There is an ancient saying that is taught to every pup from its first days, and is handed down to each subsequent generation as a part of its cultural inheritance. Each dog, regardless of its breed, size, or position within the pack; is taught that one way or another, sooner or later, this way or that, every dog will have its day. This saying has such power and persistence that it has crossed over into the world of humans. When a human accomplishes something unexpected, achieves more than even he could hope for, and gets his 15 minutes of fame, it's common to hear people stop and remark; " every dog has its day!"
The average dog, at its best, has the mental capabilities of a human two year old. He believes what he is told, and as a child believes in Santa Claus, the young dog believes in his parent's promises. He accepts his place in the pack, and uses the talents he has been given, with the knowledge that one day he will be acknowledged. The elders of the pack see to it that each dog that does his part, and performs his duties in a diligent manner, will be King or Queen for a day. Their life story will be celebrated. Their integral role in supporting their family and their pack will be made known to all of their fellow dogs. They will lead the hunt on that celebrated day, and have first taste of the bounty. Dogs, with an instinctive wisdom, have found that this consideration for, and recognition of the role that each individual dog plays in the web of the pack's life and success, leads to a devotion and loyalty on the part of it's members that leads to a mutual benefit to both the dog and his group. Dominant dogs are willing to cede their authority on these special days, because they know that their own success and standing is dependent on the fealty of their fellow pack members. The wise dogs know that another dog's happiness doesn't need to threaten their own. For some exceptionally gifted dogs, almost every day is "their" day. They don't rub it in to the less successful dogs though. Dogs don't have great egos, as great egos require intelligence. We're not that brilliant.
Humans, it seems like to adopt dog ideas and expressions and apply them to their own lifestyle and give them their own cultural significance. "Every Dog Has Its Day" is an expression that is often used to pick people up when they're down. It suggests that, while life isn't fair; as some people are just born into positions of dominance, and talent is not equally distributed by nature, in the end there will be some sort of reward for those who have led a noble life, and have performed their duties with devotion and diligence. " Every Human Has Its Day" is not something you hear quite yet in polite society. In the competitive world of human relations, it's an idea that might never take hold. Kings and Queens don't willingly relinquish their authority, or bow down to the lower members of society. I guess the pack is a lot like a human family. It may be up to the heads of the family to make sure that their offspring grow up knowing that their work and their efforts are important. Dogs have found that giving every member a day, or many days, of dignity and recognition can lead to harmony in a simple dog's heart, and order in the pack.
We hope humans get their days in this life, or failing that, perhaps in the next.
Buffy
A Dog Who's Had Many Days
The average dog, at its best, has the mental capabilities of a human two year old. He believes what he is told, and as a child believes in Santa Claus, the young dog believes in his parent's promises. He accepts his place in the pack, and uses the talents he has been given, with the knowledge that one day he will be acknowledged. The elders of the pack see to it that each dog that does his part, and performs his duties in a diligent manner, will be King or Queen for a day. Their life story will be celebrated. Their integral role in supporting their family and their pack will be made known to all of their fellow dogs. They will lead the hunt on that celebrated day, and have first taste of the bounty. Dogs, with an instinctive wisdom, have found that this consideration for, and recognition of the role that each individual dog plays in the web of the pack's life and success, leads to a devotion and loyalty on the part of it's members that leads to a mutual benefit to both the dog and his group. Dominant dogs are willing to cede their authority on these special days, because they know that their own success and standing is dependent on the fealty of their fellow pack members. The wise dogs know that another dog's happiness doesn't need to threaten their own. For some exceptionally gifted dogs, almost every day is "their" day. They don't rub it in to the less successful dogs though. Dogs don't have great egos, as great egos require intelligence. We're not that brilliant.
Humans, it seems like to adopt dog ideas and expressions and apply them to their own lifestyle and give them their own cultural significance. "Every Dog Has Its Day" is an expression that is often used to pick people up when they're down. It suggests that, while life isn't fair; as some people are just born into positions of dominance, and talent is not equally distributed by nature, in the end there will be some sort of reward for those who have led a noble life, and have performed their duties with devotion and diligence. " Every Human Has Its Day" is not something you hear quite yet in polite society. In the competitive world of human relations, it's an idea that might never take hold. Kings and Queens don't willingly relinquish their authority, or bow down to the lower members of society. I guess the pack is a lot like a human family. It may be up to the heads of the family to make sure that their offspring grow up knowing that their work and their efforts are important. Dogs have found that giving every member a day, or many days, of dignity and recognition can lead to harmony in a simple dog's heart, and order in the pack.
We hope humans get their days in this life, or failing that, perhaps in the next.
Buffy
A Dog Who's Had Many Days
Buffy- Having One of Her Days
Westminster Dog Day
RSS Feed