The documentary ,”Dogs & us – The secrets of a friendship” by DW Documentary, explores the enduring and profound connection between humans and dogs. The emotional bond between the two species, rooted in thousands of years of coexistence, remains unbroken to this day.
Dogs, characterized by their playful, headstrong, and loyal nature, have evolved over millennia, making them perfectly suited companions for humans. Their phenomenal senses, including a remarkable sense of smell, make them indispensable members of various teams. This documentary delves into the secrets behind this unique and unbreakable friendship.
Living with Greenland Dogs:
The narrative takes us to a small town in northern Norway, kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, where Greenland dogs, one of the oldest dog breeds, still lead lives untouched by modernity. A husky farm owner, Bjorn, shares his experiences of relying on these dogs for extreme expeditions in the far north, emphasizing their resilience to harsh weather conditions.
In these lonely terrains, the Greenland dogs prove to be more than companions; they become life insurance policies for their owners. The collaboration between humans and sled dogs in such environments deepens the connection with nature, highlighting the historical significance of this bond.
Sled Dogs Through History:
The documentary traces the historical relationship between humans and sled dogs, dating back over 2,000 years. Nomads in Siberia, Inuits in North America, and inhabitants of Greenland have all shared a close connection with these dogs. In the highlands of northern Norway, the symbiotic relationship between humans and sled dogs, once essential for survival, has transformed into a passionate pursuit for individuals like Bjorn.
Sled dogs, with their own motivations and capabilities, navigate through challenging terrains, providing insights into the profound collaboration that has defined our history. The film captures the enduring spirit of sled dogs and their ability to understand human cues, deepening the bond between the two species.
Canine Superpowers:
Dogs’ unique and sophisticated communication abilities with humans are explored, shedding light on how they process speech and tone. The documentary showcases instances where dogs have taken on tasks that humans couldn’t perform alone, such as the compelling work of sheepdogs herding sheep. The extensive field of vision in dogs, compared to humans, makes them masters of herding, contributing significantly to various aspects of human life.
The ancestors of border collies, discovered in 16th-century England and Scotland, showcase their skills in herding, emphasizing the crucial role they played in shepherds’ lives. The segment underscores how dogs, with their heightened awareness and agility, complement human efforts and contribute to tasks beyond our individual capabilities.
Dogs as Medical Detectives:
The documentary shifts to the medical realm, exploring the remarkable olfactory abilities of dogs. In Styria, Austria, dogs like Rocky and Lucy are being trained to detect diseases, particularly cancer. The film presents the meticulous training process, involving breath, urine, and saliva samples, showcasing the potential of these canine medical detectives.
The accuracy of trained sniffer dogs in detecting cancer cells is highlighted, offering a new perspective on early disease detection. The documentary suggests that this approach could revolutionize medical diagnostics, especially in skin cancer detection, showcasing the dogs’ potential in saving lives through their incredible sense of smell.
Cadaver Dogs and Empathy:
Trained cadaver dogs, with their keen sense of smell, are shown to be invaluable in forensic investigations. Dogs like Layla, with their ability to detect specific scents associated with decomposition, contribute to solving criminal cases. The segment also emphasizes the empathetic nature of these dogs, showcasing their role in bringing closure to families and the justice system.
The connection between the dogs and their handlers is explored, highlighting the unique partnership forged in challenging and emotionally charged situations. The documentary underscores how dogs, through their work, not only provide valuable forensic insights but also demonstrate a level of empathy that is unparalleled.
Service Dogs and Transformative Bonds:
The film transitions to the world of service dogs, focusing on the transformative impact they have on individuals’ lives. Pina, an Australian Shepherd, is trained to assist her owner, Karlotta Kama, who battled limitations, depression, and self-harming behavior. Pina’s presence has not only helped Karlotta in her daily life but has also become a source of connection with others.
The documentary showcases the unique care-taking role that service dogs play, with a particular emphasis on the emotional support they provide. The bond between Pina and Karlotta highlights the profound impact dogs can have on human well-being, serving as companions and sources of strength.
Reading Faces and Unconditional Love:
Dogs’ ability to read human faces is explored, emphasizing the non-verbal communication that occurs between humans and dogs. The documentary presents instances where dogs, through their observant nature, can understand and respond to human emotions. The inherent connection between dogs and humans, facilitated by visual and emotional cues, showcases the depth of the bond.
The film concludes by underlining the irresistible nature of dogs, with their pleading eyes and unconditional love. The emotional connection formed with dogs goes beyond words, transcending into a friendship that provides solace and support during life’s challenges.
“(106) Dogs & Us – The Secrets of an Unbreakable Friendship | DW Documentary – YouTube” serves as a captivating exploration of the multifaceted relationship between humans and dogs. From historical collaborations in challenging environments to cutting-edge medical applications and transformative bonds in personal lives, the documentary sheds light on the enduring and evolving nature of this extraordinary friendship.
Loading...
