“Until one has loved an animal
a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
Anatole France
Courtesy of GeoBeats Animals:
After many studies it has become accepted as an indisputable fact that people with higher levels of the bonding hormone, oxytocin, have a much lower level of the stress hormone, cortisol. As stress is a killer, it means that a more peaceful life is more likely to be a longer life. People who choose to adopt an animal companion as a family member, have the bonding hormone more in evidence than those who are indifferent to creatures that are not of human kind. Putting aside the statistics indicating what kind of people choose certain types of pets, it is agreed that animals bring out in us the need to protect and look after more vulnerable creatures, in the same way as we would look after young children. The rewards to us are many.
Courtesy of Pet Tales:
“Wild Swans Suite: II. Eliza Aria”, by Elena Kats-Chernin, performed by Daniel Hope and Jacques Ammon (courtesy of Fabio Scarsi):
Thousands of years ago, dogs were enticed to help the first human tribes with hunting by being offered a warm, dry place in front of the cave fire, and regular meals of bits of meat left over from caught prey. Ancient shepherds used dogs to help with managing large flocks of sheep. I was astonished to see in paintings of ancient Egypt the barges of geese hunters, expertly assisted by their cats, obviously used to working on the decks, and seemingly not bothered by being on the large river Nile, although the barges were mainly close to the shore and among the reefs, the hiding place of the birds. It is obvious that the cats were used to flush out the roosting birds to help the fowler. The great grain stores of Egypt were also kept safe by cats from invasion by rodents. For 10,000 years Egyptian cats were worshipped and protected to an unprecedented degree – there was the death penalty for killing a cat, even if it was by accident. The Egyptian cats were descendants of the African wild cat.
“Long Ago” by Michael Hoppé (courtesy of Miguel Angleu):
Although in Europe in the Dark Ages, at a time of witch hunts, cats became a symbol of devil worship, and were often killed with the accused ‘witches’. From the 19th century onwards, things improved, both for cats and their female owners. Today, cats are adored and mostly pampered members of the human family. There are others that are still working cats on farms, ships, and even one at No 10 Downing Street, obviously protecting the residing Prime Minister. This one called Larry was brought to No 10 by PM David Cameron for his children. Cameron resigned in 2016 and a number of successors replaced him, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and now PM Keir Starmer is residing in No 10. It means that Larry is getting old, and although he is fine at the moment, the BBC have been preparing a special announcement in case Larry passes away. It is lovely to see the government official stroking Larry when they arrive in the morning.
Courtesy of The Independent:
“Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major, K. 331 III. Alla Turca. Allegretto” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, performed by Yeol Eum Son:
There are also working dogs that help the blind and the disabled to be independent, and these are much valued and loved. Dogs have an important role in assisting and protecting police officers, and detecting drugs. Dogs in the army are trained to detect explosives of all kinds. Mountain rescues rely on dogs to find people buried under an avalanche of snow.
Much has been written lately about the almost miraculous improvement in the wellbeing of autistic children when introduced to their own pet, a dog, cat or even a horse. Similarly, dementia patients and old people living in care homes but lacking social support, become more lively, talkative and laughing when able to stroke a friendly dog or cat, whether visiting or residential. Animal friendship is uniquely valuable to us as they are honest, genuine and affectionate; their antics also make us laugh. A wonderful combination.
Courtesy of The Dodo:
My daughter, Samantha, is passionate about helping animals, and when she heard that an old man in his nineties had to go to a nursing home but had a little dog Poppie that he could not take with him, she stepped in and took Poppie home. The dog had experienced a difficult start in life as the old man didn’t take him for walks, gave him the cheapest dry food, put him in a cage when carers visited, and he lived in a smoke-filled room as the man smoked. In his new home, Poppie was fed the best dog food, taken on long walks, and in no time bonded with Sam and her family. He adores Sam and loves everyone in the family. The pleasure they all have from their companionship is priceless.
Recently, my Indian friend, Prafulla wrote about the beautiful Pola festival on 2 September, dedicated to farm animals like bulls, taking place in parts of India. The festival, observed by Marathi people where farmers celebrate with their bulls and oxen, is different from similarly named festivals in other parts of India and is devoted to the goddess Kali. On that day the bulls are not working but decorated are taking part in the celebrations in the villages. They are spoiled and acknowledged as an important part of farmers’ success.
Courtesy of Kartik Dahiphale:
As we grow more and more distant from the natural world, and there is a significant increase in levels of depression, anxiety and loneliness, we can improve our wellbeing by adopting an animal that needs a home. A dog will make a good daily walking companion, and it will introduce us to other dog walkers. Having a purring cat on our lap will make us relaxed and almost purring contentedly ourselves, our worries forgotten, even if only for a short time. Our pets are greatly beneficial to our physical and psychological health and we should value their companionship and social support.
