What's The Point Of Bravery Awards For Animals?

[sp1814]

Sure, they make us humans feel good - but animals have no idea what a medal for bravery actually is:

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/service-dog-receives-coveted-medal-for-bravery-eats-it-instead_uk_5a0ea92ae4b0e97dffec9d36?qrb&utm_hp_ref=uk-homepage

Surely a more appropriate award for Mali would be a lifetime supply of Pedigree Chum, a field of female dogs* and all the postmen he can chew on?





(*I don't think we're allowed to use the 'B' word on AB).

[Baldric]

Get a life sp. ;o)

[jno]

I don't know that your suggestion of the canine equivalent of 72 virgins is entirely appropriate...

[mikey4444]

I heard this on the radio this morning. From what I know, this dog deserved all the medals that it could get.

Don't be horrid sp !

[andy-hughes]

sp - You're answered your own question with your opening remark - so that's conversation closed right there.

[jno]

if they aren't even edible, mikey, what's he going to do, show them to his grandpups?

[Togo]

//but animals have no idea what a medal for bravery actually is://

No but a well rounded person who had entrusted their life to the animal would! Or is fear only something that you are able to relate to?

[jno]

andy, surely it's worth considering why we give medals to animals to make ourselves feel good?

[mikey4444]

I think is recognition for the trainers and handlers as much as anything else. I am sure that this super dog deserves all the extra treats that it can get.

[ummmm]

Of course it is, Mikey, the dog didn't train itself :-)

[andy-hughes]

jno - // andy, surely it's worth considering why we give medals to animals to make ourselves feel good? //

I am sure there is a deep-seated psychological reason which could be explained by a scientist with most of the alphabet after their name, but as far as the AB is concerned, I think the answer is straight-forward - it makes the handlers, and animal lovers in general, feel good, and I for one am all for that.

[Jackdaw33]

I must admit I tend to agree with the OP. A dog has no concept of bravery, its desire is to please its master/mistress, for which the reward should be loads of doggie chews, not medals.

[Baldric]

An animal doesn't know it's risking its life, it's just doing its job,
Isn't that exactly what Humans get Medals for?

[jno]

er, no, humans do know they're risking their lives, and they know what a medal is too.

[andy-hughes]

Baldric - // An animal doesn't know it's risking its life, it's just doing its job,
Isn't that exactly what Humans get Medals for? //

It is - but the difference is, humans have free will, and a capacity to understand danger before they put themselves in a situation.

As advised, animals like dogs simply like to please their owners and have no concept of risk and potential consequences.

[andy-hughes]

jno - We cross posted, but I can see we are in agreement.

[B00]

No, I get where Sp is coming from.

Yes, you're summery of what he'd prefer is probably correct, though I'm assuming he's been neutered so female friends probably won't be required ;-) The medal is more a deserved feel good thing for his handlers.

As long as he sees out retirement with everything his little doggy heart desires i'm happy.

[wolf63]

A dog may be a highly trained military or police dog but it still gets scared. This particular dog has gone against its natural instincts - to run away. The actual medal is pointless but the highlighting of the work these animals do is important.

These dogs can do tasks in minutes that may take a human hours. I find them fascinating - especially Police Dogs (mainly GSDs).

[sp1814]

But why not give the animals (horses also get awards) something that they will appreciate?

Okay - have a ceremony for the handlers, but don't give an animal a medal. They literally have no idea what a medal is.

Give them the world's best chew toy!

[Baldric]

AH @ 18:52, yeah, I believe that's pretty much what I said, but thanks for confirming it.