Dogs -- Animal or Human?

Those who think that dogs don’t know how to think and reason are too stubborn to acknowledge the evidence that exists and the experiences that almost every dog owner has shared in some way: Think about what happens when you take your suitcases out of the closet. I’ll bet that your dog displays a reaction. He makes the association that you are planning to leave and go someplace without him. That takes the ability to reason. Look at guide dogs for the blind who learn what is called ‘intelligent disobedience’. These dogs take it upon themselves to disobey the owner’s command if carrying out that command would be dangerous to their master based on information the dog can assess but the master can’t. Even though they want to please their master more than anything in the world, they’ll disobey.

There is no animal that is more willing to be playful with us than the dog. Much of that play is the kind that makes us laugh -- chasing a ball and doing all the silly things we see our dogs do. They know that we find these things funny -- they can hear us laughing -- and they repeat the thing that cracked us up. Just in terms of pure observation, you would have to say they understand the concept of humor and get the same kick out of it that we do. That mischievous side is something most dog owners know about firsthand. Dogs are a great source of fun and laughter, and humor is a powerful tool in reducing stress.

Another benefit dog owners have over the rest of the population: People think more highly of you if you’re a dog owner, one study showed. Some night while watching television count the number of times you see a commercial that includes a dog. You might be surprised and you’ll get the idea, too. The manufacturer wants you to think of them as trustworthy and friendly -- just like our favorite companion, the dog.

Alice England
Makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com


Here is a video that is a bit tricky to figure out. First, you think Sasha is just snooping in the newly arrived petsjubilee team box. Then, you see she has already discovered the treats are all gone and she is actually trying to close the box back up. One item falls out and that is when she looks to Mommy for help. Now, don't tell me she is just an ANIMAL! Athena.