Society has been defined as "population of people living in the same geographic area who share a common culture and a common identity and whose members fall under the same political authority" (Durkheim 51). However, it seems that this definition may actually be a little outdated. Many of the most helpful, trustworthy, loving members of societies within the
People tend to think that money will make you rich in all aspects of life. However, they forget to mention that animals/pets will make us happy in ways money can't. Dogs, cats, horses, monkeys, iguanas, and any other type of animal (as long as they appeal to you) will bring you enormous amounts of fulfillment, joy and laughter. The benefits are not just personal. Throughout history we have seen animals actively contribute to our society by use of their physical abilities to complete everyday tasks. There are certain things that cannot be accomplished without them; for example, certain means of transportation, protection, assisting disabled individuals, etc. Training animals for these much needed services can make one’s life much easier. Animals often work alongside their human partners. Their physical abilities surpass, in certain areas, those of humans making them very useful in the workplace. Many social institutions such as law enforcement would be at a great disadvantage without the aid of such four-legged friends. Animals, in turn, seem to enjoy their role and get a great sense of satisfaction from pleasing their owners, or coworkers, as the case may be. This symbiotic relationship serves both humans and animals, and makes society more enjoyable for everyone.
As you can see from the pictures, animals also make a significant impact in people’s lives by providing emotional support. People find happiness in the special bond they share with their furry and non furry companions. Because animals show constant unconditional love, a person may find it more therapeutic to turn to his/her animal instead of looking to someone else for comfort.
Animals have evolved into becoming a necessity in the lives of individuals who need them the most. The have an impact of human social and group behavior in a very real way. They are indeed sociological significant factors in this and other cultures.
Animal Contributions to Human Society
Human attributes?
In some societies dogs are considered lowly and dirty. In America many families consider them family members. They are seen as loving, noble, loyal, and as friends. This and another painting of dogs playing poker are pure Americana. The paintings sold for nearly $600,000 at auction.
Bold Bluff, Painted in 1903 by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, Source: http://www.art.com/asp/sp-asp/_/pd--10027437/sp--A/Dogs_Playing_Poker.htm
Do Animals Love?
Animals show love in their own way. That is why they are so loved by so many. They are reliable. They are loyal. They are simpler than the complex people in our lives.
No title, Date Unknown, Photographer Unknown, Source:http://www.tdi-dog.org/
Family Members!
As in the case of this All-American family the pets are in the official portrait. Pets are ubiquitous in our country. They sleep in our beds even!Title Unknown, Date Unknown, Artist Matt Groening, Source: http://www.simpsonstrivia.com.ar/wallpapers/simpson-family-wallpaper.htm
Animals as Weapons!
People have used dogs to intimidate, abuse, and harm people too. This picture shows how dogs have been used against protestors. Animals are not always loving and cuddly. They can be formed into what their trainers like.Title Unknown, May 1963, Associated Press, Source: http://www.english.uiuc.edu/maps/poets/m_r/randall/birmingham.htm
Co-Workers.
Animals are used in many ways throughout society for the simple fact that they can achieve things that are simply impossible for humans.
Consequently, we often take advantage of their abilities and use them to help us with our own tasks. These policemen are protected as they travel on horseback through the chaos of a riot. The horses are able to keep their composure through it all and allow the police to get control over the situation more safely. Animals are used in many similar situations by policemen, firemen, and even border patrol agents to help keep society in order.
Title Unknown, Date Unknown, Photographer Uknown, Source: http://ww2.northumbria.police.uk/ePolicing/Web/webmedia.nsf/ALLContentDocs/MED00624HighImage
Royalty.
This a painting ofGeorge Washington praying at Valley Forge next to his horse.
Horses have played a big part in history. They have been companions, carried soldiers into war, saved lives, pulled plows and have largely changed human history. European royalty have often been painted along side or astride their horses. Great sums of money are paid for horses whose lineage is traced as meticulously as the Kings and Queens who buy them.
