Tom looked into his gently blinking eyes and instantly named him. That first night, Willie slept for a dozen uninterrupted hours, on his back in his brand new puppy bed. The love affair between spouse and
Shih Tzu took some time to develop. Tom hadn’t lived with a dog before and he was somewhat slow to succumb to Willie’s considerable charms. But once he opened himself to the experience and began bonding with play time, snuggle time, and bath time, there was no denying it: my place as most loved member of his family was being challenged. And with valid his- torical and scientific reason. Wolves, from whom dogs descend-
ed, are believed to have first turned to humans for food and shelter, while humans welcomed the wolves’ protec- tion, hunting prowess, and eventually, their warmth, affection, and empathy. Dogs can “read” their humans in extraor- dinary ways: a simple movement of the body or even the eyes can speak volumes to your canine companion about your intentions. Your dog very likely can understand and even share your emo- tions. Dogs and humans have the same brain structure, including the amygdala, which is linked to emotional and psycho- logical states. Dogs and humans also share many of the same hormones. Furthermore, a recent study suggests that several sets of genes in humans and dogs evolved along the same timeline, likely as a result of living together. There are reasons other than scien-
tific for the profound love between man and dog too, of course. I, along with most humans, absolutely refuse to run to the door every time my husband comes home (whether he’s been gone five days or five minutes), wiggling my fanny like a feather in the wind. I decline to lie on the floor at his feet, gazing up at his face with naked love in my eyes. I will not pant in anticipation of a leisurely walk in the evening. But I will (and do) work on manag-
ing my envy. After all, I gave Willie as a gift and thus am happy to accept the shar- ing of affections. Besides: I am madly in love with Willie too. U
Y
Visit Hillsborough County Animal Services. 440 N. Falkenburg Road, Tampa. 813.744.5660.
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