“I do not know what the world will look like in another twenty thousand years, but it is legitimate, I think, to make a prophesy in two parts: for as long as we remain human, dogs will remain by our side, and for as long as dogs remain by our side, we will remain human.”
I can’t believe that the Universe presented this essay this morning. After 2 weeks absence because of my farmer friend vacation, I will see Max (golden lab). Max will escort me (his uncle) from my car, sit at his spot next to my plot and await his 2 treats. They will disappear in a second. Thank you Sam for the treat!
It's impossible to figure out which came first, men figuring out that if you followed the wolves, they would find prey you could kill, or wolves figuring out that if you shadowed the hunters, you could startle prey they could kill, and you could eat after they butchered it.
But since dogs are found only after fully modern humans, who could speak and so distribute work, I suspect a crucial point was when the hunters interpreted the wolves hanging about after they had startled the deer as asking for their share of the kill.
That last line...wow. I'm still in tears. The best part of me is all the dogs I've had over the years and especially the current two black labs that are "the goodest girls". They keep me sane and smiling even when I feel I'd rather not be. Thank you for reminding us of the amazing bond we have with our canine counterparts. It's a gift to be sure.
I can’t read dog books. I can’t watch ‘Where the Red Fern Grows’ or ‘Old Yeller’ nor anything remotely implying a Doggo living, loving, sacrificing, suffering or passing…
I’m such a sucker I got one page into ‘Racing in the Rain…’ haven’t opened it since…
In fact I cannot write another line… but thank you for this.
You are very welcome. And I feel your pain - no matter how much the ancient Stoics would visualize negative outcomes, I refuse to do so for Carson or any other mutt on earth.
Eccellent! I too , am a Dogo- phile to the bone! Many days my faithful hound is the ONLY company I keep, and I wonder how many folks have heard our conversations while thinking: "Man that guy is really out there!
As is your wont,a simple observation is filled with deep truths. This dog and my 'letting go of all I don't control' take us back to the foundations of small clan life. We are so fortunate to have coevolved with them. Thank you Sam!
Awe... years ago I would have told you that dogs are just dogs. Then I got one. Now, I try to be the person my dog thinks I am. At some point, I read something about just looking into your dog's eyes for 15 seconds calmly and silently instead of always ordering them around. I started doing it. "It calms the dog," they said. It calms this human, too. But the most interesting thing about this ongoing experiment is how much stronger our bond feels. My doggie "knows" better what I want, and I don't have to order her around anymore. She's not compliant. She's anticipating and responsive. I am grounded and present. I've learned that maintaining control frustrates the dog and me. I've learned to pay attention and trust the moment. The outcome is no anxiety and no bad behaviors from the doggie. Better quality of life, attitude, and mindset for the human.
This is absolute attunement, Valentina. Your point about being person your dog wants you to be—what a world it would be if we all lived up to our dogs desires.
Well, that actually made me emotional so something obviously landed. The fact you pinned that says much…at least to primitive me. Looking forward to seeing my 3 year old untampered Belgian Malinois girl when I get home. What a sweety. Absolutely friggin’ nuts… but undeniably adorable. I am passing her thanks in advance. Awesome stuff Sam.
“I do not know what the world will look like in another twenty thousand years, but it is legitimate, I think, to make a prophesy in two parts: for as long as we remain human, dogs will remain by our side, and for as long as dogs remain by our side, we will remain human.”
💯 Sam. 💯
I know you get it, Dee. They are a treasure.
I can’t believe that the Universe presented this essay this morning. After 2 weeks absence because of my farmer friend vacation, I will see Max (golden lab). Max will escort me (his uncle) from my car, sit at his spot next to my plot and await his 2 treats. They will disappear in a second. Thank you Sam for the treat!
This is a glad reunion! You are welcome!
Update: today I saw Max and he remembered everything. Why was I surprised! My friend is sure that Max trained me.
All is well in the universe. Thanks for sharing, Barry, this is great.
Dogs are angels with fur. Anyone who doesn't love them can never understand love.
I could not agree more. They are the essence of love.
It's impossible to figure out which came first, men figuring out that if you followed the wolves, they would find prey you could kill, or wolves figuring out that if you shadowed the hunters, you could startle prey they could kill, and you could eat after they butchered it.
