I can’t say I always agree with science. Chemistry is necessary, biology is interesting and physics completely confuses me. Given a choice of high school classes in which to enroll, I can’t say any science would be high on the priority list. Then there’s psychology. While some would argue its philosophical roots negate its scientific clout, I argue science is prevalent in its close examination of all things thoughtful.
Take this study done recently in Current Biology, for example. Scientists have uncovered the truth we canines know is so much more than science. Our brains contain within them sensory receptors for receiving and deciphering emotions in sounds. The study reports this is why we tend to respond to the unique emotional needs of our people in spite of our lack of English-speaking skills.
While I’m glad this is now scientifically confirmed, this is certainly not news to me. I know how my mind responds to unique emotional situations. I know because it happens all day every day in a dog’s life. Today I responded to love as my forever family cuddled together speaking in hushed tones (as not to wake baby Carter). I didn’t think. I cuddled. I paced nervously as baby Carter cried and cried when he accidentally scratched himself on the nose. I didn’t think. I cared. I sought immediate positive reinforcement when dad tripped and stepped on my paw in the process. I didn’t think. I loved.
“There are moments in life when the heart is so full of emotion that if by chance it be shaken, or into its depths like a pebble drops some careless word, it overflows, and its secret, split on the ground like water, can never be gathered together,” penned American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
That’s the problem with science if you ask me. There’s not always enough room for emotion in things like chemistry or physics. And yet so much pressure is put on the “proof” that so many people need to see the science to believe. Let’s face it. While I am excited that science can now confirm what most dog owners already know, there is more to it than that. It’s more than a stimulus-response reaction. It’s more than a brain scan can show. Because really, it’s love.
Wiley's Wisdom 
You are so RIGHT, Wyles! Long, long ago, before science said anything, I knew men and women thought differently – I mean their brains worked differently – not better, just organized differently – my six year old self visualized a bank of safety deposit boxes for the men, one at a time, whereas women had seven different channels going simultaneously. When I was all grown up, science announced – men and women think differently. Good to have backup, but experience was ahead of the curve.
Thank you for sharing your story with me, dear HuntMode! You’re so very right about men and women and their differences…sometimes its what brings them together. At least that was the case around here tonight. Oh what a night we’ve had…filled with challenges. They make us stronger though, right?
Lots of love,
Wyles
Well, yes. Then again, I often find myself wondering, Stronger for what?!
Why don’t scientists use their eyes and their hearts instead of just their microscopes? Just this afternoon I watched a program about dogs visiting retirement homes, hospitals and schools. Just watching the dogs interacting with the elderly was beautiful. Seriously ill children in hospital beam with delight when the dogs pay a visit and children with reading difficulties improve in leaps and bounds as they sit on the floor and read to the visiting dog who listens with rapt attention. We know what dogs are capable of don’t we Wiles 😀
I will never understand those microscope thingys, and I’m okay with that. Who needs them when us canines can really do our part at retirement homes, hospitals and schools like you mentioned? That is where the real love lies.
Lots of love,
Wiles
Humans need everything proven and science does come up with results, as you can see. It would be better if humans didn’t think so much either and just did everything with love. Just be and follow the heart. Dogs and other animals are like that and we could learn so much from them.
Great Sunday Morning Thought! Thanks Wiles!
You’re right, as usual, dear friend. I love what you said about not thinking and simply acting in love. Wouldn’t that be nice? Ah, I picture the world as such a happier place that way. Then again, we’ll never get to that point without people (er, and dogs) like us leading the charge. It’s an honor to serve with you friend. 🙂
Lots of love,
Wiles
It is definitely love – plus good instincts. You are such a good pal to baby Carter. Mom and Dad must be very proud of you!
I hope they are proud…I do love them all so very much.
Proof is the opposite of faith. I’d rather have faith than proof any day!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
You always have a way of taking my thoughts and bringing them to life in a way even I don’t know how to do. Lots of love,
Wiles
Oh I know when mom is mad just by looking at her face.. and of course the tone of her voice..
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
“There are moments in life when the heart is so full of emotion that if by chance it be shaken, or into its depths like a pebble drops some careless word, it overflows, and its secret, split on the ground like water, can never be gathered together,” penned American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.