I read an article in Parade Magazine today as I was browsing through the Sunday paper in search of coupons and the elusive bit of good news that posed the question, "How much do animals really know?" Having always been stunned by the scientific community's reluctance to accept intelligence in animals, I found the article to be very encouraging. It seems that "scientists are seeing evidence of higher mental abilities in a wider range of animals than previously imagined. They've also observed unexpected traits and skills, like empathy and the ability to fashion weapons."
The article also gave some amazing examples of animals not only showing self-awareness but displaying astonishing abilities such as dogs dialing 911 (on speed dial) when an owner was in distress or limping to a vet's office after being hit with a car, chimps helping other chimps, dolphins saving people who were drowning and even elephants supporting injured herd mates.
Empathy, the article states, relies on self-awareness and dolphins, great apes and even elephants have proven they are self-aware by recognizing themselves in a mirror . I'm not a big fan of that test as we're not sure how certain animals really view the world so who's to say they recognize themselves in other ways.
All I'm saying is that anyone who doubts empathy in animals did not witness the support, affection and constant concern that my Rat Terrier Sonny and my tabby Boris showed my beloved black cat Sasha during the final week of his life last Christmas. Every time Sasha moved, Sonny and Boris were up and watching to make sure he didn't fall and if he did, they would hover around him calling me until I could come and help. When Sasha curled up on the sofa, Boris would watch over him on the backrest and Sonny would lie next to him as if keeping him warm. Sonny always made sure that he was actually touching Sasha without hurting the fragile cat.
On New Year's Eve as the whole world celebrated, the four of us huddled together on the sofa and then on the bed while Sonny, Boris and I bade our final farewells to our beautiful 15 year old companion. Immediately after Sasha's final breath, Sonny and Boris crowded in on me - one on either side - and started nuzzling me and licking away my copious tears. They did not leave my side for the next few days which helped me to get past the grief that I felt so keenly. They were quiet, obedient and didn't even beg for food which they always do one way or another. It was almost as if they were mourning too. I may be personifying them to some extent but seeing how lively and communicative they usually are, it's very difficult to believe that they didn't feel empathy for Sasha and for me. There are many more examples of intelligence in these stupendous animals but that was a big one for me.
Hopefully, one day, everyone will feel the same respect and awe for these intelligent creatures that many of us feel already. For now, if you'd like to read the full article, you will find it right here.
To help your dog live a happier, healthier, longer life download your totally FREE copy of the Long Life Dog Book. To see more pictures of Rat Terriers and find out more about them, please visit Rat Terrier Life Span and for information on keeping your best friend trim, take a look at Dog Weight Problems.
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