In “Science NOW Daily News,” December 8, an experiment revealed to researchers that domestic dogs, as well as primates, are aware of unfairness. The dogs understood when they both shook paws with their trainer, and only one received a treat, that this was unjust. The unrewarded dog refused to participate in further paw shaking. He was not a happy camper.
To those of us who have been blessed by growing up with pets, what’s startling is that researchers didn’t already know this. When it comes to food, a horse, for example, is not quiet or patient if his buddy gets a scoop of grain, and he doesn’t. Likewise with multiple dogs and cats, you need to feed them at the same time to keep the peace.
Yes, if you have a city dog, you have to walk it; yes, if you have a city cat, you need to clean a litter box. But you are rewarded with basic lessons in common sense, friendship and affection from a creature who doesn’t speak in our words. As you learn to read an animal’s body language, you can relate to him/her on several levels: basic needs, affection, games.
Where is God in all this? I believe God gives us creatures to help us learn compassion and responsibility, and especially to improve our sense of humor.
Here’s a sweet video – one of a series of Nora, who enjoys accompanying kids taking their piano lessons.
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