vocabulary lesson

Dictionary.com describes the word  anthropomorphic as follows
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an·thro·po·mor·phic

adjective

1.ascribing human form or attributes to a being or thing not human, especially to a deity.

2.resembling or made to resemble a human form: an anthropomorphic carving.

 

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Giving  dogs human attributes is sometimes harmful to dogs. Here is an example:

"I came home really late from work and Fido was really mad at me so he peed on the rug!"

There is research on emotions in dogs and evidence that shows that dogs can indeed feel anger. However, revenge (in this example revenge=peeing on the rug BECAUSE you were late coming home) is a very human emotion. It requires mind "time travel" the ability to associate that because I(dog) am peeing on the rug NOW that LATER when you(person) come home you will THEN be punished by having to clean up my mess because you did not come home on time. 

 

Wow. I know our dogs are really really smart, but when you break it down it sure seems silly to think that Fido is out to get you doesn't it? 

Next time you are late home from work and Fido has messed on the rug think about how you would feel if you went to the bathroom most every day at 6pm but without any warning were expected to wait an extra 2 hours. Gee whiz! I expect that I would feel like I REALLY REALLY had to pee!

Craig took this photo.

There are many more ways in which people attribute human qualities to dogs. Some can be detrimental to the dogs as described above and some can be just annoying to them. Here are a few photos as an example of the later! tee hee hee.

The photo Craig took of Bugsy inspired this post and photo shoot. Which was all pre-Halloween and lots of silly fun for me. Thanks to Craig for the use of some of his shirts!