Author: Asel Gokmen

Dogs have been our companions for centuries. Over time, they have always played an important role in our lives, as a faithful friend or even as a cherished family member. They never ask for much, just love, and in return, they give us so much more. This is why dogs are the most popular choice as a pet. But did you know they are capable of so much more than just companionship?

Certain dog breeds are capable of learning up to 250 commands, showcasing their remarkable intelligence. This ability is further enhanced by their extraordinary sense of smell. While humans have about 5 million scent receptors, dogs possess between 125 and 300 million, depending on the breed. Not only can they detect scents, but they can also differentiate them with incredible precision. 

Humans quickly recognized the exceptional sense of smell that dogs possess and began utilizing this ability to their advantage. One of the earliest examples is the use of Saint Bernard dogs by monks in the Alps during the Middle Ages. These dogs were trained to locate lost travelers buried in snow. This marked the beginning of a partnership between humans and dogs for life-saving duties.

Today, dogs are vital in multiple situations, from search and rescue missions to helping law enforcement detect drugs and explosives. They also play a huge role in both physical and mental health care, assisting individuals by serving as guide dogs or providing emotional support. Their ability to detect medical issues or offer comfort makes them invaluable, depending on the specific needs of the person.

Dogs are much more than loyal companions. Their intelligence, remarkable sense of smell, and dedication make them essential in various aspects of our lives. Their loyalty and unique skills ensure that they will always be valued members of our society.

Sources:

Middleton, J. (2024, June 25). How service dogs change lives. James & Ella. https://ella.co/blog/how-service-dogs-change-lives

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 9). Dog intelligence. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_intelligence

Admin. (2021, March 31). How Many Commands Can A Dog Learn? – Delaware K9 Academy. Delaware K9 Academy. https://delawarek9academy.com/blog/how-many-commands-can-a-dog-learn/#:~:text=According%20to%20studies%2C%20an%20average,like%20sit%2C%20down%20and%20stay.

The Saint-Bernard Dogs – Le Relais du Petit St-Bernard. (n.d.). Le Relais Du Petit St-Bernard. https://www.petit-saint-bernard.com/en/the-saint-bernard-dogs/#:~:text=In%20the%2017th%20Century%2C%20certain,and%20Petit%20Saint%20Bernard%20%C2%BB%20Passes.

Cats are one of the most popular pets in the world. They are loved by many people for their independence, playful nature and companionship, but one particular type of cat is often avoided: the black cat. Despite their mystical beauty and charm, black cats are often associated with superstitions and myths. Throughout history, black cats have played interesting roles. Depending on the time and place, they were either feared or worshipped.

In ancient Egypt, cats had a high reputation among the people. The goddes Bastet, depicted with the head of a black cat, was worshipped by the Egyptians. Killing a cat, even by accident, was punishable by death.

During the Middle Ages, black cats were associated with witchcraft and the supernatural. They were believed to be the companions of witches or even the embodiment of demons. From the early 13th centry in Europe to the 17th century Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts, this belief led to the execution of both “witches” and their black cats.

Luckily, in some cultures, black cats are also believed to bring good luck. In Scotland, for instance, it was thought (from the 16th century onwards) that a black cat entering a home would bring prosperity and happiness. In Japan, they were also believed to attract good fortune for centuries, especially for single women, as they were believed to bring potential suitors. Sailors, too, regarded black cats as lucky, often keeping them aboard ships to protect them from storms and ensure safe travels.

Despite the positive associations in certain cultures, and the image improvement of black cats in modern times, people are still hesitant to adopt them. Many still hold onto old superstitions, thinking that a black cat would bring bad luck. As a result, these wonderful animals often have a harder time finding a forever home. It’s important to remember that a cat’s color doesn’t determine its personality, and black cats are just as loving and loyal as any other cat.

Sources:
Superstitions and Black Cats. (z.d.). https://carnegiemnh.org/superstitions-and-black-cats/#:~:text=In%20some%20European%20folklore%2C%20black,reliable%20weather%20predictor%20(3).

Catit, & Catit. (2024, 20 augustus). Vanwaar komt het bijgeloof dat zwarte katten ongeluk zouden brengen? Catit. https://www.catit.com/nl/spotlight/vanwaar-komt-het-bijgeloof-dat-zwarte-katten-ongeluk-zouden-brengen/

Wikipedia-bijdragers. (2023, 31 mei). Bastet. Wikipedia. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bastet#:~:text=Bastet%20(oorspronkelijk%3A%20Bast%2C%20ook,%2C%20feest%2C%20leven%20en%20warmte.

Syufy, F. (2024, 14 augustus). Myths and Superstitions About Black Cats. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/black-cat-superstitions-554444

Black Cat Meaning: Myths and Facts Debunked | Four Paws. (z.d.). https://www.fourpaws.com/pets-101/cat-corner/black-cat-myths-and-facts#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20they’re%20considered,cats%20as%20cute%E2%80%94not%20creepy.

I never thought I would be writing this. Growing up, I was never allowed to have pets in the house. It was my childhood dream, and  eventually, I found a way to make it work. Both my sister and mother are religious and they strive to follow the Islamic path.

 In Islam, pets are generally not permitted in the house, with one notable exception, cats. I didn’t know this at first, but when I decided I actually wanted to adopt a pet, I had to find a way to convince my mom and sister. So, I did my research and found promising reasons that supported my case for having an animal.

Cats hold a special status in the Islamic culture.
Unlike many other animals, cats are considered clean in Islam, and cleanliness is a core principle in the religion. For example, before entering a mosque, Muslims are required to cover themselves, wear a headscarf (for women) and leave their shoes outside to avoid bringing dirt inside. However, cats are allowed to enter mosques freely because they are ritually pure and they are believed to carry blessings (barakah).

As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “It is not impure; rather, it belongs to those who walk around you.”

One famous story from the life of the Prophet Muhammad illustrates the love and respect for cats in Islam. It is believed that the Prophet had a beloved cat named Muezza. On one occasion, when Muezza was peacefully sleeping on the sleeve of the Prophet’s robe, He chose to cut off his sleeve rather than disturb her.

The Prophet Muhammad also said: “A woman was punished in Hell because she imprisoned a cat until it died of hunger. She did not give it food or water, nor did she allow it to hunt for itself.” This hadith is a powerful reminder of the responsibility of Muslims have to take care of their pets.

I’m glad to have learned the teachings of the Prophet and discovered that cats are more important than I initially thought. As I continue to live with my two beloved cats, I am constantly reminded of the blessings that come with this special bond I share with them.

Sources

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, 19 november). Islam and cats – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_and_cats

Katten als huisdier nemen – Al-Yaqeen. (2013, 13 maart).
https://www.al-yaqeen.com/va/overige/katten-als-huisdier-nemen/

Bukhari, M. (Trans. M. Muhsin Khan). (n.d.). Sahih al-Bukhari (Vol. 1).
https://sunnah.com/bukhari