Are human frailties elevating a dog’s stature in Western Culture?
July 7th, 2010 | Published in Opinions From Chris | 50 Comments
Have you noticed that in the last decade or so dogs have been elevated to offspring status? Their status in the family is on par with the children or have even taken the place of them. Why is this happening in our Western Society?
Richard Nixon
In a nutshell, thousands of years ago, wolf and man reached an agreement by where man gave scraps to the wolves and in turn they protected them and became domesticated. Since they were after the same prey, they started to hunt together. Eventually, man manipulated canines to create breeds that could help them in all manner of jobs such as, herding sheep, killing rodents, guarding property and of course specialized hunting. But through all that, a dog was still a dog and wasn’t on equal footing with man.
So what has changed? As our culture became more affluent and the need for certain dog functions diminished, they became our companions, our best friend. However, in the last decades they have become a replacement for children and in some cases, a spouse. I’m not judging because I’m certainly one of those people that was madly in love with my dog. She could comfort me in times of sorrow like nothing else could.
Have we become so disillusioned with humans that we’ve turned to the one creature that never judges and loves us no matter what? Has the moral fabric of our society been so disappointing that we look at those innocent faces and yearn for a better time when people were more polite, more trusting and cared for their neighbor more?
Me with Kayla and Thanda - Rhodisian Ridgebacks
Society used to rely on their communities for spiritual and emotional sustenance. Now, we don’t even know our neighbors half the time or are communicating with people through a computer instead of having close, intimate relationships. Have we created an emotional hole that only a pet can fill?
Think about the events that have happened in our lifetime about our role models and leaders from all walks of life. If you’re old enough to remember, I could put out one line or a name and you’ll be able to know how we’ve been disappointed time and time again:
“I am not a crook”
“I did not have sexual relations with that woman”
Jimmy Swaggert
James Baker and Tammy Faye
Tiger Woods
Michael Jackson
John Edwards having an affair and child while his wife is suffering from cancer
Mark Sanford hiking in the “Appalachians” – he was really in Argentina with his “soul mate”
and the list goes on and on.
I know people throughout the ages have been corrupt and have disillusioned their followers, but with the internet and television, their corruption is inescapable and we must face the fact that our leaders, hero’s and role models are, in fact, just human and therefore fallible. The veil has been lifted and there’s nowhere to hide.
Are people losing hope in the human race because of a few wayward individuals? Has this caused people to turned to the one thing that symbolizes innocence and goodness?
Maybe it’s time to take a good hard look at our society and start doing the right thing and connecting with people face to face in an honest, authentic way. Of course, with our faithful best friend at our side.
If you have a different take on this subject, I’d love to hear it!
July 7th, 2010 at 2:13 pm (#)
This is so true with alot of peaple not knowing our neihbor, when I moved to Molokai there was really no fences between houses unless you had animals. In the neiborhood we live in we have 22 homes and peaple just use bushlines or nothing , we bought this place 9years ago and for the 1st time a couple from ca. Is putting up a fence all around there property and it sure looks funny like they don’t belong here . Everyone knows everyone by there first name here and no one knows who they are exept there from ca what’s the big deal,maybe famous athelete ,actor,politician who the he’ll cares do you like to surf ,fish,hunt,kayak,or music maybe that’s what matters or plain relax as Jeremy used to say in highschool what’s your gig.
July 7th, 2010 at 8:06 pm (#)
I have a friend who posts a photo of her dog on facebook at least once or twice a week. It was kind of cute at first, but then it started to just be weird. To her, her dog has human status. And then her friends would comment on the photos the way I comment on my friend’s baby photos. I think it’s a personal thing. Some people just really really love their dogs. That reminds me did you see that article a while back where someone was having a dog and human yoga class?
Heather´s last blog ..That Los Feliz look
July 7th, 2010 at 11:05 pm (#)
Chris,
Interesting article. I am not sure why this is happening as I have always had pets since I was a child. A friend of mine who has never had a pet now has a dog and it has brought additional happiness to her life.