Prayer at Valley Forge, 1976, Arnold Frieberg, Source: http://www.arnold-friberg.com/prayer_at_valley_forge.htm
Animals Take Risks For Us.
This soldier is using this animal to perform dangerous tasks. The tremendous sense of smell that dogs have help find landmines. Other dogs are used as attack animals. They are first through doors attacking armed criminals. Their lives are at risk.No Title, No Date, Photographer Unknown, Source: http://www.qmfound.com/War_Dogs.htm
Helping the Needy.
In this scene we see a small monkey doing for a disabled man that which he cannot. He has been trained at great expense and with great expertise to perform many much needed tasks for this man. This is a case where an animal is much more than a simple companion. This man's quality of life is drastically improved by the help of this small monkey.
No Title, Date Unknown, Photographer Unknown, Source: http://cbs4boston.com/specialreports/local_story_004211942.html
Animals and Spirituality.
This dog has been trained to mimic prayer. Animals are seen as pure by many. This is a characteristic humans do not have. Many cultures throughout history and today even worship animals. They are believed by many to have a spirit or in some cases to be the reincarnation of other spirits.
Title - Unknown, Date Unknown, Photographer Unknown, Source: http://uhah.net/
Other Cultures and Animals.
Look closely at this girls head! Pets are popular throughout the world. The kinds of pets people keep vary greatly too. This is something that Americans have in common with other societies. People keep reptiles, birds, and even bugs as pets!
Photographer and date unknown. Source:
http://www.folkart.com/catalog/mother__daughter___pet_lizard_4736938.htm
Pet Therapy.
Pet Therapy is a trend in modern medicine that utilizes animal companionship a method of healing. This form of companionship is said to lift the "spirits" of the people who are given these animals. The life expectancy of aging senior citizens is actually lengthened when given the opportunity to care for these animals. The caring for the animals is just as therpeutic as the loved returned by them.
Photographer and date unkown. Source: http://www.pet-therapy.org/home.html
Companionship.
These women, like so many others in
Women Feeding Poodles Cake at Table, Date - Unknown, Photographer - Birgid Allig, Source: http://pro.corbis.com/
Motivators!
Pets are a motivating factor in our lives. They are there for us and support us no matter what. When we want to better ourselves they will be right there by our sides giving us the positive reinforcement we need to continue with our battle. This human has the perfect running partner. His dog is someone who is loyal, supportive, and always more than excited to workout. Pets like this help us achieve things that would be more difficult on our own. The relationship between humans and pets is one of love and backing.
Man Running With Golden Retriever, Date Unknown, Photographer - Chase Jarvis, Source: http://pro.corbis.com/
Eyes When We Need Them.
Along with companionship, pets can also help aid people with special needs. Guide dogs, also known as Seeing Eye dogs, have been used by many people around the world. Training of Seeing Eye dogs in the
Friendship.
People for many centuries have looked to pets for companionship. In a way, the strong bond between the two does not label the animal as just a “pet”, but also a member of the family.
In this picture, I took at a local dog beach. My boyfriend is walking my “son” Sylvester.
Sylvester, Date Unknown, Bernadette Ramos
Meatball?
Adam Sandler with Meatball. What do the names of our pets say about us?
Meatball, Date Unknown, Photographer Unknown, Source: http://www.luxist.com/category/pets/
Children and Animals.
From a very early age humans learn to love animals. Our childhood imaginations are sparked by our curiousity and kinship with animals. Fairy tales are full stories about animals. Kids movies are based on animals, even bugs. Is this where we begin to ascribe human attributes to animals.
Chico, Date Unknown, Maria Cisneros
How Smart are Animals?
Even pets realize when a person is in need of some good help. Dogs often do there best to try and please there owners and who ever they are living with. It’s amazing how smart they are. Just how we as children develop right from wrong or what pleasing or unpleasing to certain people is, they too develop that sense.
Freudian Relationships?
Are the animals we choose as pets a statement about who we are?
No Title, Date Unknown, Photographer - Bob L., Source: www.SouthcoastHumane.org