Back to Nature (Published on TBNWeekly.com - March 8, 2007)
Loyal friends By Karen
Mitchell Tremmel
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Illustration by Karen Mitchell Tremmel |
Dogs were domesticated from
the gray wolf approximately 14,000 years ago. |
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As civilization has moved deeper within the confines of our caves seeking security
and anonymity, we have become further removed from the pebbles under our moccasins
and mud between our toes.
We may give a passing glance toward the clouds to foresee a storm, but mostly we
are reliant upon the 6 p.m. news for confirmation. Weve lost the very basic
skills our ancestors depended upon for rudimentary survival.
Were these skills instinctual to humankind or learned?
Its interesting to observe the flux of survival shows on television over the
past few years
participants slurping down grubs, beetles and sludgy drinks.
Somehow I suspect these skills for survival are grand for television ratings, but
not necessarily palatable or even necessary for the survival of the tribe or
clan.
People maintained to work together in order to survive. Each member had a distinct
unique job, talent or function that benefited the group as a whole. Humans seek
comfort, camaraderie, order and security. Organized chaos remained flexible to
withstand interruptions of incalculable transformation and adaptability of the
circumstances and environment.
Drive upon Interstate 275 at 7:30 any weekday morning, white knuckled, vehicles
zipping back and forth between lanes, abandoned vehicles, cruiser lights blinking
in the distance, passing homes wrought-iron-barred-windows, debris scattered along
the dividers, as many travelers going north as going south
you are observing
planned chaos. Are humans evolving toward a higher functioning species? Or are we
redesigning ourselves for the future makings of great science fiction? Where have
we come from and where are we going?
Tracing our ancestry has become one of the nations fasting growing passions.
Scrapbooking: preserving the past for the future has grown beyond the kitchen table
to a multimillion-dollar business and recognized art. Humanity must gain knowledge
of its links to the past in order to predict its paths for the future. The road
goes both ways: past, future
mirroring the present.
As we discover our own beginnings we also learn about those animal companions at
our sides that have shared these well trodden roads, while keeping us warm within
our caves, guarding our teepees, providing our babies with milk and cheese, eggs
and simply, but not least
comfort and loyal companionship.
It is estimated that dogs (Canis familiaris) were domesticated from the gray wolf
(Canis lupus) at least 14,000 years ago. According to Department of Evolutionary
Biology, Uppsala University in Sweden, evidence shows that dogs with
phenotypes similar to those in modern breeds (lived) as far back as 4,000 years
ago.
Also, Most authorities believe that the shorthaired breeds of the domestic
cat are derived from the Caffre cat, Felis libyca, a species of African wildcat
domesticated by the ancient Egyptians perhaps as early as 2500 B.C. and transported
by the Crusaders to Europe, where it interbred with the indigenous smaller
wildcats.
Recently someone spoke to me of such sadness of losing an animal loved one and of
realizing infinite emptiness in their lives afterward. As well, I have personally
experienced this depth of grief with the loss of my dear animal friend, so I
understood completely. This is a sorrow that is difficult to express or understand.
We analyze that we, humanity, are superior, gifted with the light of ancients souls
before us. We analyze and profess that we are the masters of our universe only
bowing to some intangible higher power. Is it possible that we are just one thread
in a beautifully woven fabric? That we are just one embroidered picture upon the ?
Is it possible that we are merely custodians, borrowers of time and space that
should be shared equally with all other living things, moving with Spirit, all old
souls?
What is Earth is in the Stars. What is in the Stars is a part of our ancient
Universe. We were born of the Universe and all life within it. In accepting this
complete connection we can wholly understand why we feel such sadness when we have
shared our physical and spiritual space with ones so innocent and gifted with
natural light. This shared light with our animal partners brings much needed peace
and meaning to our chaotic human world. Otherwise I believe this old world would be
a pretty lonely, lonely place to survive.
Over the years many grief stricken readers have kindly shared their stories of
loved ones that have crossed over with me in letters and e-mails. Again, I offer
this favorite poem of comfort shared with me by a friend.
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies
that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play
together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm
and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health
and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as
we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: They miss someone
very special to them; who had to be left behind. They all run and play together,
but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. The bright
eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away from the
group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. YOU
have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling
together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon
your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into
the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from
your heart
back to nature.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together ... Anonymous
Karen can be reached at MyMuddyPawsStudio@gmail.com.
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