Dogs have been a part of our lives since ancient times, and there’s no denying the special bond between man and his canine companion. It’s a bond of love, loyalty, and trust celebrated throughout history. Personally, I’ve always been a “dog guy”, as our family had a Great Pyrenees as a kid, then a Golden Retriever as a teen.
No matter how bad the day was, the weather, or the mood I was in, those dogs were always there, and that’s not something that can be said about any two-legged individual in my life.
Throughout the ages, dogs have served many different roles in human society.
Today, they’ve become an integral part of our lives, from hunting and guarding to providing comfort and companionship. They’re loyal friends, health service providers, furry family members, and lifesavers. It’s to the point that people spend thousands on their dogs annually, from food and toys to Vet bills and boarding; the investment doesn’t cause a second of wondering whether they’re worth it because, for their owners, these pets are family.
Before we owned the two beasts you see photographed in the beginning, and at the end of this piece (Duke & Apollo), I had my first dog, “Bo”. He was the most chill dog I’ve ever known and was 100% mine. Not mine in that I bought him, mine in that he was tuned in and connected to me more than anyone else in the family. Bo was there to rest his head on my lap or walk frustrating days away for years, always present. He was trained to the point that a simple glance or nod would have him executing the exact command expected.
Bo was taken from me on January 4, 2019, by a hit and run, he was only four years old.
That is still one of the deepest losses I’ve ever felt in my life; to this day, it brings pain to the chest when I speak of him.
How can a beast reach such a deep part of a human being?
The answer is found in the fact that these animals are the embodiment of unconditional love; they’re always there, always present when needed and willing to listen and lean in, and they’ll love you until you run out of time or energy to love them.
They will fight and die on your behalf to keep you safe.
This is what sets dogs apart from any other animal, and it’s why the relationship established early on was one that was a mutually beneficial partnership.
The bond between a man and his dog is something special.
Studies have shown that dogs can understand human emotions, empathize with us, and provide comfort and stress relief during tough times. People often talk to their dogs, who seem to understand us in ways that human friends don’t.
It’s no wonder that for many of us, our dogs are more than just pets – they’re family members that we’ll go out of our way for. We love and care for them, and in exchange, they show unconditional love and loyalty.
The bond between man and his four-legged friend has stood the test of time and will continue to do so for many years.
- Zachary Small
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