In the Name of Liberty and Freedom

FTLComm - Tisdale - August 21, 1999

Thursday evening around 8:00 this rebel set out on his quest for freedom. We spotted him heading past Chicken Delight North on Main Street with about thirty feet of rope and chain dragging along behind him. We were not the only folks to see him go by and a man set out after him and was able to catch the well mannered and friendly part husky. No one seemed to know where he came from and we took this picture of him at Fast Gas. The dog welcomed all attention and was quite content to once again with humans. There is a good chance that this dog was not so much running away as just looking for some friends as he may have been alone in some yard tied up while his folks are away on vacation. Last year a California anthropologist published a book on the nature of dog and human relationships which he believes goes back to the dawn of time. His theory is that dogs have excellent senses and superior hunting skills when compared to humans but share with humans a similar social order and are remarkably intelligent. The scientist suggested that a symbiotic relationship developed between dogs (wolves) and humans for each of their mutual benefit. Humans could utilise the hunting abilities of the canine and they in turn could benefit with living with humans who would provide them with care and companionship. Since the social order of things was so similar both species have over time become knitted together and the "man's best friend" slogan may be an actuality. This example certain displayed acceptance of us strangers because of his simply trust in humans as a species. This struck me the other day when I encountered the couple with their great looking Dalmatians and those animals were so pleasant and friendly. The acceptance and trust that dogs exhibit might be something humans could learn from because rarely do we meet new people who treat us as nice as most dogs.