12 Bit Photo
Dependency
Posted by Twelvebit (Victoria, United States) on 18 January 2009 in Animal & Insect and Portfolio.
They depend on us. We must speak for them because they can't speak for themselves. Tragically, we all too often let them down. But then, we live in a world where few speak up even for the kind of life we rationalize as "superior" and pretend to revere.
Observing from West Cheshire, United Kingdom
The barrier between human and dog seems magnified through the dirty glass, and yet, there should be no barrier. Very moving image.
18 Jan 2009 6:09am
@Observing: There is no barrier between him and I --at least in the realm of dog and man. We're about as close as creatures from two different species can get.
@k@: Thank you.
@Pascale: Merci beau coup.
Linerberry from Sumner, Christchurch, New Zealand
A very moving and emotive image. Those sad eyes are all too often seen in this world. Nicely captured!
18 Jan 2009 11:00pm
@Linerberry: In spite of his large size (147 lbs as last weighed) he's a very sensitive guy, and his feelings are very easily hurt. He seems to need a lot of love. This may partly be a characteristic of the breed, but we got him from the "pound" weighing less than 100 lbs and feeling visibly despondent, and abandonment and starvation probably had their effects, even if he had not also been mistreated. He's a beautiful creature and whenever I find myself wondering about his past I am deeply saddened and sickened --and very much angered-- by the thought that someone disguised as a human being may have abused him.
Marcah from Quincy, United States
Very emotive image. Love the writing., a subject near and dear to my heart. Nice Work.....
18 Jan 2009 11:43pm
@Marcah: In spite of his large size (147 lbs as last weighed) he's a very sensitive guy, and his feelings are very easily hurt. He seems to need a lot of love. This may partly be a characteristic of the breed, but we got him from the "pound" weighing less than 100 lbs and feeling visibly despondent, and abandonment and starvation probably had their effects, even if he had not also been mistreated. He's a beautiful creature and whenever I find myself wondering about his past I am deeply saddened and sickened --and very much angered-- by the thought that someone disguised as a human being may have abused him.
MadScientist from Düsseldorf, Germany
You're so right.
(Now clean that window. ;-)
19 Jan 2009 9:48am
@MadScientist: My philosophy on that is, why bother, it will just get dirty again.
@grant: Thank you.
lisa v from Gawler, Australia
I had to come back for a second look. Mr dog's eyes are killin' me.
20 Jan 2009 7:21am
@lisa v: In spite of his large size (147 lbs as last weighed) he's a very sensitive guy, and his feelings are very easily hurt. He seems to need a lot of love. This may partly be a characteristic of the breed, but we got him from the "pound" weighing less than 100 lbs and feeling visibly despondent, and abandonment and starvation probably had their effects, even if he had not also been mistreated. He's a beautiful creature and whenever I find myself wondering about his past I am deeply saddened and sickened --and very much angered-- by the thought that someone disguised as a human being may have abused him.
dj.tigersprout from San Bruno, CA, United States
wow -- abstract -- quite painterly! excellent eye!
22 Jan 2009 12:28am
Amir from Tehran, Iran
I hate that notion of Superior. Who said we are superior, for the matter of fact we are very inferior. What kind of "civilized and superior" being would slaughter it self to this degree. We human are deep in our own self induced illusions. I as one am shameful of being associated with this "Superior Being". Love your lovely dog.
22 Jan 2009 3:32pm
@Amir: I agree with you. That's why I put "superior" in quotes --it's intended to be ironic. It's a further irony that while people like to consider themselves as "superior" creatures in the natural world they are uniquely destructive of their own kind. No other species destroys itself with the glee and ferocity of human beings.
I think the average dog is superior to the average human being. I also agree with the sentiment I heard expressed in the film "Waking Life" that the difference between a human being like Einstein and the average human being is greater than the difference between the average human being and a Chimpanzee. Let me close with this quote by Byron about the superiority of dogs:
"Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed Beauty without Vanity, Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, and all the Virtues of Man, without his Vices. This Praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery if inscribed over human ashes, is but a just tribute to the Memory of Boatswain, a Dog."
George Gordon, Lord Byron, "Inscription on the Monument of a Newfoundland Dog"
Nan from Netherlands
I love your comments, irony and this wonderful picture. The little animals are very pictural too.
6 Feb 2009 5:50pm
Craig@Random Ramblings from Herts, United Kingdom
I concur entirely. My dog and I have a relationship that's so close yet we do not speak the same language, I know exactly what he wants from a single look, from walkies to dinner time (well he hints at that by dragging the bowl across the floor:). It's something very special.
14 Feb 2009 11:12am
Nikon D80
1/4000 second
F/1.8
ISO 1250
75 mm (35mm equiv.)