The Lost History of the Canine Race: Our 15,000 year Love Affair with Dogs by Mary Elizabeth Thurston
The author, an anthropologist, offers a fascinating historical account of dogs and man. A well written chronicle of the dog’s rise thru man’s society, the classdom that effected both man and dog during the Victorian era, the established of “pure breds”, War dogs and much more!
Particularly I enjoyed the history of dogs in North America chapter, the discussion of several breeds now extinct that once originated on our shores. Although sad and tragic it serves as a lesson about preservation and man’s historical ruthless disregard for animals. It reminded of the breed specific legislation that many states (including Washington) are trying to impose by “banning” breeds in an effort to eliminate them all together.
The favorite target of these “activists” right now is the American Pit Bull Terrier, who unfortunately has been demonized by their efforts. But just a few moments ago in our American History this breed was good enough to go into battle and fight for our country, now the American Pit Bull is no longer associated with our military or upper class, so no one blinks an eye and efforts to dissolve the breed gain momentum….Modern day Classdom ?
Pictured above is one of the only renditions of the Coastal Indians Wool Dog, now extinct. The dog’s fur was used to make textiles. Sure is a cute little guy ! Wish I could of met one……
Overall I have to give this book all 4 Paw’s – Rating – Excellent
17/11/2008 at 10:33 am Permalink
You have said most of it,allow for the Fact that the most EVIL and DANGEROUS specie on our planet is the HUMAN and I doubt very much that this creature
is happy unless it is KILLING something.
2 quotes “THIS PLANET IS LARGE ENOUGH FOR ALL THAT MEN NEED BUT NOT FOR MEN’S GREED”
Let us hope that your new President elect can turn this EVIL BSL round,I
understand that when he was a Senator he banned it in his state,he also
does appear to be a decent human being.
“ALL THAT EVIL NEEDS TO SUCCEED IS THAT DECENT HUMAN BEINGS
DO NOTHING”-Edmund Burke
This quote I read in an article when Eisenhower went into Germany and
saw the Horrors of the Holocaust,and what taking place with the Pitbulls
is no different,just different VICTIMS.
19/11/2008 at 12:31 am Permalink
Wow….very interesting Lisa. You always have interesting news.