Christopher Columbus, photo credit: Sxc.hu
October 13th is Columbus Day. It marks a period in the late 1400's when Christopher Columbus landed to America. Consequently, his trip has been scrutinized repeatedly over time. Modern historians question many aspects of it and how this trip fits into history.
Historians have many questions about what really happened in Christopher Columbus' journey. Did he really discover America? Was his arrival onto new lands planned or an accident? Were dogs aboard the boat helping to keep it afloat? Okay, the last question is just one of my own. Only a few historians have explored the role of dogs in the early days of Christopher Columbus, but those who have show it as an ambivalent one.
In the late 1400's, Americans didn't see dogs necessarily as domesticated animals. Although some people did keep them as pets, it wasn't as wide-spread as today. Reportedly, Spanish settlers used dogs much of the time for hunting and Indians saw them as spirits given to trickery. Also, neither groups separated them from other canines like wolves and coyotes. It would be decades before the role of dogs truly transformed into what it is today.
As time progressed and Americans turned away from an agricultural lifestyle, the roles of dogs changed into what it is today. People began to see dogs more as domesticated animals best suited as companions because of their even temperaments and loyalty. It was a shift in mentality that's brought many dogs from the outside into the home and as part of the family.
Therefore, basically, the role of dogs in America is significant. And yes, to answer the earlier question, Spanish settlers did bring them on the trip to America although dogs were already here. The dogs Spanish settlers brought were just more domesticated. Dogs have been with man through every step of his journey in life. Keep this in mind as you celebrate Columbus Day. Hit the snooze alarm a few times and then give your dog a treat.
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Comments
Christopher Columbus was still sailing to America in the early 1900s? He must of been the oldest man ever!!!
Lance, all I can do is laugh at myself and make sure I recheck my dates before I talk about history. Thanks for the critique.
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