Since she has had the dog she has become in her own words less selfish as the dog depends on her.
Could it also be a case that as more people are living in smaller places such as units and they are becoming more pet friendly at least in Australia I know they are people are getting dogs. In the past if you lived in a unit you could not have a dog.
Susan
Susan Oakes´s last blog ..7 Questions to Ask Before Choosing Your Marketing Tactics
July 8th, 2010 at 6:13 am (#)
Hi Susan, yes, I think the world is becoming more pet friendly. I’m not sure what it’s like in Australia, but her in America especially places like Washington state, you can bring your dog almost anywhere. I do think that they make you less selfish because they need you so completely and they can bring out the best of our characteristics. Thanks Chris
July 8th, 2010 at 6:15 am (#)
Hi Heather, yes, I did see that. I may be a pet sitter, but I do think there are limits and a dog is still a dog and not a human. It just seems as though we can’t relate to anyone anymore and dogs are so easy to communicate with mainly because they can’t talk back! Maybe we’re just looking for a little kindness.
July 8th, 2010 at 6:19 am (#)
Hey, is this my Russ? I would love to live like you do. It’s becoming so stressful in CA and the politicians are ruining it for everyone. I can’t believe they are putting up a fence, and I’m sure all the other neighbors hate it! You’re probably going to live to be 150 because of your lifestyle. See ya, Chris
July 8th, 2010 at 9:45 am (#)
Chris I like your creative ways of looking at the world of pets. Have submitted your blog to stumble upon and written a review. Hope you get an abundance of visitors.
Catarina Alexon´s last blog ..Get the energy to succeed-
July 8th, 2010 at 10:56 am (#)
I love my pet and he definitely is a companion that I trust and love. He doesnt care if I mess up, get angry or if I am just plain lazy. But he doesnt replace my human friends. I think many people are busy and are not having children and treat their pets as children. My grandpub is my only grandchild but hopefully I will someday have a human grandchild.
I agree that the media has made us less trusting of officials. Historically there has always been mistrust of public officials.
Good point for discussion. I would love to hear others views.
Julia M Lindsey´s last blog ..Are You Using Your Avatar Correctly to Promote Your Business
July 8th, 2010 at 11:33 am (#)
Hi Julia, I sounds like you have a balance between your human and canine friends. I hope you get a grandchild soon. As far as mistrust about public officials goes, I think that’s been going on since time began!!
July 8th, 2010 at 11:33 am (#)
Thanks Catarina, I appreciate it!!
July 9th, 2010 at 6:51 am (#)
I agree that a moral and social entropy has set in to our society. That could be due to our techno culture and the fact that we are not applying social skills as much as the past.
Pets, particularly dogs, display the traits we crave (loyalty, courage, compassion, diligence, honesty, discretion) almost innately. Whereas we humans can turn them on and off whenever convenient. Dogs won’t tell parents what you did as a teenager for example!
Cats would have been the close companion of humans but they formed a collective bargaining unit and decided not to work for a living. Yes I have a cat, a rescued cat. But my dogs greet me at the door.
July 9th, 2010 at 12:48 pm (#)
Since we are craving the traits of loyalty, courage etc, must mean that we are sorely lacking these characteristics. Wouldn’t it be nice to live in a world where those things still matter and we didn’t turn them on and off on a whim? Men used to covent (sp?) honor and integrity. Now it’s what ever they can get away with. You’re right, I was bad with my parents as a teenager, SHHHH don’t tell anyone.
July 12th, 2010 at 9:06 am (#)
Hmm – we have two dogs and we love them to bits but they are dogs and cannot replace humans for me. I have friends, however, who have elevated their dogs to child status and they are, dare I say it, childless friends who have chosen to have dogs instead of kids. I always kind of thought it was because dogs were their kids but with less responsibility and angst – after all you can’t leave kids in kennels and go off on holiday.
Interesting concept though – I enjoyed reading ti.
