When humans first domesticated dogs more than 10,000 years ago, the relationship was more of a practical nature.
Humans benefited from the keen sense of smell and tracking abilities of dogs to help them in the hunt and to protect their primitive farmsteads from other predators.
Both species probably never imagined the extent that relationship would blossom throughout the millennia into an unbreakable bond that continues to amaze whenever it’s tested and becomes manifest.
Watch the helpful dog in the video below.
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Video credit: Rumble
Even among pet dogs, despite their diminutive size, you can still see the spark of fierce devotion whenever it comes to their owner(s). Never doubt that these so-called “toy” dogs would sacrifice their own lives to defend their beloved owners if it ever comes to that.
This is not to say that the practical nature of the relationship between humans and dogs has disappeared. Far from it.
Sheepdogs still help farmers tend their sheep on the farm. K-9 police dogs provide invaluable skills when it comes to tracking down drugs and bombs (and restraining fleeing suspects). And of course, who can deny the utility of service dogs who manage to give their disabled owners a sense of independence by doing the things their disabled owners can’t?
However, there is also a happy meeting point between having fun and also being practical. Most owners would be happy just to have their dogs follow the “sit” and “stay” commands. Those dogs who are smarter and more talented will undergo obedience school and join competitions to see who can follow commands the best and those who stand out sometimes even show up in nationally-televised talent shows.
And then there’s Mike, a lovable Great Dane who doesn’t want his owners doing all the work themselves. So, of course, he has to run out and greet them when they come home with the groceries and help them carry a few items back in the house!
The video shows Mike who’s being very helpful and grabbing one of the groceries and excitedly leaping off the back of the vehicle and running, though the one taking the video has to re-direct him by saying, “Over here! Over here!” But the adorable dog is no less enthusiastic and gets into the house in no time.
It’s an adorable display of love and affection and his owners are truly fortunate to have such a happy and helpful dog with them!
Replaced!