Garth Rattray, ContributorIN THE prevailing negative atmosphere that exists here today, the phrase, "Jamaica has gone to the dogs" is often bantered about. I think that the derogatory tone of that statement is undeserved and unfair. In my opinion, if we were to really "go to the dogs", we would be far better off than we are today. I have a great deal of admiration and respect for dogs because they often exhibit many noble and enviable traits, people would do well to emulate some of them.
Dogs obey the laws of nature. To my knowledge man is the only creature that seeks to pervert and warp nature for his own ends. Since this is impossible, this futile exercise only truly ends up harming man and all the creatures under his dominion. Dogs on the other hand simply follow the natural path of things and live in harmony with nature, obeying her every rule of law.
They seek to conform and acquiesce instead of rebelling and flying in the face of Mother Nature. Dogs do not destroy natural resources nor do they wilfully and wantonly pollute. They do not seek to acquire more than they need at any given time.
Dogs are easily trained and adhere to discipline and order steadfastly. Once properly trained, a dog will stick to any learnt regimen and it carries that training around for life. Dogs can accomplish acquired tasks from simple commands to complex instructions without wavering. I dare say that many of our drivers would be complimented if someone shouted, "You dog!" at them in disgust. Not even a dog would so blatantly flaunt the codes for safe conduct on the roads. I have seen dogs cross the roads at designated pedestrian crossings, a thing that many people don't even consider doing. Overhead bridges are more often than not ignored and I sometimes wonder why we bother to waste precious dollars on them.
Dogs fight only out of natural necessity. They have a well-established hierarchy system and fights occur only when conflicts or challenges arise. These fights are nature's way of allowing the strongest and smartest to lead. It affords the top dog the opportunity to choose a mate through which he or she may secure the transfer of his or her genes. Fights also establish territorial boundaries wherein the group within is free to maintain a family structure and breeding pattern.
These factors promote an upward spiral of strength and intelligence within the breed. They do not know pride, revenge, animosity or malice.
Dogs are dutiful and faithful. Dogs will jeopardise their well-being and even give their lives for you. They will look out for you and protect you. They are also faithful to each other and betrayal is unheard of in a dog's world. They are natural 'pack' animals and as such they look out for and after each other. Dogs try to please and serve; they look forward to the smallest morsel of affection from their keepers and will do almost anything to make us happy. They are hard working and tireless.
Dogs are oblivious of prejudice and hate. The colour of another dog's fur means nothing. Many pedigree female dogs refuse to mate with a dog of similar breeding and try to mate instead with a common mongrel next door. Whether the dog is from the rich areas in the hills or the poor areas in the inner city means nothing in the canine world. They remain unimpressed by mundane trappings. There is no class distinction among dogs; only the scent and body attitude determines what status each dog is assigned.
Dogs are honest; hypocrisy has no place within the canine mind. If a dog is angry with you it will let you know in no uncertain terms. If a dog likes you it will tell you so with its facial expression, ears, voice, tongue and body language. It will never lie or deceive, it will never betray a trust. No dog will wag its tail and pant happily and then bite you when you are not looking.
So you see there may be some advantages in 'going to the dogs' after all, it would undoubtedly be an improvement for some.
Dr. Garth A. Rattray, who won his second Silver Pen Award for his November 1999 Letter of the Day, wrote the above tribute to "man's best friend" in keeping with an undertaking offered to Silver Pen winners.
