I often say “we don’t deserve dogs,” or more broadly, “we don’t deserve animals,” and going into 2020, I’ve never been so certain of that statement.
According to TIME, “the earliest remains of humans and dogs interred together date to 14,000 years ago.” The furry creatures have been ‘man’s best friend’ for a long time, but more interesting is the fact that “we lived with dogs and then chose to be buried with them.”
Dogs hold a special place in our hearts, and it might be because of chromosome six. According to TIME, “investigators have found three genes that code for hyper-sociability – and they are in the same spot as similar genes linked to similar sweetness in humans.”
Get a rundown of all the incredible bushfire relief efforts by listening to It’s Been A Big Day For… below:
However, there are some differences between us and our canine pals. One of the most special and unique things about dogs – in particular – is the fact that they love indiscriminately.
Just look at service or companion dogs. These gorgeous animals devote their lives to helping people, without expecting payment or anything in return, except for love and care – and this goes for all pets. According to The Independent, “simply stroking a dog, cat, rabbit or even horse can lead to lower blood pressure and can combat stress.”
This sort of unconditional love is something Australians have witnessed recently in the wake of the devastating bushfire crisis. According to the ABC, wombat warrens – which can have up to 28 entrances and 90 metres of tunnels – have become refuges for other animals to shelter in during the fires.
Despite the heart-warming rumours that wombats were herding animals into their burrows during the fires not being entirely accurate, these little critters have lent a hand to helpless animals in times of need.
A 2015 study of 34 wombat burrows showed them being intruded by rock wallabies, little penguins, skinks and birds. The same goes for bettongs and bilbies whose warrens are used by hopping mice, echidnas, sand swimming skinks, barking geckoes and more in arid conditions.
The fires have also highlighted the resilience of Australia’s koala population, 30% of which was wiped out from NSW’s mid-north coast in the blazes. Not only have many of our beloved koalas survived life-threatening burns from the bushfires, but now they’re braving through some of the worst floods in over a decade.
Sadly, we don’t have the ability to communicate with animals the way we do with humans but if there’s anything we can learn from them, it’s that animals – and those native to us, in particular – should be protected at all costs.
You can help care for animals in bushfire affected areas by adopting a koala, a tree, donating to WWF Australia, RSPCA or WIRES Wildlife Emergency Fund. Every little bit helps the animals we cherish so much.
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