Courtesy of CubeHub01:
naturetails 
You not only talk the talk, you also walk the walk. Your head and heart are both very involved with the care and appreciation of animals, Joanna.
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Thank you so much, dear Pat, for lifting my spirits! But you missed, I think, the story at the very beginning about Cash, the little black baby donkey! He is adorable and you have to see him, please!
Joanna x
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PS. I am for a redon, dear Pat, what is better for us all the crazy love friendships with animals or the horror of the daily news, including
The shooting in Giorgia?!
Joanna x
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There was a Buddy post today called Cockelburro adornments. I think you missed it. Will go back and look at your cute little donkey.
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I did miss it, apologies! I will read it tomorrow. I was a whole day logged out of my laptop on Wednesday, very upsetting!
Joanna x
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Cash is adorable know, but once he gets about 1 year (Donkey adolescence), he’ll not be as cute. I’ve seen two of Buddy’s sons get that age and I think that nobody is unhappy by the time they get sold. The shooting in GA was terrible. I am glad they charges the father with providing his troubled 13 year old son with an assault style weapon. What are these parents thinking??!!
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I hope this idiot of a father rots in prison for the four dead people!
I typed wrongly, it should be for a reason!
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What a lovely segue by Anatole France to your story. So accurate Joanna. I love your passion for animals and was delighted to read that your daughter Samantha shares your passion. You have a big heart! 💖
I enjoyed reading about the Pola festival. I never heard of it so thank you for introducing this event to us. I also love the video too. It’s so heartwarming to see the loving exchange between animals and humans. It is simply a testament of the benefits of having an animal as a companion regardless of what that animal may be. Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful message Joanna! 🐕🐒🦌🐂🐄🐘🐇
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i loved your sharing❤️🙏🏼thank you so much🌞🌳
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Thank you so mu dear Kym, for your heartwarming comments! I am so happy that you like the post and the message! Much appreciated! Thank you!
Joanna
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Thank you, dear Joy, for your lovely comments! Much appreciated!
Joanna
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You may enjoy this short article about the domestication of dogs. Among other things, the article says domestication may have happened twice, and started much farther back than previously believed: a whopping 130,000 years ago.
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Some of my best friends in life have had four legs, and two of them sleep with us every night!
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You are so very welcome my dear Joanna. You can tell the love and dedication you put into your passion and this message. We appreciate it my friend. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! 😁💖😊
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This is yet another example of your posts about how important animals are to us human beings. I feel better just by reading it. We’ve had some heavy rain recently and the garden has become a sluggery, but I look at them diffently now after your recent post. As for this one Joanna, the star of the show just has to be Poppie.
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Thank you, dear Malc, for your wonderfully beautiful comments! Every word you wrote is a delight, especially your praise for dearest Poppie! You lifted my spirits, as you always do! Thank you!
Joanna x
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Thank you, dear Kym, for your kindness!
Joanna x
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And you do the same every Saturday morning Joanna x
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You are adorable, Malc! Thank you!
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🙏
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How lovely to read this fascinating pos. Once more it shows your deep commitment to caring for and appreciating animals, dear Joanna.
As always I loved your sharing and I thank you so much🌞
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Thank you so much, dear Luisa, for your wonderful comments! Your kind words are greatly appreciated!
Joanna x
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TRUE!
Joanna x
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It’s always a pleasure to read your fabulous post, dear Joanna 💗
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Thank you!!
Joanna xx
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A great post about the history of humans and animals. I have often said, you can tell a lot about a human, from how they treat or mistreat animals. I recall having many pets as I grew up. Now, I am without a pet, but enjoy watching birds and animals wherever I go. Yesterday, we were enthralled by the interaction of red squirrels, blue jays and crows in my oak tree, feasting on the acorns. Happy Saturday Joanna. Allan
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Thank you, Allan, for your wonderful comments! You are right, often serial killers of people were in childhood killing animals! One of the great thinkers wrote that you can judge how civilized a country is by the way the people there treat animals. Thank you again, Allan, for your thoughts, all greatly appreciated.
Joanna
PS. I thought you had a little dog.
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Benji the Wonder Dog is our son’s dog. He lives in Vancouver and we will soon be dog sitting him again.
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Thank you, I got it wrong, but with all your traveling a pet would be a problem! Wildlife in your beautiful garden is a wonderful substitute!
Joanna
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Thank you Joanna for all these wonderful stories and the lovely music. I have a bookshelf full of animal stories, many of them quite extraordinary. There is so much to be learned from animals and so much to be gained from interacting with them. Anatole France was right! How lucky that little dog was to be adopted by your daughter.
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Thank you, dear Carolyn, for your beautiful comments! I knew you would like this post because you value the companionship of your cats. Samantha would say that she is the lucky one as his love gives her so much happiness. I certainly greatly benefited from my friendships with all animals, even with the frog who carried his gratitude for being helped to an amazing level. I not only learned but was enriched by their love.
