|
It's not a mystery! They were what we
today call Companion Animals.
Have you ever
wondered why we selected certain
species as pets? (Or did they select us?) We talk to them, train them, groom them, and can’t resist
showing them off to friends and neighbors. When you think about it, man’s
attraction to animals as something other than food began long ago. Over
thousands of years, we’ve developed an instinctive affinity with certain
species.
Humans acknowledged
animals as companions and co-workers when the first wolf crept closer to the
fire. When that incredible event occurred is not known but according to
new mitochondrial DNA, wolves and dogs split into separate species some 100,000
years ago.
That’s about when
man’s meat-eating ancestor became dominant and his vegan cousin became extinct.
Fossil dental studies show the survivor was a meat eater! Coincidence?
Not.
Archeological studies reveal man became an effective hunter when partnered
with Canis lupus familiaris. Did man choose the wolf or did it
choose us?
Studies suggest that today’s dogs
descended from three females in Asia about 15,000 years ago. In 13,000 BC, the
dog became the first formally domesticated species so if this publication seems
weighted with dog stuff, well, that’s as it should be.
Then man discovered felines controlled rodents and we
promptly formed an alliance with cats about 8500 BC. Domestication of cattle,
goats, and pigs preceded horses for obvious reasons (we ate them) but many
believe the horse was first ridden in what is now Kazahkstan (central Asia)
about 3600 BC. Interestingly, that predates domestication of the ass and
the camel.
The American Indian had domesticated dogs for thousands
of years but Spanish explorers are credited with bringing the first domesticated
horses to the Americas in 1540. When enslaved Pueblo Indians revolted in 1680
and drove the Spanish out, many horses were left behind. The Pueblos immediately
began to raise horses to sell and trade to other tribes, the most accomplished
of which became the legendary Comanche horsemen.
Through the ages, horses literally built civilization.
Today they are prized for working stock, racing, and the pure pleasure of
viewing the world from a powerful perspective.
Long before we domesticated turkeys and chickens, we
learned that birds alert us when danger approaches. Budding civilizations looked
to the skies, sensing that the great raptors were somehow connected to the Gods.
By 2,000 BC, the art of falconry was established in the Middle and Far East.
Today birds entertain us, talk to us, and provide companionship.
Reptiles as pets are a relatively new phenomena when
viewed through an evolutionary history of 250 million years. The Mesozoic
era is commonly referred to |
|
as the Age of Reptiles and the 21st century has seen great
interest in reptilian pets, particularly for those with limited time
and/or space.
It becomes obvious then that Mankind is inherently
connected to dogs, cats, horses, birds, and reptiles. They have become
alter-egos, models of honesty and character for modern man.
And we do
love to show them off! Check State Of Mine - Events for shows in
your area. See the best of each species collected for your learning,
viewing and petting pleasure!
The best known purebred dog Registries are the American
Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC) but new pedigree-keeping and
show-giving organizations are emerging, each with something to offer.
For cat fanciers, the most popular are the Cat Fanciers
Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA).
Horse registries, organizations, and shows tend to be
more breed or use-related. For example the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA)
and the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) are for breed type and utility but some,
like the Buckskin, Pinto, or Paint Horse registries, are by color patterns.
Avian and Reptile organizations are not as well
organized but there are many local and regional societies in addition to
world-wide organizations.
There are exhibitions all across the country.
Exhibitors are happy to talk to you – after their class or event. The best way
to choose your species is to go to different shows, soak up the atmosphere, and
decide which interests you the most.
For example, some shows are primarily beauty contests.
Some test the animal’s trainability and genetic aptitude for certain skills.
Canine Obedience trials are non-strenuous for trainer and dog. You may enjoy the
more sophisticated Hunter/Jumper or Equitation horse competitions or canine
Field, Land and Water Retriever Trials. If you love the outdoors, try
old-fashioned Trail Riding or Night (coon) Hunts. Or relax at Cat, Bird, and
Reptile shows and let the judges do the work.
Perhaps you’ll prefer fast-paced competition like Rodeo
which feature Gymkhana events such as Pole Bending, Barrel Racing, etc. Canine
enthusiasts love challenges such as Utility Obedience, Agility, Hurdle Races,
and Dock Diving.
We’re all still evolving and working with animals. We
hunt with dogs and horses and use them on our farms. We nurture and groom our
animal friends and compete with them in ring sports. We exhibit and selectively
breed animals as a way of expressing our creative and artistic ability – and of
preserving the best of the best for future generations to enjoy.
That’s why National Pet Press is here. We’re evolving
too. NPP is a celebration of everything companion animals do for man and what we
can do for them! |
