'Best Friends

The media portrays intimacy between humans and dogs in an over exaggerated, yet humorous kind of way; magnifying the quirks in a human-dog relationship that can be studiously perceived as unhealthy, yet undeniably funny.  On season four of the television sitcom Reba, the character Barbra Jean creates a video story documenting her intimate, yet eccentric relationship with her Toy Dog, Brock.  The producers for this episode use lyrics from the TV show, The Courtship of Eddies Father, “Best Friends” (Harry Nilsson 1960) as music for her video.  Barbra Jean eccentrically entertains her dog by playing her flute for it, reading a bedtime story to it, and even consuming a hot dog with it.  She paints the pooches’ paw nails and dresses the furry little creature in pastel colored doggy outfits (Reba Show, 2005).   I think this video strikes a serious chord with many dog owners in our society who might share these same eccentricities of being as much a “goof-ball

” like this Reba Show character; Barbra Jean.  But after reviewing the satire of Barbra Jean with her toy dog, I think society believes dog owners can be emotionally unstable.  The video confirms negative perceptions about dog owners who allow personal pets to dominate them, especially the dog.  This bias perpetuates ideas that dog owners are confused and compensatory, lacking real people friends.  I often find myself struggling to maintain a good sense of balance about life with my dogs through humor.

Now let’s examine the scientific perspective of social psychological interactions between human beings and dogs; this energy driven connection is complex and mysterious in that it entails mutual cooperation between two participating species.  In the first study, The Human Attachment to Dogs (2009), we will consider comparative cognitive studies of visual cognitive ability (VCA) and social cognitive ability (SCA) between humans and dogs.  In the second study, the Psychological Effects of Dog Ownership, by the researcher, Krista Marie Clark Cline (2010) utilizes statistical data on individuals who are actively engaged in dog ownership.  We will examine correlations between individual wellness such as; stress, depression, physical activity and exercise with daily stress factors of multi-tasking, exposing evidence of burdensome psychological effects of dog ownership on people.  I will also clarify questions of how dog ownership impacts the individual versus an existing family system in today’s highly active and complex human society.

If You Love Your Dog...

              

In the movie Marley & Me, an unfortunate event occurred during a nine week prenatal check-up when Jennifer Grogan discovers her anticipated baby is stillborn.  In grieving the loss for her unborn child, Marley the family dog senses something is painfully wrong.  He goes to Jennifer’s side and rests his muzzle on her lap in a consoling gesture of sadness and compassion (Marley & Me, 2009).  This quite drama and emotionally driven scene is a somber reminder of how dogs and humans interact; a dog expressing empathy for his brokenhearted master in a meaningfully sincere, yet unspoken kind of way.  Although dogs may not always understand, they can sense when people are sad.

My dogs and I walk twice a day, for at least a half hour because we need the exercise and because they require my personal time and attention.  The walk is an act of intimacy in dog psychology.  These times are simple, yet profound; it is routine, yet necessary.  The walk is an appropriate time for me to maintain the standards I uphold as a pack-leader.  The walk is a time when my voice is heard, my commands are expressed and nothing less than an obedient canine response is appropriately accepted.  The walk affirms our pack identity and our values.

 Cesar Milan, a guru dog trainer, teaches dog owners the technique of dog psychology with an emphasis on pack-leadership.  His goal is teaching the dog owner how to achieve balance and harmony between owner and dog.  One of Caesars’ famous quotes include; “If you love your dog; walk your dog” (Cesar’s Way, 2007).  My Queensland Heeler and my Australian Shepherd are bred to herd livestock and work the ranch.  They exude levels of high energy that cannot be ignored or subdued.  When they are neglected, they bark with a healthy sense of attitude until pack leader responsibilities are fulfilled.  My dogs know the difference between routine exercise and a good playtime activity.  They are happiest when their needs are satisfied.

I welcome any thoughts you may have regarding dog ownership.

Dog Ownership Is A Wonderful Gift

I once heard an interesting story of how a dog was found sitting on the front porch of its master’s new home after being lost for an extended period of time.  As the owner of two Australian pups, this phenomenon simply fascinates me.  Because my dogs are as dear to me as my own human children, if I were to lose either of these relationships my heart would long for their homeward bound return.  Therefore, my purpose will be to explore this deep connection human beings can share with dogs.  This social psychological bond between our two species is like understanding a mystery to the universe - that is, our innate need for unconditional love and faithful companionship.

I believe dog ownership is a wonderful gift and people who discover the right connection with the right dog are very fortunate people.  Personally, I have found great joy in raising my two pups, Joey & Hapa. These two Aussies have traveled with me across the country from the Grand Canyon in Arizona to Steam Boat Springs, Colorado on two separate camping trips.  They have herded sea gulls during off-leash walks along the shores of the California coastline from Chrissie Field in the San Francisco Bay south to Monterey and Carmel by the Sea.  Our dogs have driven with us across the great Mississippi River and have endured sudden tropical rain floods while passing through Sallisaw, Oklahoma approaching Little Rock, Arkansas. Today, we simply enjoy our daily walks and bicycle rides around Boyd Lake, Colorado. This unconditional love and connection for the dog species is a lifelong road trip of growing old and creating memorable times together. These furry little critters are more than just dogs, they truly are good friends.

When a dog is adopted into a human family it becomes a very intricate part of that distinct family system. The following dialog is between two brothers conversing about Marley, the family dog, from the movie; Marley & Me.  Marley is growing old and ill, but as usual he waits to greet his young friends at the local bus stop as he has done over a period of many, many years. Marley hears the approaching school bus and runs to greet his two buddies as they return home from a very long day at school. “Is he there?” “Of course he’s there, he’s always there.” “How does he know we’re coming?” “Ah, I don’t know, he just knows. Dogs know things like that.” “All dogs?”  “All good dogs.”  “Oh, there he is!  There’s Marley!” As they step off the bus and onto the sidewalk, “Hi Marley, how are you?” “I missed you.”  (Marley & Me, 2009)

I have always thought God’s purpose for creating dogs is to satisfy man’s basic need for companionship. I also believe dogs can reduce stress and relieve emotional pain. Dogs play significant roles in the homes of millions of families today. This may be a reason for why we allow dogs such prominence in our lives.  However, the relationship tends to induce a value bias which often is misunderstood by society.  Therefore, it is my intention to explore a few inspiring dog stories to appreciate the profound sense of gratitude I personally have for these animals. I also happen to think that the human-dog connection is rich, powerful, and unique. 

I welcome any thoughts you may have regarding dog ownership.