Joanna x
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Thank you, Steve, for adding to my post, greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you, Joanna, for choosing such an intriguing topic for today’s post. It’s clear that pets serve as great stress relievers for their owners. We’re already aware of the positive effects of therapies like cow cuddling. You’ve rightly pointed out that pets can also work wonders for children with autism and patients with dementia.
I’m fascinated to learn that Egyptian cats were once worshipped and that there was even a death penalty for killing one. Egyptian culture shares similarities with Indian culture, where animals like cows are revered.
The story of Larry at the Prime Minister’s residence is captivating, as are stories of working cats. It reminds me of a video I saw where cats in Israel were checking tickets. It’s also worth noting that dogs working in the army and police are given ranks, which is equally fascinating.
You rightly mentioned Pola, a festival I have personally witnessed. Bail Pola, celebrated by farmers in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, is a thanksgiving event that honours the vital role of bulls and oxen in agriculture.
In recent years, advancements in animal communication, partly fueled by AI, have surged. Who knows—AI might one day develop a way to translate animal language for humans to understand.
Your daughter Samantha’s dedication to helping animals is truly heartwarming. The “Pet Tales” video was so touching, I was mesmerised by the bond between the cat and its owner. Thank you, Joanna, for sharing yet another captivating post this evening.
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Thank you so much, Kaushal, for your wonderfully analytical comments! I wrote this post because I learned so much from my friendship with many animals, including one frog! When I watch daily news with all the violence and horror such as the shooting of four young people in Georgia, my thoughts are, give me animals any time! Thank you again, Kaushal, your time and thoughts are deeply appreciated!
Joanna
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It’s always a pleasure to read your posts, though with delay. You’re welcome, Joanna. I think, shooting in US is nothing new. The gun culture there has seen more than 385 cases of mass shootings.
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Precious videos, Joanna and recognition of special bonds. I’ve got a young stray cat that showed up recently. If it is still around next week, I will look at taking into to see if it is chipped, then go from there… Thank you for your rich and thoughtful shares. ✨
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Thank you, Michele, for your wonderful comments! Take the cat in, with winter coming soon, he would need a good, safe home. You could call him “IT”.. Thank you for your time, Michele!
Joanna x
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PS. I pressed the wrong button! It should be “ET”!
Joanna x
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You’re welcome and a great point! I see your other comment and E.T. seems a perfect fit, especially after he/she completely spooked me late last night. 👍🏻
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Thank you, Michele! You are great!
Joanna x
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Johanna,
As you know the Jack Russell Terrier we resecured 5 years ago has been a blessing to our household. Unlike most JRT’s he is unusually calm and I have wondered if that is due to our oxytocin saturated home of seniors (my wife, me and the national park ranger who shares our home). Piper loves to relax on our laps at home and he still walks the park trails with me greeting both human and canine visitors.
This is for your ornithology leaning readers: When I listened to “Wild Swans Suite: II. Eliza Aria”, by Elena Kats-Chernin, performed by Daniel Hope and Jacques Ammon (courtesy of Fabio Scarsi) and watched the accompanying video I was a bit startled. The birds flying so gracefully look like Whooping Cranes to me. I am wondering who paired the soundtrack with the video or perhaps they are a very unusual looking swan.
Thanks for another great post!
Stewart
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So true. I loved the two cats I had as much as any other member of my family. I hope Larry the cat loves a very long life. My first cat lived into his twenties. Great post!
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Thank you, Diana, for your lovely comments! Your kind words and time are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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That quote from Anatole France has always been one of my favourites. It is so true and one can never explain it to someone who has not had the opportunity to love an animal. On one point, though, I’m not so sure – that they reduce stress. Often they add to your stress, particularly when they are ill or when they pass away. I agree that the love we feel and receive makes it worthwhile, but there is so much heartbreak as well.
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Such an incredible article you have written, your compassion about animals and importance of their companionship, is truly amazing. The information about kids and animal bonding is beautifully penned…..Thanks for mention of my name in your blog….Also,Thanks for a wonderful post.
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Thank you so much, dear Prafulla, for your wonderful comments! Your kind words lifted my spirits! There is so much violence in the daily news that my friendship with animals is a powerful antidote to stress. Thank you for letting me use your beautiful story of the farmers celebrating their festival with the farm animals. Thank you again, Prafulla for your time and thoughts, all deeply appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you so much, Harini, for your beautiful comments! Yes, you are right, but as the famous quote from a doctor says: “Griff is the price we pay for love”, and so it is worth it as our life span is so different from ours. Thank you again, Harini, for your thoughts and time, all much appreciated!
Joanna
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Your welcome 🙏
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You’re so very welcome my dear Joanna! Cheers my friend. 🥰💖🥂
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You’re so right, Joanna, animals are the best ❤️ They bring so much happiness and comfort to our lives. Thanks for sharing all the feels and reminding us how much our pets mean to us.
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