Dogs have become the staple in American culture as another puzzle piece to completing the American Dream. They have been portrayed as the comical oaf, brave hero and lovable companion in the media. The love of these pets has been around for centuries, and their popularity only seems to grow. They have more than proven themselves as useful and necessary parts of society. Is it time to jump on the dog loving bandwagon? Besides, what's a white picket fence if you don't have a dog behind it?
Since the ancient era, they have continued to come to the humans aid, helping them survive through harsh conditions and long journeys. Their likeness can be found in ancient cultures art and temples, furthering the proof that their importance is too much to go unnoticed.
The dog has had many roles to play throughout history, many of which have carried into modern society. They were kept with groups of people who migrated for a myriad of reasons. Their acute sense of hearing and smell allows them to be early detectors of any threat present. This is represented today for the common guard dog. As much of a pain it is to be woken up from a deep sleep to a canine's bark, it is easy to be thankful when they thwart a potential dangerous thief.
In the past, when blankets and warm clothing were hard to come by, dogs offered their warmth to comfort the humans. Today the same idea exists, as the dog and human live in a symbiotic relationship, snuggling in bed on cold nights to transfer warmth and comfort.
The dog has hunting in its blood. With their keen senses, they have assisted humans in tracking and hunting game to help the early civilizations survive. Today they are used for the sport of hunting and often bred to be such. The loyal companion can spot and recover most of what a hunter kills, giving the hunter a distinct advantage.
The dog is a big investment at first, but the payoffs in the long run greatly outweigh the costs. Since the beginning of the dogs existence, they have assisted human kind to grow and thrive, and all they ask for in the end is that love be returned.
