The PawPrints of History (Pg 1-80)

Summary:
     In this historic novel, Stanley Coren argues that dogs have actually contributed to our history politically and socially. Although they were regarded as mere pets and haven't actually been credited in our history books, Coren gives many examples where dogs have actually aided their famous masters. Dogs have been known as protectors; in many stories, the dogs save their owners from danger, enabling them to achieve greater things in life (altering history!) For example, Alexander Pope was a famous poet who despite his small stature, owned a Great Dane named Bounce, who saved him from his new servant, who planned to kill him for his money. There was also similar stories of protective dogs in the Indian Story of Mik'Maq where Gisoolg (Great Spirit and Creater) created Earth, animals, men, and dogs to protect the men; Saint Giovanni Melchior Bosco, who was constantly targetted for his nonexistent wealth, but protected by a gray dog he named Grigio; and Prince of Orange, William I, who used dogs to protect his cities for attacks (they acted as alarms), in which 2000 years later, Napoleon followed suit by protecting Alexandria with dogs. Sometimes, dogs have been known to indirectly change history, for example, Florence Nightingale's first patient was a dog, and after healing the dog, she had a dream that made her realize her mission in life was to heal others.
     Dogs have been traditionally known to be able to see evil approach, yet recognize sanity and truth. Their howling was often an omen of something bad. During the time of the Plague of Black Death, he traveled with his dog to the infected areas and his dog licked the spots of the infected, while he whispered prayers. They eventually healed, but he got sick, during which his dog took food from the village, and returned it to him. Dogs also offer companionship to their owners. In the example of Saint Margaret, her dog stayed by her when her lover died, and guided her to the church when she was rejected by her family members. There, she heard a voice tell her to seek absolution; she became the patron saint of the homeless and single mothers. Also, in the case of the famous St. Patrick, he had worked as a shepherd, formed bonds with dogs, and even tamed the wild dog in Ireland. Because of this brave act, he was given permission to establish a church in Ireland. He built his church on a hill after a dog with a white blaze--much like a cross stood on a hill. Italian greyhounds mended the wounded King Frederick II of Prussia throughout most of his life. He was abused as a child and had found companionship and solace in dogs. He had 35 dogs throughout his lifetime.
    Some dogs were aggressive, but it's not usually their fault. It's the fault of the owner. Dogs are born with a sense of loyalty, not morality. When Columbus came to the New Worlds, one of his generals had bought 20 dogs with them during the Second Voyage. Those 20 dogs included the giant Mastiffs, and fast Greyhounds; Bartolome De Las Casas witnessed that they killed efficiently and had possibly developed a taste for human (Native's) blood. Columbus used this vicious method to claim Jamaica, Haiti, and Dominican Republic. Other conquistadors followed suit.

Quote:
''The more I see of men, the better I like my dog.'' (Coren 65).

Reaction:
     I really like this quote because it showed that there are evils in the world of people, but dogs are always pure. Their intentions are always good, they listen to their owners without prejudice, and provide life long companionship for their owners.