Louise Edington´s last blog ..Not Quite Good Enough – Fear of Success
July 12th, 2010 at 1:14 pm (#)
My pets have always been like family to me; I care about them deeply and want them to be happy, and they respond by loving me unconditionally, which is much harder for humans to do! However, they are not a replacement for my human family members or friends…for one, they can’t carry on a conversation (at least not in English!), and they can’t give the same kind of hugs that I can get from my husband or daughter! I do agree that our society today seems to have lost interest in intimacy and hidden behind their computers, which is tragic I think. There is a deep human need to be able to share our thoughts and values and experiences that even our loving pets are not able to fully satisfy. Thank you for such an intriguing and thoughtful post!
July 12th, 2010 at 1:30 pm (#)
I lost my dog a year ago and I think it impacted me more than the losses of other people I’ve known. If this is becoming the norm, perhaps it is because of the connection we feel with animals. A connected that isn’t restricted by worrying about how someone will react to something said or something done–or something not said or something not done. Is this really a new issue with people or is it why our connection to animals has endured over such a long period of time?
Dave Saunders´s last blog ..Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs…
July 12th, 2010 at 4:31 pm (#)
Good point Dave. I think we’ve always had a strong connection to our pets, but it just seems as though people would rather have a dog or a cat than have a child. You’re right though, we can be ourselves and not get criticized and they will still love us.
July 12th, 2010 at 4:34 pm (#)
Thanks Donna. I’m glad to hear that they are not a replacement for your human loved ones. It sounds like you have a very healthy relationship with your husband and daughter. Thanks
July 12th, 2010 at 4:36 pm (#)
Thanks Louise and your friends are the people I was speaking about in my post. It’s not that is wrong, I just think we’ve gone in a different direction.
July 12th, 2010 at 8:02 pm (#)
Interesting article! I have known people to rely on their pets for love and friendship more than people. It just seems safer for them.
I have a friend who has amazing stories about animals. When I visited her one day she explained that she needed to introduce me to her dog, so that the dog would know that I was a friend.
She trained him to protect her. He wouldn’t just attack, but would try to incapacitate first. There was a definite step by step approach. Growl, then the dog would put himself between my friend and the foe and then if that didn’t work he’d pin him to the ground, not hurting the attacker. He could kill a man, but only as a last resort. It was incredible!
Laura Sherman´s last blog ..Researching Future Projects
July 13th, 2010 at 9:12 am (#)
Thought-provoking post.
I have had a dog. I now have a cat. My cat even has a Blog.
But I hope I don’t ever become a person who does not know my neighbor’s name or does not smile at a stranger in the supermarket.
I do fear, though, the collective we has become more like the culture you describe. There are many reasons for this.
July 13th, 2010 at 9:39 am (#)
i don’t know if it’s human frailties that are elevating a dog’s stature, so much as it is, as you mentioned, the increased distance between ourselves and our family / friends. we no longer necessarily live in the same neighborhood, (or state or even country) as our parents, siblings, family, + childhood friends.
for me, someone who works-at-home, my dog keeps me company during the daytime when i might not see another human being for hours. while i don’t elevate her to human status, i appreciate simply having another living creature nearby. i would rather be surrounded by friends and loved ones during the day, but that simply isn’t possible, and Skylar is a pretty good substitute.
amy donovan´s last blog ..the 4th of July – an au pair’s experience
July 13th, 2010 at 12:54 pm (#)
Though provoking. I am not an animal person personally sorry…like them, but don’t want to own one. I think that this era of media mania is a bit good, and a bit bad…it does put our role models on more humane levels…focuses on being truthful, and in integrity…all good…I do wish our media would also highlight the people who do live this way as I do still think that role models are important in our society.
As for pets, I still think of them as animals and the people in my life as people…but that’s just me: )
Irene Turner´s last blog ..Hello world-
July 13th, 2010 at 8:00 pm (#)
Hi Irene, not everyone has to be an animal person. To each his own. Great points about highlighting actions with integrity and truth. These are the characteristic that should be revered. Unfortunately, that’s not what sells – I’m not a big fan of the media
July 13th, 2010 at 8:01 pm (#)
Hi Amy, you sound like me. I work from home with dogs all day long and they do keep you company. When I take a break, I go and love on each one of them which gives me a little pick me up!
