Science has named them Canis lupus familiaris; every other person calls them Man’s Best Friend.
The term “Man’s Best Friend” originated from a case the 1890 Missouri Supreme Court of Burden vs. Hornsby concerning a neighbor (Hornsby) killing “Old Drum” a Black and Tan Coonhound (owned by Burden). Attorney George Graham Vest, who represented Burden, used this phrase in his closing arguments: “The one absolute, unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world—the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous—is his dog.” Burden, of course, won his case, and Hornsby had to pay $50 to the plaintiff.
A Brief History of Dogs and Humans
The idea of “Man’s Best Friend” was a process long in the making. It’s fairly common knowledge that dogs were used as guards and companions in Egypt and can be traced to even farther back in history. And through our time on Earth, dogs have been herders, trackers, and hunters.
During the 16th Century, dogs started to be used to assist the seeing impaired. Fast forward to the 1970s, dogs expanded their service to help a wide variety of the disabled, including autistic children, and people who suffer from seizures and PTSD. Domesticated dogs are our protectors, helpers, lifesavers and, more importantly, companions.
The Emotional Bond
Petting a dog releases oxytocin, a chemical in your brain that makes you feel good. That chemical reaction has a lot to do with why we hold our pooches in such high regard these days. When you ask any canine owner if they consider their furry friend part of the family, the answer is often a resounding yes. Humans are social, and so are dogs. Dogs need affection and attention just as much as humans do.
The Health Effects
According to an article by an NBC affiliate in Chicago, pet owners tend to have slower heart rates, more relaxed muscles, and even get a better night’s sleep. A survey done in 2019 found that kids who have pets before the age of 13 are less likely to have schizophrenia.
Dogs can also set an example for humans who are now working remotely due to this pandemic. Dogs tend to be very structured creatures. They generally eat, sleep, and exercise around the same time every day. Their regular schedule can motivate at-home workers to keep their schedules somewhat structured.
Another benefit of Dogs is that they can mimic your emotions. When you’re happy, your dog wags his tail and wants to keep you happy. When you’re sad, your dog will give you the aptly-named puppy dog eyes. That kind of connection is so important when individuals and families are socially distancing.
In the end, we can all agree that dogs and humans need each other for both physical and emotional support. Our bond is one of the purest anyone can have.
