disproportionately the western hemisphere, but increasingly the world. The American Pet Products Association estimates that some 60 million American households own dogs. And they note that as baby boomers have aged, millennials have joined the pack. Younger adults now make up the bulk of dog owners. Dog culture will continue from there. The Air Bud movies? Maybe not. http://bit.ly/2p2EK0F

#Little Kids #Pets #Dogs

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theviraldogs-blog · 7 years

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Dog Breeds: Hybrid Dogs, Mutts and Purebred Dogs

Ever noticed the sniffy hauteur with which purebred dog owners appraise combined breed dogs? You may nearly see them flinch as their condescending eye roves across the shape of the objectionable mutt at the same time as they grudgingly concede that possibly their subtle dog specimen and that pollutant mutt do certainly belong to the same species! In fact you need most effective trawl numerous on-line dog boards to enjoy firsthand simply how contentious the problem of mutt versus purebred clearly is. Yet plenty as purebred dog owners may additionally positioned down the common-or-garden mutt or blended breed dog the bizarre issue is:

Purebred dogs are merely pressure-subtle mutts!

Doberman pinscher: the doberman pinscher dog breed was the brainchild of door-to-door tax collector herr louis doberman. Whether herr doberman evolved this canine breed as enforcer or protector has never been definitely installed however one element that is not in contention is the truth that his changed into an unenviable profession! It's far well documented that for the reason that biblical times the tax collector has been plenty reviled; even these days the tax collector is the problem of scorn and disgust. If you surely need to belabor the factor, the next time you are at a social gathering, casually point out which you work for the irs and watch the little-witnessed phenomenon of ways so many can disappear so quickly!

However back to herr doberman and his risky career; bored with being driven approximately and pretty in all likelihood being set upon by using irate tax payers, poor herr doberman came up with the radical but financial solution of developing a dog breed that would be both enforcer and protector! The “elements” for his new dog breed blanketed the following: rottweiler; german pinscher; greyhound and the manchester terrier. Although a few wishful fanciers contend that the german shepherd dog changed into additionally concerned inside the genetic compilation of the doberman pinscher, that is pretty not going because the improvement of the german shepherd happened a touch later than that of the doberman pinscher.

The early form of the doberman pinscher dog was not the smooth lean gadget that epitomizes the breed today, but it changed into a heavier-boned dog incredibly more similar in appearance to the rottweiler canine breed. Next tweaks by way of later breeders sooner or later resulted with the smooth modern-day canine that defines the modern-day doberman pinscher. The point of notice right here is that the doberman pinscher, a well-known dog breed that is formally recognized through endless of worldwide kennels consisting of the akc, become a crossbreed advanced from diverse other canine breeds before it attained the holy-grail popularity of purebred!

Verdict: the doberman pinscher, like all the other so-known as purebred puppies is nothing more than a stress delicate mutt. Sniff! What can i say…those pesky mongrels are everywhere, maximum of them disguising themselves as properly-set up purebreds!

Fashion designer/hybrid puppies

Even though the labradoodle is extensively approved because the crossbreed canine that set the entire dressmaker-dog motion rolling alongside at a good clip, the reality of the problem is that different well mounted crossbreeds already existed. One such crossbreed or so-known as clothier dog is the cockerpoo (cockapoo), a cross between the yankee cocker spaniel and a miniature poodle. The cockerpoo has been in lifestyles for the reason that Nineteen Sixties (in comparison to the labradoodle which changed into advanced within the 1980s). The cockerpoo is currently so properly mounted in north the united states that there's a strong movement to consolidate a breeding general.

In recent times “oodles” or “poos” (poodle hybrids) are nearly everywhere in north america for the simple reason they translate into mega greenbacks. Even though the labradoodle (possibly the high-quality recognized poodle derivative) become evolved with a utilitarian cause in thoughts, maximum fashion designer puppies don't have any different feature than to propel a burgeoning and profitable market for those hybrid puppies; because it so happens, outside breeders in no time recognized the significant income to be had from designer puppies.

Up to now the clothier dog marketplace is prospering, strong proof that humans are pretty willing to shell out mega greenbacks in order to differentiate themselves from the rest of the group. And perhaps you’ve noticed, nobody refers to these mutts as nicely…mutts, for the simple reason crossbreeds do not satisfy people’s sniff thing! (sniff component defines the human tendency to snobbishness; in earlier times the higher instructions had been predisposed to strolling approximately with their noses pointed skywards as an expression in their apparent elegance superiority (as though reaching for air unpolluted by way of the hundreds!) calling a mongrel a clothier dog is certain to assure a far higher price than if the animal had been addressed as a crossbreed.

