The goal of domestication over history is to make human lives better. Dogs, sheep, pigs, cows, horses and goats have proven their worth on many levels. This is not a disparaging judgment, because a single goat can sustain a poor family n Guatemala, for instance. Whether it be in the early days of hunting, or strides in agriculture or as a means of clothing, animals have been domesticated for a purpose. But not all animals. Why not? How do we know which wild animals can be human helpers?
Historically, the differentiation comes down to categories: source of food, labor(work), and companionship. (Caution: 'taming' a wild animal, if captured young, does not make an entire species domesticated) Regardless of the various reasons for domestication, the fortunate or unfortunate legacy of human exertion and power over animals should be examined on occasion. It needs a pause.
There have been benefits to human survival because of the talents and abilities of animals. We should stand in awe. Books have been numerous in the study of these wonderful contributions to our habitat; all interwoven into a delicate balance. There have also been failures in our understanding of the intrinsic value of animals that should not go yearning for our appreciation or care.
I'm sure we have had the experience of having a pet. When a child, my mom, would never cast away a stray cat who ended up on her doorstep. Dogs are the most common domesticated pet for the purpose of our pleasure and companionship. Dogs, as oppose to say foxes or wolves, are willing to recognize humans as their masters. They have a flexible social hierarchy. We enjoy such alpha affirmation.
Most people would be able to list the many traits of their dogs. Some might even say they're so smart. But remember, in general, domesticated species are often less mentally sharp than their wild counterparts. That doesn't diminish the unconditional love and acceptance we receive from our canine friends. Their loyalty is par none.
Cats are in an entire different world. Whereas dogs see themselves as part of the family, cats see themselves as housemates and you're just a larger form of a cat who happens to occupy the same space.
We, over the centuries, have largely domesticated cats to control vermin population but we also like them purring on our lap or just look pretty and be entertaining once in awhile. Cats are not "aloof" -they're just independent enough to not give a crap. They create their own timeline. The pesky feline, perhaps, makes us the domesticated ones. They let us think we glory in the fact that we possess them. So when they "knead" you, for their own comfort, don't let it go to your head that they "need" you. But that's what we can admire about cats.
When asked the question: 'What animal would you want to be for a week and why?' The answers were varied. (Check out KitsKorner-student blog on this site) A common thread I found, even through casual conversation with others on this topic, was selecting a certain animal because they wanted to 'know what and how they think.'
Yes, we appreciate what we can learn from animals and are fascinated with their uncanny abilities, but we would also just like to know what makes them tick. This is one of the basics questions of psychology. How or what does a dog think when it sees a human cry and then licks and nuzzles even a stranger trying to comfort... This desire to wonder what is in the mind of another is a foundational and profound element to all understanding: compassion and empathy.
Perhaps, pets and animals in general teach us to slow down and be more mindful of how we treat all living creatures in our world: to learn, share and value. We know the inspiration that not only animals bring to our lives but what our fellow humans can bring as well. On both planes, respect needs to be fostered, neglect needs to be stopped, and genuine concern and kindness needs to be garnered for all to survive.