After all, what is the role of pets?
To understand the significance of pets in modern society, we need to travel back in time. Paleontological evidence suggests that the first animal to be domesticated was the primitive wolf. On the evolutionary tree, it split into the wild species known to this day and dogs. Nowadays, dogs inhabit many human homes and are considered family members on most continents of the world. Incredibly, they are considered a delicacy in some countries, especially in Asia. Meanwhile, some say that cats have not yet been completely domesticated. Perhaps that’s why many consider them to have seven lives. One life for every attempt at affection (lol). But anyone who has a cat knows that they are very affectionate and demanding of our commitment.
How were dogs domesticated?
There are various theories about how dogs were domesticated. But I’ll share mine with you, based on science and my observations. Primitive wolves approached human family groups before they even knew what it was like to grow vegetables, i.e. to stay in one place. Once these wolves became tame, human displacement strategies changed. The wolves protected children and the elderly from predators and warded off any threat. So, this enormous brain of ours decided to think “if we don’t need to go out looking for food, we can grow it nearby”. That’s when agriculture and the raising of animals for slaughter came into being. But, of course, the protective wolves were left off our menu, at least the friendly ones, remember that even today dogs are eaten all over the world? Not least because, since domestication, wolves have become tame dogs that now roam the streets in adapted “baby” bags and baby carriages.
How were cats domesticated?
Just like wolves, feral cats see an advantage in being close to humans. By then we had already created societies and mastered agriculture and grain storage technology. As a result, we attracted an animal species that still gives us the creeps, but which, after cockroaches, will be the only survivors of any human catastrophe: rats. As the small wild cats were excellent hunters, they saw an excellent opportunity to catch their main prey near the silos. At the same time, they began to live with the human beings who were there, and a relationship of trust began that still has to be renewed every generation. For this reason, many classify them as semi-domesticated animals. Because it only takes one generation without human contact for them to become wild again, unlike dogs which need three to four generations. So if a cat wants to be close to you, it’s because you’re a member of its family and not the other way around. The proof is in the little presents he brings us (mice, frogs, cockroaches, lizards…)
Family members and they abandon them anyway?
Although some people treat their pets like human beings, often when there is a problem they see them as objects and abandon them. Even though it’s a heavy statement, unfortunately reality shows us that. The majority of homeless dogs and cats are abandoned and not born in the street.
ua. Mostly dogs, cats manage better in one generation, as already mentioned.
Abandoning and adopting in Brazil are situations that we can classify as drying ice. The reasons for abandonment are diverse, economic, risk to life… and the main one, lack of sense. The latter is present in many people who acquire a pet, have no idea of the responsibility and time needed to provide for the well-being of animals and, when they become a nuisance, throw them in the gutter.
So don’t buy dogs from unaccredited breeders. Adopt!!! A pet is neither an object nor a share capital.
