Paws & Perspectives

philosophical musings on life, inspired by a dog :)

I observed an intriguing pattern in workplace communication channels; whenever I shared posts about my dog, engagement was significantly higher than when I posted about work-related topics. This isn't unique to any one workplace; it reflects a broader aspect of human nature. People tend to respond more warmly to content that evokes emotions and creates a sense of connection. Dogs, in particular, have a universal appeal that transcends professional roles and hierarchies, allowing colleagues to bond over shared experiences and camaraderie.

This had me pondering about the deep impact that animals, especially dogs, have on our lives. Our dog, Milou-Snowy certainly has on mine. Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher, once said “a dog has the soul of a philosopher”. And perhaps there’s truth in that, dogs offer companionship, wisdom, and a reminder of the beauty in life's simplest moments.

Socrates held dogs in high regard. He believed that dogs possessed qualities similar to those of philosophers. “The dog distinguishes the faces of a friend and an enemy only by the criterion of knowing and not knowing” He elaborated “and must not an animal be a lover of learning who determines what he likes and dislikes by the test of knowledge and ignorance?” Wise words, wouldn’t you agree?

And Herman Melville agreed, observing, “there are unknown worlds of knowledge in brutes; and whenever you mark a horse, or a dog, with a peculiarly mild, calm, deep-seated eye, be sure he is an Aristotle or a Kant, tranquilly speculating upon the mysteries in man. No philosophers so thoroughly comprehend us as dogs and horses. They see through us at a glance” While we often see ourselves as the more intelligent species, animals may have their own silent wisdom, observing and understanding us in ways we don’t fully grasp.

Aristotle celebrated their character, “there is honor in being a dog”

Wisdom is how we engage with the world around us. Pets remind us of this, teaching us to live with curiosity, integrity, loyalty, and an open heart.

I leave you with one of my favourite poems by Rudyard Kipling. It’s a poignant reflection on the deep love and inevitable heartbreak that comes with having a dog.

The Power of the Dog
There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie—
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find—it’s your own affair—
But… you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!).
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone—wherever it goes—for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we’ve kept ’em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long—
So why in—Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?
—-

How have your furry philosophers made you ponder?