ANUBIS, the canine God who protected the souls of the dead in Ancient Egypt, who looked over their Eternal Resting Place and protected against thieves and evil doers who entered the Necropolis, is part dog, part man. He protected the Mummies in Egypt from desecration and made sure the dead were guarded. He took part in the mummification so that the dead would be able to enter the Afterlife safely. A Dog, a Protector. Is this why we are so close to the Dog, a Canine, an animal with highly developed senses of smell and sight with predatory and protective instincts, so that they can save and protect us from evil? I think so. As they sit vigilant, as they lay with one eye open, guarding the door, protecting the entrance to our home, to our soul. They are the sentry, the first to see and interact. The dog, the protector, the Best Friend. Three thousand years ago the Egyptians adopted an animal who had better powers than our own human species to be our guards. Still today, we employ the common dog, mutt or otherwise, as our best friend, our protector, our guardian. It is a unique relationship which benefits each, Man and Beast. Presently the De Young Museum in San Francisco is exhibiting a once in a lifetime exhibit of King Tut, Tutankhamen, and his treasures, items dating three thousand years ago when the Egyptians believed that Anubis, Isis, Osiris, and many other Gods, really existed. Gold was in abundance and used for decoration and jewelry as well as many other gemstones. Anubis, part Jackal, part Man, assisted in the mummification and preservation of the diseased soul, the Ruler who would enter the Afterlife whole and with all of his powers. This was paramount with the Egyptian culture who developed tombs for the dead who took with them their most valued possessions into the afterlife. Because of this heritage, if you will, we hold dearly to our possessions, to our valuables, and keep our dogs close to us in case we have such an uncertain demise so that they may protect us in our darkest hours. Three thousand years ago is not that far away. We must visit the King Tut exhibit for its simplicity as well as its connection to the present. 2010 is exactly the same, only more inhibited, and in a different language. The language of the Dog, however, stays the same. Protection, Guarding, Guidance, Love. A relationship that transcendends the ages.
Of course you want your dog to have the best nutrition, taking into account the best combination of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and all the wonderful supplements that we are encouraged to give our large breed dogs like Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Omega 3 fatty acids, anti-oxidants, MSM, SAMe, fish oils, anything that will make their coats shiny and soft, and of course, those things that clean their teeth and make their gums healthy. But how do those things taste? Do we have to hide all the vitamins and nutraceuticals in peanut butter or cheese to make them palatable? When I have time I make a casserole with potatoes and other vegetables, and maybe some bacon and chicken, and the enthusiasm towards the food bowl is twice that to the bowl of regular dog food. Sometimes the bowl is carried back to the kitchen in hopes for seconds, and, sometimes the bowl becomes an aromatic pillow. And, there is nothing like Mom's home cookin' followed by a nap on Mom's Bed! It's especially nice to be able to nap and watch Animal Planet or Nature while getting an after-dinner massage. Glucosamine and Chondroitin never tasted so good!
