The Loss of a Pet
Chapter One
The Human-Pet
Bond
Everything that lives, lives not alone nor for itself.
-William Blake
The human-pet bond is one that dates back to prehistoric times.
Some early cave drawings depict dogs joining in the hunt, as
well as many in the camp and around the fire, sharing the lives
of our earliest ancestors. That initial bond was not an accident or rare
occurrence, but rather a natural, deliberate interaction. It served both
the basic needs of humans and these friendly cousins of the wolves.
Humans and dogs benefited from mutual protection and companionship.
In addition, this fortuitous union enhanced hunting success.
Much later, dogs would be trained and specially bred for herding and
many other practical purposes.
THE DOMESTICATION OF SOME ANIMALS
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