The bond between American Indians and their dogs is one of loyalty and love, and the heart-wrenching story of the Trail of Tears, when the United States government forced the displacement of approximately 60,000 people of the “Five Civilized Tribes” between 1830 and 1850, only serves to highlight the strength of this bond. One of the most poignant stories related to this time was captured by Alexis de Tocqueville in his book Democracy in America, in which he spoke of the anguish felt by Indians as they were forced to leave their beloved dogs behind while crossing a river during the Trail of Tears.
A Trail of Tears
Tocqueville’s story tells of how, when an Indian village was ordered to embark on their journey westward, they were not allowed to take their dogs with them. Instead, they were forced to leave their pets behind on the banks of the river, never to be seen again. It was a tragic scene, as the Indians wept and bade farewell to their beloved companions while they were being taken away, never to be reunited.
Following Their Masters
The dogs, too, seemed to understand the gravity of the situation, and it is said that they swam out into the river after their masters, following them until the river became too deep and the current too strong, until their strength was exhausted and they drowned. The sight of the dogs desperately trying to stay with their masters until the end was said to be one of the most heartbreaking moments of the Trail of Tears, and it is a testament to the strong bond between American Indians and their dogs.
Grey Wolves and Coyotes
Throughout history, the American Indian has had a deep and long-standing relationship with dogs. In some tribes, dogs were considered to be a part of the family, with their own names and roles. The most common type of dog used by American Indians was the Grey Wolf, which was valued for its intelligence, loyalty, and strength. Other dogs, such as the coyote, were also bred for their hunting skills, and were used to track down game and assist with the capture of wild animals.
The roles of the dogs in American Indian cultures extended beyond the practical. For many, their dogs were seen as spiritual guides, and were believed to be able to sense danger and protect their owners from harm. In many cultures, dogs were also seen as healers and their saliva was used in traditional healing practices.
Spiritual Roles
The spiritual and practical roles of dogs in American Indian cultures were so deeply ingrained that they were seen as an essential part of life, and were even included in religious ceremonies and rituals. Dogs were used in rituals such as the Vision Quest, in which an individual would journey into the wilderness in search of spiritual enlightenment, and were believed to help protect the person from harm and guide them in the right direction.
The bond between American Indians and their dogs was so strong that it was even seen in death. When a beloved dog passed away, it was not uncommon for the owner to bury the animal in a special place, or to hold a ceremony in its honor. This was seen as a way of honoring the animal’s life and of ensuring that its spirit would continue to watch over its master.
Conclusion
The story of the Trail of Tears is a heartbreaking reminder of the strength of the bond between American Indians and their dogs. It is a reminder of the injustice done to these people, and of the cruelty of a system that would force them to abandon the animals they had grown to love and rely on. It is a reminder of the strength and loyalty of these animals, and of the anguish that the Indians must have felt as they watched their beloved companions being taken away from them, never to be reunited.
References:
De Tocqueville, Alexis. Democracy in America. New York: Penguin, 2003.
“The Trail of Tears.” National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1 June 2020, www.nps.gov/trai/index.htm.
“Native American Dog Breeds.” The Spruce Pets, www.thesprucepets.com/native-american-dog-breeds-4825377.
“The Role of Dogs in Native American Culture.” The Dogington Post, 24 Jan. 2019, www.dogingtonpost.com/the-role-of-dogs-in-native-american-culture/.