Blogger: Etta Wilson
Location: Books & Such Nashville office
Weather: Still hot
Thinking more about humans and dogs, I’m always a little surprised by the great difference in our attitude toward dogs, at least that of most of us, and the attitude we find in biblical accounts. Nearly all the references to dogs in both the Old and New Testaments are negative. I wonder if this wasn’t related more to cultural and racial animosities. From the Exodus story, we know Egyptians were not fast friends with the Israelites, and a favorite sport of the ancient Egyptians was racing greyhounds. Jews called Gentiles “Dogs,” and Moslems later called Christians “Dogs.” Go figure!
It does appear that dogs in the area of ancient Palestine were more wild than tame, and we have a good number of references to hyenas–a distant cousin.
Somewhere our attitudes changed, and perhaps dogs changed as well. As an editor in Christian publishing in the late ’80s, I was well aware that children’s stories could not have an anthropomorphic animal character. Now editors across the board realize that the best way to deal with a difficult subject (or a wildly humorous one) may be to have animal characters, and often it’s a dog. Perhaps those in marketing also realized the great appeal of titles in the general market like Harry, the Dirty Dog (c1956), Clifford the Big Red Dog (c1962), and Sounder (c1965 and Newbery award winner) to name a few.
Earlier than that, several great English authors indicate a change in the direction of Western thought about dogs. In 1809 Lord Byron wrote, “The poor dog, in life the firmest friend, The first to welcome, foremost to defend.”
What are your favorite children’s books with dogs as main characters?
Tomorrow–sayings about dogs.
I always wondered why the Bible spoke only negatively about dogs when we love them so much.
My kids loved The Pokey Little Puppy when they were little.
Scruffy by Jack Stonely. I absolutely adored this book.
Okay, not a book, but my childhood hero was Underdog.
In biblical times, most dogs weren’t domesticated; they were scavengers, and the emotional equivalent of rats. Think of that when you read about Caleb (Hebrew for “dog).
Bill, Thanks for the insight, but wasn’t that true only in Israel? Dogs certainly were domesticated in Egypt. Now that I think about it, why aren’t there any dogs in central and southern Africa?
Etta
Love That Dog!
What a great book! It is all written in poetry. I actually used the ideas in it in my own middle school classroom.
Oh, and Paul calls the Jewish Christians who were insisting on circumcision dogs….mutilators of the flesh.
My aunt also hosted many Arab exchange students and none of them were comfortable around our dogs.
(My boys are currently watching Old Yeller, funny.)
I’m hoping a NEW favorite will be May the K9 Spy! It’s written for children ages 8-12 and dog lovers of any age. I’ve just finished the 1st of the series “May on the Way” and am looking for an agent to help me with getting it published.
The book addresses a variety of difficult topics – so it is interesting that this is being discussed here!!!
Since we have 4 dogs, it’s obvious we are smitten with furry canine 4 footers.
This weekend a new friend (an adult) read the first 3 chapters. I had NO idea she had suffered such intense, horrific abuse until the age of 7, when she was adopted.
She bonded and identified with May in a startling, intense manner. She asked me if I truly realized what I had done and how important this was?
Then, she wrote to me this afternoon:
—– Original Message —–
Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 3:32 PM
Subject: RE: stuff
Hi Karen,
I agree that May has a story that needs be heard. As you said, children and adults can relate to the story. That night, I believe I was healed from the inside out. When I told my husband he was holding my hand but when I said, I am okay dear, it’s alright… he gave me a big hug.
** ** **
I’m praying that May’s story (mostly true!) will help other children – and adults – who suffer from things that children should never be aware of… and help them heal and move on, all with God’s help.
I guess that sounded self-serving but it’s His book. May is just the messenger. 🙂
Didn’t the Lord use dogs to lick Job’s wounds?
I’m afraid dogs had a rough time with Shakespeare too which is relatively close to our times and location.
Okay… so here’s a little more about dogs in the ancient world from Easton’s Bible Dictionary (Public Domain):
Frequently mentioned both in the Old and New Testaments. Dogs were used by the Hebrews as a watch for their houses Isa 56:10 and for guarding their flocks Job 30:1 There were also then as now troops of semi-wild dogs that wandered about devouring dead bodies and the offal of the streets 1Ki 14:11 16:4 21:19,23 22:38 Ps 59:6,14 As the dog was an unclean animal, the terms “dog,” “dog’s head,” “dead dog,” were used as terms of reproach or of humiliation 1Sa 24:14 2Sa 3:8 9:8 16:9 Paul calls false apostles “dogs” Php 3:2 Those who are shut out of the kingdom of heaven are also so designated Re 22:15 Persecutors are called “dogs” Ps 22:16. Hazael’s words, “Thy servant which is but a dog” 2Ki 8:13 are spoken in mock humility=impossible that one so contemptible as he should attain to such power.
So… dogs were domesticated (I sit corrected), and perhaps it was their uncleanness that made calling someone a dog an insult.
Good research, Bill! Some of these references I had found, but not all. At least dogs are mentioned in the Bible. I don’t think cats are.
Etta
Thanks to your blogs on cats and dogs I have started a blog simply called “Dogs and Cats” which is run by my doggy called Berrilla. She also has her own Twitter account to boot. She has begun a series of idioms with illustrations. Today’s was “There isn’t enough room to swing a cat”… but don’t expect to see a cat swinging- something no doubt Berrilla would love to have done- I simply had to draw the line somewhere! Thanks for the inspiration!
Unfortunately the link which I put on my last comment to “Dogs and Cats” doesn’t work yet so I am posting my link to my normal blog from which, if you care to, can access “Dogs and Cats”. However, I am sure you have better things to do than chase after my dogs and cats!!! I’m smiling!