>>frankly speaking, I find this sort of thought pattern in a human a bit bizarre. None of the people I know refer to their pack. <<
It’s the way dogs think, not humans.
>>Why is it so important to have a dog?<<
Because they are loyal and will listen to a child, love them and protect them when they are feeling that the world is against them. It teaches responsibility and compassion.
Hamsters don’t do that.
This one sure listened, loved and protected the child didn't it? I kind of thought that PARENTS were supposed to do this. What you're saying is that dogs fill some sort of emotional want rather than any rational justification.
And that is the simple key to successful dog ownership.
Being the supposed "higher beings" it falls upon us to learn their language and ways since they are not completely capable of learning ours, no matter how well they may mimic them or how smart the dog may seem.
All good dogs owners must understand fully the ways of dogs.
Anything less may result in disaster.
I grieve for all involved but understanding the ways of dogs, I would have *never* allowed my dogs to be part of a noisy celebration filled with 'strangers' and squealing children.
My dogs adore children [especially the Dobermann] *but* everything that children do, by nature; their squeals, fast movements, seemingly erratic play behavior excites dogs...sometimes in an a very negative, horribly tragic way.
This was avoidable.
The owners should have known better.