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The word canine derives from Canis, the Latin word for dog. The dog derived from ancient, extinct wolf, and the modern grey wolf is the dog’s nearest living relative. Ten to 15 years is its normal lifespan depending on where it lives. Dogs living in the West are mostly domesticated and hence command as much regard as the other family members living under the same roof. While in India, the black crow and the monkey command the general reverential deference of the masses for the latter being a symbol of ‘Hanuman’ that served Lord Ram with devotion, according to a study, till his end. The next in the line, comes the dog which offers unconditional love, devotion and loyalty to the master that tames it. The Black Crow comes next, in its devotion and goodness to humans.
Dogs as tamed companions: Dogs enhance our lives in many ways – and they may even extend them, according to a study published in the journal ‘Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes’. This may be because dog owners are more active, thanks to the walks and service rendered. The companionship also combats loneliness. We know that most of the pets --- both cats and dogs love to snooze, and they deserve rest. One has to find the right bed for the pet’s age and its sleep style. Burrowing is a natural behaviour for dogs; it helps them feel more comfortable and secure. As such, they should have a bed with high sides that will let the pup snuggle in nicely. The furriest dogs, the thick coated breeds like huskies and shepherds get overheated easily in hotter weather. The elevated, breathable-mesh bed is highly useful for better airflow while she sleeps. Older dogs with achy joints need beds with foam padding that provides extra cushion and support for head and legs. Some ‘reclusive sleepers’ prefer to sleep out of sight, and they just need pyramid type beds with a rounded door for privacy. That is exactly the canine world which each dog owner in the West has to own to make his and his pet’s life complimentary and meaningful. An instance of dogs and cats being intangible assets to the humans was provided by a British marine who waited outside the Kabul airport for almost 10 days to put 200 dogs and cats tamed by him and his friends, on board the last British flight leaving Kabul on last day of closure --- despite his bosses giving priority to humans over dogs. That all speaks for the unconditional love offered by our pets. Significance in mythology: The significance of canines in Hinduism can never fade away even after millennia. They are considered protectors of the gates of heaven. According to some old beliefs, black dogs are also said to be the reincarnation of the fearsome god, Bhairava. On many occasions food offerings are made to dogs during ceremonies of death. ‘Tihar’ is a dog festival celebrated in Nepal during the time of Diwali, as a part of thanksgiving to dogs for longevity and protection. Dogs are also worshiped by some sections in Sikkim and North Bengal. Crows Are Similar to Humans : Crows with large brains, long life spans and problem solving instinct makes them similar to humans. Crows exhibit extraordinary intelligence. These birds – along with ravens, jays and others in the corvid family – have inspired myths and legends for centuries. But the more scientists unravel about their brain structure and behaviours, the more crows seem to resemble humans. Ornithologist John Marzluff, at the Washington University, has explored the exceptional size and function of crow brains, their long life spans (up to 30 years) and communal lifestyle. Other researchers determined that crows seem to exhibit a level of consciousness demonstrated only in humans. A breakthrough study published in ‘Science’ revealed that crows show signs of perceptual consciousness and ability to solve a task based on past experiences. This means such birds keep new information, or memories in the front of their brains for extended periods and use it in reasoning and navigating new situations they encounter. The exceptionally large forebrain in crows is another trait they share with humans. For humans and crows alike, the forebrain deals with higher cognitive tasks, rational decision-making and problem-solving. The new Caledonian crow has recently gained popularity for not only tool use, but its ability to manufacture compound tools out of various materials. These innovative birds have been known to make probes, hooks and sharp spears that they use to skewer insects in hard-to-reach places. Researchers also found that the crow family birds do bend wire to snatch baskets with food inside. Mythology: American Indians were a deeply spiritual people and they communicated their history, thoughts, ideas and dreams from generation to generation through symbols and signs such as the Crow symbol. The many of the crow symbol signifies wisdom. As per the Hindu mythology, Shani Devta, is usually mounted on a crow and hence crows are offered food to please Shani. The Hindu deity ‘Shani’ is often reputed as being mounted on a giant black raven or crow. Kashmiri Hindus observe Magh Purnima, around mid-February, prior to Shivratri as ‘Kaw-Punium’, dedicated to the black crow. On this day they offer the choicest food placed on a wooden bracket to the crow. |
Dr. Tej K.Munshi, {Ex. Prof. in Applied Sciences}, Feedback at: tejmunshi@gmail.com Newyork, Phone No: 518-374-7036 |