July 13th, 2010 at 8:02 pm (#)
Hi Bruce, Maybe our society is evolving into something else completely different and we are just in the middle of that change. It would be great to come back in a hundred years to see what we’ve become. Hopefully, there will still be cat blogs!
July 13th, 2010 at 8:05 pm (#)
Wow, Laura, it sounds like a scary procedure! I’m not sure why she needed such a fierce protector, but she trained him very well.
July 13th, 2010 at 8:23 pm (#)
I wonder if we put inappropriately high expectation on people- expecting them to be infallible then when they make mistakes we are devastated. We don’t do that to our pets. When the dog pees or poops on the carpet we don’t swear he is the worse dog ever. Tiger Woods great golfer I see that as a totally separate issue from being a great husband. There some really talented people that have some whacked out ways (Mel Gibson, etc.) Guess we have to take the good with the bad whether dog or man.
Lisa Ann Landry – Corporate Trainer – Unleashing the Genie!
July 13th, 2010 at 8:37 pm (#)
I liked the dog photos with you…all I can think of though is hair and slobber. I always had a dog and love dogs, but somewhere maintenance & messess started to get in the way. Nothing beats a sweet little puppy though! As far as society…I’m not sure anything has changed, I just think we hear about it more (the bad news) and a lot faster. I believe life is so imperfect and while we are aghast at the many bad decisions people make, what would our own lifes look like in the spotlight?
Brandy Mychals
Jewelry for Your Target Market
http://www.BrandyMychals.com
July 13th, 2010 at 10:23 pm (#)
Very interesting article, thanks. Keep up the good work.
July 14th, 2010 at 5:39 am (#)
Very interesting post, Chris, and I have so many thoughts about it, that I’m not sure where to begin…
First off, I agree that our world seems less civil than we desire. People in power, or famous, will always disappoint; it’s inevitable, given the high stature and visibility, especially with the advent of the internet and 24/7 news. This is not new, we just have more access to more information.
What bothers me most, is the lack of regard and respect that I see in my community. Simple manners seem to have been lost somewhere, and it always surprises me. I could go on & on about this subject…
Now, in regards to pets and their stature in society. I am, considered by some, too involved with my dogs, but they give me great joy and certainly don’t take away from my important relationships. By conscious choice, I do not have children, so maybe I have a greater attachment to my pets. I always find it interesting that human “breeders” are elevated in society, just by virtue of procreating. I think if pet owners (sans children) made commentary on the freakish indulgences that some parents give to the their children, it would not be well received. But, us pet owners, often are given grief for indulging our pets, or “treating them like children”. You are not saying this, Chris, I know that. But it’s actually offensive to me that many people have no problem voicing their opinions of “wacky dog owners”, like me. But it would be blasphemy to disrespect parents in that way for their parenting styles.
It’s a sad, but true fact, that higher regard is paid to those who procreate, regardless if they are good parents or not, than to responsible pet owners.
Lastly, my dogs are not just my pets… Atticus, in particular, is an incredibly therapeutic being. If I’m not in the best mood, or have a less than positive attitude, I just think “how does Atti see this situation?” I always come away from that exercise feeling more optimistic and happier.
good stuff here, Chris! obviously, it resonated a bit for me! see you at the dogpark
Heidi Alberti & Atticus´s last blog ..I’m Back!
July 14th, 2010 at 10:22 am (#)
Chris, I really liked your post. It raises some questions that are, perhaps, difficult for most of us to look squarely in the face, as it may be a reflection of OUR lack of connection to others around us, OUR lack of being authentic in our lives. It’s always difficult to look at oneself and be honest about what we see. Yet, just as with our role models and heros, we are human, which means we are fallible.
