The 2013 ASPCA Humane Awards luncheon was held in New York City November 21st. The awards are given to animals and people who have made a positive and lasting impact during the year. The ASPCA Cat of the Year is Koshka, a stray. Koshka and Staff Sgt. Jesse Knott found each other in Afghanistan where […]
History and Culture
Pets have been around since ancient times, although the pet industry has grown and changed over time. Pets have an ancient history as well as a broad geography. They play a role in religion, art and politics.
Our treatment of animals varies from society to society and has changed a lot throughout history. The articles in this category tell the story of pets in our history and culture. Special attention has been given to countries around the world: the history and attitudes toward animals in each one.
Places:
- When euthanasia goes wrong
- Australia
- South Africa
- Italy
- Afghanistan
- Egypt
- Middle East
- Iran
- China
- Poland
- Spain
- Canary Islands
- Great Barrier Reef
- Indian Ocean
- Finland
- Israel
- Wales
- United States of America
- Tibet
- Thailand
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Russia
- Scotland
- Portugal
- Norway
- Netherlands
- Japan
- Ireland
- Hungary
- Germany
- France
- England
- Canada
- Brazil
- Belgium
Famous People and Pets:
- George the Guinea Pig
- Rest in Peace Sam Simon
- Exotic Pets in History
- Well-Known Animal Trainers
- Movie/TV Cowboys and Their Horses
- Nathan J. Winograd
- Emperor Caligula and Incitatus
- Famous Veterinarians
- Beatrix Potter
- C.S. Lewis
- Anna Sewell
- U.S. Presidents and their Pets
- Alexander the Great and Bucephalus
- Pets in the Civil War
- Comanche – a Horse
- Black Jack
- Steve Irwin
- Winston Churchill’s Pets
General History and Culture:
- U.S. State Animal and Bird Symbols
- What Makes an Animal a Pet
- Why Do People Keep Wild Animals as Pets?
- Westminster Dog Show
- Horses in Warfare
- History of Pet Fish
- When Were Farm Animals Domesticated?
- Most Popular Cat Names in 2010
- Most Popular Dog Names in 2010
- History of Pets
- Poseidon and the Horse
- Single Women and Cats
- Pets in Literature
- Pets in Art
- Native American Animal Symbols
- Idioms Relating to Animals
- History of Pet Parrots
- Anthropomorphism of the Family Pet
How Were Breeds Named
Have you ever wondered how breed names came about? Some are obvious such as those named for their places of origin. Others are named for the person who developed them, the breed’s job and still others were inspired names. Here are some examples. Cairn Terrier – Called cairns in Scotland (home to this terrier), they […]
Remebering Patsy Awards for Animal Actors
The Patsy Award was created by the American Humane Association (AHA). Patsy is an acronym for Picture Animal Top Star of the Year. In 1958, in order to include television animal performers, the Performing Animal Television Star of the Year was added. The AHA created the Patsy after a tragic accident occurred during the filming […]
ASPCA – It’s Origins
In April, 1866, over one hundred forty years ago, passersby spotted a gentleman named Henry Bergh explaining to the driver of a coal cart who was whipping his horse, that it is against the law to beat one’s animal. Henry Bergh thus earned the name of The Great Meddler. He was born in New York […]
Rainbow Bridge
The Rainbow Bridge poem, written in prose form, has become a very popular concept, of a place of pets healed, green fields welcoming them, while they await the arrival of their humans. It has been a comfort to many people around the world, grieving the loss of a beloved pet. The story is believed to […]
War Dog Hero – Sgt. Stubby
A stray pit bull/terrier mix became the only dog promoted to sergeant through combat and the most decorated dog of World War I. The dog made friends with soldiers as they drilled at Yale Field in New Haven, Connecticut. Corporal Robert Conroy in particular took a liking to the dog and named him Stubby because […]
Australia
Australia is a large and diverse island continent and is home to a variety of animals. The indigenous species include the kangaroo, koala, emu, platypus, echidna, possum, wombat, saltwater and freshwater crocodiles, the dingo, cockatoo and kookaburra. Introduced species include cats, dogs, buffalo, horses, goats, camels, pigs and deer. Australia has a large amount of […]
Snakes and Serpents Myths and Legends
According to ancient beliefs, the snake represents both good and evil – life and death, creation and destruction. Many religions tell of legends regarding immortality and divine inspirations. In ancient India, the snake was revered as the king of reptiles. Snakes were accorded full funeral rites when they died. Followers of Indian mythology believe that […]
What’s Your Pet’s Zodiac Sign?
The practice of astrology has been around for thousands of years, it’s basic beliefs attributed mainly to the Babylonians. Beginning with changes in seasons, discovering weather patterns, it developed into predicting natural and human events. The Zodiac (Greek for “circle of animals”) is believed to have been developed in ancient Egypt and was later adopted […]
Exotic Pets in History
Many famous people were pet-lovers. Most of the United States presidents kept pets (see U.S. Presidents and their Pets)) and Winston Churchill had a series of pets. Some famous historical figures have had unusual pets as companions: Ramses II (14th century BC) owned a pet lion. The lion went to battle with him and is […]