I'm a big fan of Harry Bliss...
Posted on 05/16/2009 4:22:51 PM PDT by JoeProBono
For centuries, humans have imagined they are the only animals with morals. But humans are not alone in the moral arena, a new breed of behavior experts says. Natural historian Jake Page said some scientists are acknowledging what pet owners have told their canines all along: "Good dog."
Dogs are full of natural goodness and have rich emotional lives, said animal behaviorist Marc Bekoff, professor emeritus at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
A dog's code of ethics is on display daily in parks, backyards and family rooms. "We're not trying to elevate animals," Bekoff said. "We're not trying to reduce humans. We're not saying we're better or worse or the same. We're saying we're not alone in having a nuanced moral system." Page, author of "Do Dogs Smile?," said biology no longer dismisses dogs and other animals as "furry automatons" driven by instinct and food. "People like Bekoff have figured out how to measure these things," Page said. "It's a whole new ballgame for studying dog personalities and emotions." Bekoff, co-author of "Wild Justice: The Moral Lives of Animals," spent thousands of hours observing coyotes, wolves and dogs. He analyzed videotapes frame by frame. The work convinced him these animals possess empathy and compassion, the emotions upon which moral sense is built. While much the same can be said of monkeys, wolves, elephants, dolphins, whales and other social animals, dogs are special cases; they share in human lives, he said. "Dogs know they are dependent. They learn to read us," Bekoff said.
"Dogs develop this great sense of trust. We're tightly linked, and there is something spiritual about that unity."
(Excerpt) Read more at seattletimes.nwsource.com ...
LOL! Count on it.
The clamor and chatter when I get home from work and the four of them (2 dogs, 2 cats) know that ‘Mommy, Giver of All Foodstuffs’ is home from ‘The Pet Food Mine’ (where they think I work), is deafening. ;)
I'm a big fan of Harry Bliss...
Spirits and souls.
Not the same thing.
See? See? Told ya, LOL!
My very young labrador (22 months) was just diagnosed with a soft cell sarcoma and started radiation treatments at Tufts last week. She used to be so happy and full of life but since her surgery and now radiation treatments have started she is sad and sleeps most of the time.
Of course dogs have feelings...they know unconditional love, joy, fun and sadness....even pain.....
I wish more people knew as much as dogs do.
I would want all of my dogs I have had through the years with me (with one possible exception) Also want my goats..I have observed my flock up close and personal for 7 years....sitting in the barn with them and watching their interaction in pasture...I would even talk to them about Jesus...I have seen just about every emotion that humans have coming from my flock..even resentment, but never hate..That was many years ago..
Maybe their spirit is an extension of our soul.
ROBOTS GOT SOULS!
Dogs have souls, yes, it’s modern women - you know the kind: dressed all in black, tattooes, toe rings, cell phones, lattes, Facebook, Twitter - who don’t!
Well, you’re proof of that, Laz, LOL! :)
Reads as if you might benefit from observing your creatures more closely.
A good book on the subject was called, “Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates” Although I would not agree with 100% of the liberties he takes with this book, I would agree with him that our beloved pets were chosen for us, and God is powerful enough and loving enough to give them to us again in Heaven.
The death of your beloved pet can be one of the most heartbreaking losses you’ll ever endure. But recovery isn’t only about closure. You also want to know where your best friend has gone.
After the intense, unexpected grief he experienced following the loss of his own companions, animal lover and biblical scholar Gary Kurz set out to prove that there are indeed pets in Paradise. After devoting countless hours of research, he now shares his inspiring insights to bring you a richer understanding of animals and their souls. You’ll finally find answers to common questions about animals and the afterlife—and you’ll also get a 30-day devotional to help you work through your grief.
If you’ve ever loved and lost a pet, or if you know someone who has shared a special bond with a furry face and a cold, wet nose, you’ll welcome this amazing book’s reassurance that love and loyalty are truly eternal, and that someday, you and your pets will be together again.
Gary Kurz is a retired Coast Guard officer who served his country faithfully and honorably for over 30 years. He and his wife have a love for animals and a concern for others who share their love. He lives in Manhattan, Kansas, near Kansas City. Visit his website at www.coldnosesbook.com.
Huh? Because I don’t believe animals have souls, I’m not ‘observing them closely enough?’
Follow me around the farm for a day. I’ll show you how ‘up close and personal’ I am with every living thing here.
But souls? Nope.
Without said gift, we'd have died off loooong ago.
Without said gift, we'd have died off loooong ago.
Dogs have souls. Period.
If dogs do not have souls, neither do humans. Period.
They connect, certainly.
But the soul of a human is something quite different from an animal spirit.
God created us in his image. We are his children. All creation is from God. Not the same level.
That being said there are plenty of dogs I have known worth far more than many people I have met.
But this is theology we are talking about.
“Anyone who has loved a dog and received their affection and trust in return knows intrinsically that their is something behind their eyes more than simple instinct.”
I’ve had that.
I’ve also come up against a wild dog that wasn’t so nice.
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