The thought I had about whether or not animals are replacing humans was, perhaps our pets are supplementing our human relationships. Perhaps the two can co-exist. For example, I have a great cat, Izzy, to whom I talk all day long, when she’s not sleeping, that is. I don’t pour out my issues to her, however, and still am hopeful that, one day soon, a mate will enter my life. It would be with him that I discuss the finer details of my life. I need that return communication from another feeling being who can verbalize their comments, whether they be support or constructive ways of doing things differently. I do use my computer relationships for some of this, yet still find myself lacking in the depth of conversation for which i yearn. No, a pet doesn’t replace that, nor does the computer.
It is my hope that we can each individually jump start our personal relations with other humans, daring to be authentic, to share our feelings with others. I think many have been hurt and, therefore, are hesitant to share again. Perhaps a different way to handle things is to learn to forgive, which will prevent us from closing our hearts to others, thus furthering our ability to have human relationships.
July 14th, 2010 at 4:28 pm (#)
Interesting and thought provoking! It does seem that since our human contact has diminished our love for our pets have increased.
We are also so busy that I think people want to love someone or something and be loved but cultivating personal relationships is work and it takes time, a commodity that is sometimes hard to come by.
Jean Bentley´s last blog ..Reap what you sow!
July 15th, 2010 at 7:39 am (#)
I grew up without pets and I didn’t understand the crazy bond people have with their pets until the day after we had to put our 14 year old miniature schnauzer down in January of this year.
I think pets can be used as a replacement for children if you chose not to have any…and what’s the harm? It is something to love and more love is always a good thing.
I’m not sure I agree with the correlation to general society although I certainly agree that we all need to get to know our neighbors and go back to getting involved in the community outside our door instead of only focusing on the community inside our computers.
Very thought provoking post…thanks for sparking the synapses.
July 15th, 2010 at 9:10 am (#)
I think as we evolve spiritually we are better able to recognize the fact that other animals have emotions, communicate, and hold open the possibility of souls. Dogs because of their size and proximity to humans, as opposed to let’s say dolphins and elephants, make it easier to recoignize.
Thanks for a great article.
Bill Browning´s last blog ..Home is Where the Heart Is
July 15th, 2010 at 9:39 am (#)
Great point Bill. I didn’t think about our evolution in relation to our pets. I think we are changing and have more compassion for animals and therefore love them all the more.
July 15th, 2010 at 9:42 am (#)
Hi Darcie, it’s that old addage ” you don’t know what you’ve lost till it’s gone”. I don’t think there is anything wrong with having pets instead of children. I know a lot of people that do it. Love is love and it makes you a better person to love something so deeply. Maybe I was reading too much into our disappointment with society in general. Maybe it’s more simple than that.
July 15th, 2010 at 9:47 am (#)
Jean – another good point. I love all the opinions that I’m getting and they are all valid. Maybe it’s as simple as being able to love something with out all the complications of a human relationship. Humans can be a hassle!
July 15th, 2010 at 9:50 am (#)
Carolyn, I love what you said and totally agree with everything. I do think they are a supplement to our human relationships and there is nothing wrong with that. I board dogs in my home and I’m talking to them all the time! For me, it’s easier – I don’t have to explain myself or worry if I’ll say the wrong thing. I think if we didn’t have them in our lives, we be a lot worse off. Thanks for your great comment.
July 15th, 2010 at 9:55 am (#)
Heidi, I totally agree with indulgent parents being able to do what they want and not be called on the carpet. It’s because of these kinds of parents that we see a lack of courtesy, civility and regard for the customer. Kids are lazy because they gotten things handed to them and mine are not immune to this fact. Even though we don’t indulge them, it’s still happens. There is nothing wrong with not having children and having pets to supplement your relationships. When my mom died, my boarders where a big help to me emotionally.
Don’t the them get you down!
July 15th, 2010 at 9:57 am (#)
Brandy good point. I’m glad I’m not in the spotlight because I’m definitely not perfect! Yes, I think the speed in which we find out about events has become a factor. As far as the slobber – try boarding many dogs at one time! You don’t know messes until you’ve done that!
