Dogs have become indispensable in big cities.
I don’t really need to explain why we keep pets or that dogs have always been part of human society, in many cultures and for many different reasons. What’s currently occupying my mind is how small dogs have naturally become very popular in cities. They are practical for apartment living and, depending on the breed, require varying amounts of exercise. Breeds like Pomeranians or Dachshunds are especially popular. Small breeds need less food and are perfect for cuddling on the sofa, something that’s also possible with a fully grown German Shepherd or Great Dane, but much more complicated. We treat dogs like children: they are family – for some, a substitute for having children; for others, an extension of the family or a way to overcome loneliness.
Right now, I’m grappling with the feeling that something is missing in my life.
I’ve always had a dog, but lately, my life isn’t well-suited for a dog, so I’m choosing not to have one for now. Traveling with a small dog is complicated – not impossible, but it definitely restricts flexibility. So, what to do about it? I want to fill this gap for selfish reasons, but can I also give something back? I observe people who push their little Chihuahuas around in strollers, covered with safety nets because the dogs bark at everything and everyone unless the waiter brings a piece of cake to the table, then suddenly there’s no threat.
It’s not just about dogs in big cities. What’s really on my mind is this image of an elderly lady and her Pomeranian. In it, I feel the spirit of modern times: an older lady with a modern little dog, wearing a bikini, no man by her side, a casual hat, and her favorite bag. She radiates a sense of contentment that I deeply envy. This image is, for me, a mirror of our times: women can wear whatever they want, at any age. The dog, her loyal and overly eager but happy companion at her side, complements the scene perfectly.
This woman clearly still takes care of herself, and she doesn’t care if everything doesn’t fit the way it did at twenty, because she herself is no longer twenty. Well dressed, nails polished and color-coordinated, and free to do whatever she wants.
The dog also mirrors our society: He’s overbred and a beloved creature on social media a fluffy form of mild ADHD. But he’s a living being, existing without questioning whether he should even be here. We really shouldn’t breed animals anymore just to create cute appearances. Still, they have become an inseparable part of our society. We love them, and we shouldn’t continue experiments or pursue new modern traits. Those who are already here are enough we don’t need more Tamagotchis. Let nature take its course; what is here is here.
Or will this just keep going forever?
When do we finally put the cherry on top?
When have we had enough of commercialization?
I’m tired of so many things: yet another trend, new shoes, new cuts, new colors, new dog breeds but in truth, we’re just going in circles. Nothing fundamentally changes; only small details are swapped out.
To wrap it up: These two women with their pets impressed me because they seemed to have stopped spinning in circles and instead chose to live in the here and now. Who knows I never asked them but it made me wonder whether that calmness came with the pet or if it was already within them.
The love for a pet is special because it’s different.
It’s different because we need many different kinds of connections.
Humans and animals seek connections with other living beings, something you can clearly observe in nature: A squirrel next to a crow, a cat next to a dog, a sheep next to a donkey.
Even without speaking the same language, there are nonverbal ways to communicate. And I believe it’s incredibly important to keep nurturing these ways the bond with other living beings and with nature. Almost telepathic you can feel what the other feels. Everyone can do it, and we should never lose the ability to feel and communicate without words.
The Last image left a strong Impression in me: It shows an old dog Lady who climps onto the roof eve morning and crows like a rooster. Everyone was annoyed because the crowing went on for half an hour, and every morning the Lady barked from the rooftop. This Scene took place in Portugal, on Madeira, and it reminded me that we should Trust animals more, too.
🐦⬛
Wildlife Stories 