The bones of a woman and her dog highlight how two packs from two different
species slowly became one community.
In a 12,000-year-old burial pit, the skeleton of a woman lies in a fetal position, with her hand cradling the head of a puppy in a gesture of affection. At a time when humans made simple stone tools and lived in semi-permanent dugout homes with stone walls and thatched roofs, this woman was demonstrating that the domesticated canine was already part of our story.
This is Eynan, the site of a village from the “Natufian” culture, among the first permanently settled villages in human history. By the shores of the Huleh Lake, about 16 miles north of the Sea of Galilee, lived a hunter-gather community of a few dozen souls, who discovered that settling in one place with access to water, game and wild grains was a wise idea, and thus was born a concept we take for granted: the village. A permanent settlement requires a place to bury the dead, and there are indeed many graves in Eynan. Most were found in family groupings, some interred inside their own homes and often with valuable decorative objects and ceremonial jewelry. But only one was buried with her puppy.
How did this even happen? How did dogs become part of the primitive Natufian village? One theory is that dogs (originally wolves) developed a taste for human leftovers. Dogs can crush animal bones with their strong jaws: humans cannot. Thus the dogs began to linger near human groupings, and as time went on the species began to accept each other as non-threatening neighbors. Ultimately, the dogs, pack animals by nature, began to perceive the humans as an extension of their pack. The humans benefited from the dogs as a security system. When the dogs defended their food source from other carnivores, or even other humans, they were essentially defending the village. The idea of “pets” is a modern one; what we are looking at here is two packs from two separate species slowly becoming one community.
One can only speculate about the relationship between the woman and her little dog. Was she buried with the dog for her protection in the afterlife? Or perhaps the reverse? Or were they companions, so attached to each other in life that it was fitting to continue the connection in the beyond?
And, apparently, for at least 12,000 years, we have had a weakness for puppies. Of course it might be that we enjoy hanging out with canines not because it is part of our nature, but rather it has become part of our nature because they have been around us for so long. Do we like puppies because they are objectively cute? Or does the human concept of “cute” include dogs because we have come to rely on them to bark when enemies approach?
Today’s humans have found new ways, some inspiring, some perverse, of taking advantage of this affinity. We use dogs and their incredible sense of smell to sniff out bombs, drug smugglers and tumors. We use dogs to guide the blind and comfort trauma victims. And of course, they are in the movies, in comic strips and on lunch boxes. But somehow, it seems the unique bond between humans and “man’s best friend” is still best represented by that eternal coupling preserved in the fossil of the prehistoric Natufian and her puppy: a succinct portrayal of affection as well as a mutually beneficial survival mechanism. Perhaps this is the very essence of friendship.
1 – Unconditional Love
In recent studies, scientists have shown that when a dog and its owner look directly into the eyes, oxytocin is produced, the same hormone that is released when a mother sees her child. Even if the dogs enjoy our attention, love, caresses, games, dedication and time; they don’t need it to give us their unconditional love, fidelity, protection and company.
2 – They make everyone happy.
See that look and feel his joy at seeing us doesn't make you feel happy? Scientific studies have shown that the presence and companionship of a dog helps us to relax and fight stress. Living with this type of pets has emotionally positive effects not only on depressive people but also on anyone who has a dog as part of their family.
3 – Guaranteed Protection
Give my life for you, is a phrase that applies very well to dogs. These animals manifest their love in many ways and one of them is to protect us. Not only human beings are able to protect their loved ones, also our pets will do whatever it takes to keep us safe from dangerous situations, even if that means giving their lives in return.
4 – They makes you responsible.
Bathe them, take them out for a walk, feed them, take them to the vet, play with them and educate them are just some of the activities we must do with our dog. Our mascot will not only give us moments of fun and love, but also will teach both adults and children to fulfill the responsibilities that a dog demands. Think about it, you will not regret it.
5 – He will be always by your side.
Did you know someone incapable of betraying you? Well, that one is your dog! Fidelity is perhaps the word that best defines him. In our life, many things may fail us, some people may betray us, but ours dog will never abandon us. They love will you no matter what, but that doesn’t mean you should mistreat them. Treat them with love!
6 – They keeps us healthy.
It can sometimes rain or be cold and we do not feel like walking, but thanks to our dog we can have a less sedentary and healthier life. Exercise and daily walks in the company of our pet have shown that it improves our heart health and prevents blood pressure problems.
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