But since dogs are found only after fully modern humans, who could speak and so distribute work, I suspect a crucial point was when the hunters interpreted the wolves hanging about after they had startled the deer as asking for their share of the kill.
It must have been a sight to see, as they both tried to figured each other out.
Beautiful!! My little (not so little actually) furnado has been a light in darkness at times.
"Furnado". I love it. Thank you for diving in.
Beautiful!.
Thank you, Chris
That last line...wow. I'm still in tears. The best part of me is all the dogs I've had over the years and especially the current two black labs that are "the goodest girls". They keep me sane and smiling even when I feel I'd rather not be. Thank you for reminding us of the amazing bond we have with our canine counterparts. It's a gift to be sure.
You are very welcome - our pooches are the ultimate reset. Thank you for reading.
I can’t read dog books. I can’t watch ‘Where the Red Fern Grows’ or ‘Old Yeller’ nor anything remotely implying a Doggo living, loving, sacrificing, suffering or passing…
I’m such a sucker I got one page into ‘Racing in the Rain…’ haven’t opened it since…
In fact I cannot write another line… but thank you for this.
You are very welcome. And I feel your pain - no matter how much the ancient Stoics would visualize negative outcomes, I refuse to do so for Carson or any other mutt on earth.
I’m a child and student of the sentimental bittersweet.
Where regards these friends of ours I have no doubt in my soul, spirit or mind that they are safe with regard to the eternal…
They to me are our betters, and are here to give us our better selves.
The quote is attributed to a little girl, which I suppose is as good a source as any:
"The purpose of life is to learn to love everybody and be happy, right? Dogs already know how to do that, so they don't need as long".
This is the purest wisdom we are capable of. No surprise it came from a child. Thanks for sharing
This was tremendously beautiful.
Thank you Alex, I'm stoked you enjoyed it.
Eccellent! I too , am a Dogo- phile to the bone! Many days my faithful hound is the ONLY company I keep, and I wonder how many folks have heard our conversations while thinking: "Man that guy is really out there!
I wonder that myself when people overhear my intense conversations with Carson, and then me replying for Carson as well. It is worth it...
Perfectly distilled. Thank you - I needed to read that!
You are most welcome, Jennifer. Thank you for reading.
As is your wont,a simple observation is filled with deep truths. This dog and my 'letting go of all I don't control' take us back to the foundations of small clan life. We are so fortunate to have coevolved with them. Thank you Sam!
That's it entirely. The dog and the dichotomy of control cut straight to our core. Thanks, Anthony.
Awe... years ago I would have told you that dogs are just dogs. Then I got one. Now, I try to be the person my dog thinks I am. At some point, I read something about just looking into your dog's eyes for 15 seconds calmly and silently instead of always ordering them around. I started doing it. "It calms the dog," they said. It calms this human, too. But the most interesting thing about this ongoing experiment is how much stronger our bond feels. My doggie "knows" better what I want, and I don't have to order her around anymore. She's not compliant. She's anticipating and responsive. I am grounded and present. I've learned that maintaining control frustrates the dog and me. I've learned to pay attention and trust the moment. The outcome is no anxiety and no bad behaviors from the doggie. Better quality of life, attitude, and mindset for the human.
This is absolute attunement, Valentina. Your point about being person your dog wants you to be—what a world it would be if we all lived up to our dogs desires.
Well, that actually made me emotional so something obviously landed. The fact you pinned that says much…at least to primitive me. Looking forward to seeing my 3 year old untampered Belgian Malinois girl when I get home. What a sweety. Absolutely friggin’ nuts… but undeniably adorable. I am passing her thanks in advance. Awesome stuff Sam.
lol… let’s go xo
Let's go with the Belgian Malinois girls!
Thank you, Kai. When I spend about three seconds with Carson, I feel the impulse to start writing. These little beasts are a gift.
Excellent simply excellent piece.
Thank you, Pat
The mark of a true philosopher: Seeing something so common and transforming it insightfully into something universal and ancient.
Magnificent, gentle piece. Thank you.
You are most welcome. Thank you for reading.