The unlucky fallout of this whole fashion designer dog issue, is that there’re now many more dogs in shelters and rescues, in addition to puppies being euthanized, due to unethical breeders, who without regard to genetics, breed heaps of these dogs each 12 months in a bid to capitalize on the public’s lack of awareness and insatiable urge for food for “exclusive” or “confined” dogs.

So how did this fashion designer canine brouhaha in reality begin?

True intentions open pandora’s container

Sometime during the Nineteen Eighties, wally conron, the breeding manager for the royal manual canine affiliation of australia embarked on a quest to broaden a non-allergenic guide canine for a visually impaired purchaser whose husband occurred to be allergic to common dog fur. Conron settled on the same old poodle as the right pass with the already mounted labradors in use at their center, for the simple truth that the poodle,s as a surprisingly trainable working dog with tightly curled coat, constituted a the satisfactory-healthy suit.

After two years of trials together with 33 successive unhappiness runs, wally conron hit pay dirt! A cross mating among one in every of their most prized labradors and a poodle specimen resulted in a clutter of 3 non-allergenic dogs. Sultan the first ever labradoodle destined for guide-canine greatness turned into introduced to his new proprietor amidst superb fanfare. The bonding was a super achievement and conron turned into confident that the final two puppies could quickly be snapped up; after all, the middle at which he labored had a 6-month backlog of requests from human beings hoping to foster a canine. But he miscalculated; no one it seemed wanted a dog that become associated with the grimy word crossbreed.

As 8 weeks rolled through, the closing doggies nonetheless hadn’t discovered houses and the essential-duration window in which they needed to bond with a new owner and accordingly grow to be a success manual puppies changed into final speedy. Out of sheer frustration wally conron decided to call his new canine breed the labradoodle and thenceforth stopped referring to them as crossbreeds. That become the eureka moment he had been watching for (evidence of the sniff issue in play again)!

Within weeks, requests for this new “miracle dog” inundated the center…the relaxation because the announcing goes, become history! Aside from the labradoodle, few clothier dogs were evolved for utilitarian purposes and in fact for the maximum element new breeds are introduced for purely beauty functions. Having said that although, it would be remiss no longer to well known the truth that a few new dog breeds are presently being advanced to deal with the all pervasive problem of genetic disorder in the dog; especially inside the extra famous breeds.

Some different nicely-mounted crossbreeds are the bull boxer that is a go between the boxer and the staffordshire bull terrier. The bull boxer is stated to be a more affable dog, particularly towards different pets, than the staffordshire bull terrier and is also reputed to be much less inclined to exhibit the immature behaviorisms feature of the boxer. With the aid of and massive though, the significant occurrence of the dressmaker-canine set is to be found firmly inside the realm of poodle mixes. Such poodle mixes commonly go via names, which if not exactly flattering, are to say the least, colorful:

1. Doxiepoo (dachshund poodle blend)

2. Papipoo (papillon poodle blend)

Three. Goldendoodle (golden retriever poodle mix)

Four. Jack-a-poo (jack russell terrier poodle blend)

Five. Irish doodle (irish setter poodle mix) to name but a few.

Verdict: sniff! These puppies may match below the guise of dressmaker canine…however let’s be honest, they are no extra than glorified mutts!

The common-or-garden but ubiquitous mutt

So wherein does the lowly mutt healthy in this picture of courageous new pup world; that is to mention, other than bearing the brunt of the purebred afficionado’s scorn! Properly as i've amply illustrated in the paragraphs above, all dog breeds are essentially mixed breeds even the purebreds. Purebred dogs are so entitled due to the fact over numerous generations they were mainly bred for selective traits. But therein lies their achilles’ heel or weak spot. Due to such selective-trait breeding, purebred dogs have an inherently high incidence of genetic disorder.

A classic instance illustrating a number of the problems encountered in trait-selective breeding can be located in the records of the dalmatian. Breeding for the sharply-defined spot trait accidentally also brought about selective breeding for an ordinary uric acid gene (case of gene linkage). The end result became that the dalmatian dog breed became dogged (no pun meant) with hereditary urine stone disorder. In an attempt to rectify the problem but keep the desired spot pattern, the dalmatian was crossbred with diverse pointer breeds (sniff! Sniff! What did i tell you…all mutts the lot of them!).

Conversely the dearth of trait-selective breeding and a diverse gene pool inside the mutt makes such puppies so much more healthy and greater robust than their purebred opposite numbers! Therefore unless you’re going to broaden your own dog breed, if all you’re seeking out in a dog is a pet, do your self, your pocket as well as the millions of dogs on death row a choose and undertake a canine from a shelter! Believe me, they make extraordinary pets. (shelters cannot residence puppies all the time and every yr more than 7,000,000 cats and dogs are euthanized!)

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