July 15th, 2010 at 10:01 am (#)
Lisa – Mel Gibson is another fine example, but we are all fallible and we probably do hold each other to a high standard, but if we don’t, people will naturally go to the lower standard. I still think that our society has become too lax on integrity and ethics, however, I can separate the man and his sport – I can’t help but still want to watch Tiger play. He is an amazing talent.
July 15th, 2010 at 11:47 am (#)
Hi Lisa-
I have always felt that if someone was in the pet business, that now would be the best time for them because of all the baby boomers. Most baby boomers have had their kids, and are now or are almost ‘kid-free’. No matter how close they stay, once a child is gone, things change. I believe that more and more baby boomers are getting kid replacements with pets. It creates the same sort of unconditional love and dependence that they experience with their children. Plus, the money used to go to the kids can now be spent on bling for their dogs! I don’t think that is a good or bad phenomenon. It just is.
While I can see your connection between looking to pets rather than to the malfeasance in our society, I personally think that those examples are not the norm and while attracting lots of media attention, I don’t feel would be a cause to turn to pets. Thanks for the post!
Candace C. Davenport
Our Little Books
July 15th, 2010 at 11:49 am (#)
lol- Chris- I apologize for calling you Lisa! I think I must have looked up at your comment above and spaced. That’s because I was having so much fun thinking about your post!
July 15th, 2010 at 12:50 pm (#)
Don’t worry about it, I’ve done the same thing!!
July 15th, 2010 at 3:33 pm (#)
Dear Chris, I dont think people think if pets as people replacers. I think what people love about dogs or what I do is their ability to live in the moment. Happy when you take them for a walk, but the dont remember when you didnt. Sometimes we put so much pressure on ourselves and those around us by expecting what others cant deliver, overjudging others actions. I think what a couple do, have affairs etc is none of our business. And dogs dont care about that kind of stuff. They enjoy the good times and accept the rest. I think dogs are more evolved than humans. We can learn something from them. Maybe that is why we surround ourselves with furry four legged beings. Happiness with no strings.
Jennifer Duchene´s last blog ..Bastille Day at Home
July 15th, 2010 at 5:49 pm (#)
Thank you for your post. I don’t have any pets, mainly due to our hectic travel schedule and the fact that we just couldn’t give them the life we would want them to have as a result, but I know what you mean about dogs becoming a beloved member of the family like a child. It has almost become easier in our world to have relationships with things and not with people, because people can let us down so often. I think it is really strange that in this world with so many “friends” and contacts, it can be so hard to have authentic relationships. Even in business, there is this mentality that you only do for others what you know they will do for you and the constant question of what is in it for me?
There are days when I think about escaping it all and trying to find a place where the pace is slower, the people are real, and where you can protect your kids from some of the reality of the world.
Thanks for your post!
July 15th, 2010 at 7:28 pm (#)
Katie, I couldn’t agree with you more. That’s exactly how I feel. I almost wish we could go to a simpler time, but I’m sure it would have it’s problems too. Thanks for your feedback.
July 15th, 2010 at 7:30 pm (#)
Jennifer, that’s certainly why I’m a pet sitter. I love that dogs live in the moment and make you feel like you’re the most awesome person in the world. Maybe things are just so complicated these days and we gravitate towards pets because they don’t demand anything from us. so I agree wholeheartedly with you.
July 16th, 2010 at 1:07 pm (#)
Animals do bring comfort and I do love animals but it does seem as though some people are going to extremes. Do dogs really need sunglasses and sunscreen? Bandanas? Opens up lots on new niche target markets though doesn’t it?
July 16th, 2010 at 3:11 pm (#)
Yes, it does open up a lot of markets, but the one thing that actually is valid is the sunscreen. Dogs with pink noses/skin and white fur can sunburn very easily. As for the rest – my dog was spoiled, but never bought her anything special.