Most people acquainted with me know that I’m an animal lover. And that love goes beyond dogs and cats and, of course, horses. Besides fish and hamsters and even a hermit crab once, my many pets over the years have included chickens, ducks, bunnies, goats, calves, and a pot-bellied pig.
But dogs still remain my number one, and the only time I was without a dog sharing my home was when I was away at college. Most of my canine companions were typical ranch dogs. Border collies (too many to count), Australian Cattle dogs (too many to count), and sporting breeds like retrievers and spaniels. Now, I know that we’ve talked about pets in the old west before here at P&P, but I’m going to focus just on dogs and go a little further back in time. Specifically, to the beginning.
I’ve heard that early humans and dogs first bonded sometime during the Palaeolithic or, as it’s more commonly called, the stone age. As both humans and dogs were hunters, perhaps somewhere along the way, they realized if they teamed up, they might enjoy more success in bringing down prey. And then affection grew. I mean, stone age puppies were probably pretty cute, right?
I also imagine as mankind developed, moving away from hunting and gathering and toward agriculture (raising crops and domesticated animals), the jobs of their dog companions changed accordingly. Humans used dogs’ natural instincts to guard and protect their crops and livestock from the threat of predators. Those dogs showing superior intelligence and a tendency to herd were trained to assist modern farmers with controlling and relocating their cattle, sheep, and goats. In the United States, as people moved westward in the 18th and 19th centuries, they took their four-legged companions with them and before long, dogs were mainstays on ranches, farms, and cattle drives.
I suspect the lives of dogs in the old west weren’t easy. No prepackaged, nutrition rich kibble from a bag or hearty stew from a can. No regular veterinarian care and vaccines against rabies. No comfy raised pet beds or special shoes to protect their feet from the rough ground. Old west dogs likely had to sleep outside regardless of the weather and eat scraps—if they were lucky.
But it seems from old pictures and written accounts that dogs were valued and loved as much back then as they are today. I’m pretty sure if I lived during the old west, I’d have owned a dog just like today. And I probably would have had my picture taken with them, too.
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Cathy McDavid has been penning Westerns for Harlequin since 2005. With over 55 titles in print and 1.6 million-plus books sold, Cathy is also a member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll. This “almost” Arizona native and mother of grown twins is married to her own real-life sweetheart. After leaving the corporate world seven years ago, she now spends her days penning stories about good looking cowboys riding the range, busting broncs, and sweeping gals off their feet — oops, no. Make that winning the hearts of feisty, independent women who give the cowboys a run for their money. It a tough job, but she’s willing to make the sacrifice.
We too have had dogs always except during military days, but we have always had cats even in the military days. Sometimes we had more animals living in the house than people.(rabbit, hamsters, turtle, cats, and dogs)
Morning, Karijean. I’m also guilty of having more pets than people in the house 🙂
I love dogs too. I don’t have any pets right now. But my grandkids have dogs and so I play with them.
It’s good that you still have the chance to get those pets in, Linda 🙂
I grew up with many dogs. And on the ranch they were not only pets but invaluable. Once mom had to get an Irish Setter. Sheri was so pretty and smart. She just fell into herding and protecting. Especially her five human children. She took us up to the bus stop and picked us up to take us home later in the day. We all loved all of our animals. It really taught us how to treat animals. Which was good because my three brothers could have been animal terrors. Respect and love is what we all learned from them. Thanks for your post today.
I agree with you, Lori, that having animals can teach us so much. I love Irish Setters, though you don’t see them as much today. Beautiful dogs.
I love dogs. They are so entertaining but great companions.
I completely agree, Barbara 🙂
I’d much rather have a cat than a dog, though I do NOT have either, as I don’t like cleaning out litter boxes and do NOT want a dog in the house! I’ve just had my thought of no dogs in the house confirmed big time this week as I’m dog sitting a friend’s dog at my house. I knew it would reinforce my though, and it for sure has! I do like dogs, just definitely don’t want one of my own, especially as neurotic as this dog is!
Oh, sorry your pet sitting isn’t going well 🙁 It’s true a bad experience can sour you.
Good morning, I think dogs are very loyal and they are great company. I think they understand us very well, especially our feelings. Some people say they are just animals, yes, but alot of times they care alot more than some people do. They are also protective. Growing up we had dogs so I grew up always having dogs, we had a cat or 2 and we also had chickens, a pig, a horse and we also had rabbits. I pretty much love all animals . I enjoyed reading this post Thank you so much. Have a great day and a great weekend.
I pretty much love all animals, too, Alicia. They are such good company 🙂
We have a Germain Shorthair dog named Katie. She is an awesome pheasant hunter. She is the best friend ever! Just love her!
I have thought about getting a GSP as I’ve heard so many great things about them. Plus, they are so handsome!
Due to allergies, I don’t have pets as an adult, but as a kid, my favorite were the dogs.
Allergies are so tough with pets. It must be hard for you 🙁
used to own dogs my last dog a Female Alaskan Malamute was a fantastic pet Shandar was her name but as she got older she got Cancer in her Leg/Thigh area and things went downhill from there
It’s hard to lose a beloved pet, Crystal. Especially a good one like your Shandar.
We are traveling and somehow my comment did not post last night. We have had a wide variety of pets and animals in our family. All of the ones you listed plus a few more like peacocks, ferrets, snakes, llamas, etc.
Of them all, the dogs are my favorite. We have had 15, not counting the puppy litters and other dogs we fostered and cared for for the local animal shelter. My favorite was Olivia, a black lab mix. She was a rescue as were all our animals. She was the sweetest dog and a wonderful companion. She adored my husband, as have all our dogs. She graced us with her presence for 15 years. It has been gone that long and I still miss her. If or when we get another dog, it will hopefully be another lab.
Hi Patricia. Labs are indeed wonderful dogs. Such great family additions. And how nice that you foster for the animal shelter 🙂