People have had cats and dogs living in their homes for centuries. Since ancient times, these animals have become affectionate family companions, but dogs have also been hunting companions, while cats were prized for their abilities to kill rats that threatened grain supplies. Today, dogs still accompany hunting parties and cats still kill rats, but these skills are no longer as critical to our food supply as they once were. However, there is little indication that our affection for these animals will likely wane as these initial services become less important. Instead, people have discovered that cats and dogs can provide many more services to our lives. Here are just a few examples of jobs being done by cats and dogs today:
GRAZING, LIVESTOCK CARE: Dogs are still trained to tend cattle. Border collies and herding dogs were bred for this purpose and many still work in this capacity on farms and ranches today.
ANIMALS IN ENTERTAINMENT: Animals are popular TV and movie stars; think of Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, Benji and Garfield to name a few. Manufacturers use on-camera pet stars to promote their pet food and other pet products in television commercials and magazine ads.
FLAVOR TESTERS: In addition to the marketing department, pet food manufacturers also employ cats and dogs as taste testers to develop new formulas in their cat and dog food kitchens.
SHOWS AND COMPETITIONS: Some animal shows seek to award “best of breed” for well-behaved dogs or cats, while others meet for cats or dogs to focus on agility through obstacle courses. Whether they compete on the basis of beauty or athleticism, the winners of these events can win cash prizes.
DOGS IN SPORTS: As mentioned above, dogs are still trained to participate in hunting trips; both as members of many conventional hunting excursions and as trained hounds on a traditional fox hunt. Many dogs enjoy a game of Frisbee, some for pleasure and some in competition. Dogs are also athletes in racing, such as greyhound racing and sled dog racing, including the Iditarod.
SERVICE AND ASSISTANCE DOGS: Most people think of a service dog as a “guide dog,” but there are many more services that dogs have been trained to do. In addition to helping guide blind people, service dogs can also be taught to turn on lights, open doors, fetch medication, and call 9-1-1. Deaf people can have “hearing dogs” that will alert them to doorbells, ringing phones, and smoke alarms. People who are susceptible to seizures can have dogs provide a number of specific services, often including detecting when a seizure is coming and providing help beforehand.
POLICE AND MILITARY DOGS: These dogs are highly trained specialists. Among the many job opportunities are sentry, scout, and patrol duties; sniffing out drugs, bombs, or other explosives; and looking for victims. In a recent story, a police dog-in-training liked people too much and was not doing well in his criminal control lessons, so he was transferred to Search and Rescue, where his unwavering affection for people. In addition to their highly specialized training, these dogs must also learn to remain calm and focused in the midst of highly chaotic situations.
THERAPY DOGS: Do you have a companion dog that has good manners, likes people and responds to basic obedience commands? Here’s an idea, an opportunity for your dog to perform a heartwarming community service as a “therapy dog.” Therapy dogs visit residents of nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, children’s hospitals, and even juvenile detention centers. No special training is required for a well-bred dog to provide a moment of joy, complete with a wag of the tail, that transcends the details of these people’s current circumstances. If you can spare a few hours, call a center near you and get an invitation to bring your dog to visit. The experience will have a great impact on the residents and on you.
Dogs and cats can be taught to perform many more services than the original tasks that brought them into our homes, even more than those listed here. They serve us tirelessly and without complaint, all for simple rewards of affection.