Our Relationship with Dogs: Is It True Love?
Do we truly love dogs, or are they just filling an emotional void in our lives? This thought-provoking blog explores the history of dog domestication, the psychology behind pet ownership, and whether a dog’s loyalty is real or conditioned. Are pets companions, status symbols, or merely commodities for human convenience? Let’s rethink what ‘love’ really means when it comes to our four-legged friends..
The inability to understand love among humans is astounding. More often than not, what we call love is not love at all. With this in mind, do dogs really love us, or is it just our minds tricking us into believing so?
Let’s dive deep into why people seek a dog’s companionship in the first place.
Dogs Are Pack Animals First
Dogs, if left in the wild, would naturally seek the company of a pack—either to lead or follow. This instinct evolved to improve their chances of survival and finding food. Historically, dogs began living with humans because it benefited them. Unlike zebras, which can find food independently and remain untamed, dogs stayed close to humans for sustenance and protection.
From Wolves to Pets:
We domesticated wolves by training them to help us hunt, then selectively bred them to fit our desires. This negatively affected their survival probability and made them more dependent on us. All for love.
Do We Get Pets for Love or Convenience?
Many people get pets because they feel lonely or need emotional support. Some turn to AI companions for the same reason. Support dogs help individuals with mental health conditions, disabilities, or social difficulties. So, do we really love them, or are they just a commodity to fulfill our necessities?
Loyalty or Dependency?
We all have an inner void—a need to feel useful and needed. This is why we cling to relationships, whether with children, partners, or even pets. However, our ‘loyal’ companions are kept captive in our homes, unable to fend for themselves or interact freely with others. Is their devotion genuine, or is it just a form of Stockholm syndrome?
The Status Symbol
Some people treat dogs like luxury items. They pick breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, or Labradors the way they choose iPhones: “I prefer the black one over the white,” or “I want the latest model, not an refurbished one.” In many societies, owning a specific breed is a status symbol. In India, for example, street dogs are often associated with poverty, while pedigrees signify wealth. Is this love, or just another way to show off?
Double standards
We sterilize dogs under the guise of health and population control, making them more docile and ‘house-friendly.’ But if that’s truly the case, why don’t we apply the same logic to ourselves? Human and animal bodies aren’t all that different, yet we selectively control their reproduction while calling it ‘care.’
Do We Really Care for Dogs or Just Ourselves?
Our love often translates to temporary affection—we play with them when we’re in the mood but neglect them when they no longer entertain us. Many dogs are abandoned when they lose their ‘cuteness’ or become aggressive. Exactly what we do we with our ‘life partners’. Even those who rescue and feed stray dogs may unintentionally disrupt ecosystems, favoring one species at the expense of others.
Instead of forcing animals into domestication and dependency, wouldn’t it be more ethical to leave enough space for all beings that share this plane with us to thrive naturally? Shouldn’t our role be to help only those suffering due to injury or illness, rather than interfering in their natural existence?
If we truly want to live in harmony, we must rethink what ‘love’ really means.
What’s Your Take?
So, do we really “love” dogs, or is it a reflection of our own desires—companionship, status, control? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop a comment below and let’s unpack the true nature of our bond with these four-legged friends. Share this if it got you thinking—because maybe, just maybe, there’s more to this love story than meets the eye.
