Adam Smith, Art and Dogs

The Magical Healing Powers That Unite Us

Long years ago; before I left my home for higher education in a foreign country, we decided to adopt a dog. We named him Mordak. We thought Mordak would help my parents to ease the “empty nest” while I was abroad. Unexpectedly, he turned out to be a great help for me, as well.

Gogambar - Empty

When my parents showed me affection, it was complex - it involved expectations and judgments. It was not easy to leave home because of the ideals that had been set before me.

But with Mordak, his love was simple and unadorned - it was freely given - there were no risks and no consequences. I was an only child, leaving my parents to embark on a journey. Life was sometimes ‘difficult. Mordak’s presence was always a soothing balm.

To some, the notion of drawing comfort from my relationship with our family’s dog might seem trite. I believe the inherent simplicity is central to the immense power of the bond between Mordak and me.

Fast forward three decades, I find myself working on development economics - ARTBOX System.

The idea comes from an old concept. Around 1900s, Prof. Schmoller had shared it with all of us.

The magazine ZEIT mentioned some years ago about Prof. Gustav Von Schmoller's renaissance:

“When Gustav von Schmoller released the outline of the Allgemeine Volkswirtschaftslehre for print at the beginning of this century, he was entitled to assume that his work would become a "classic" for future generations of economists. After all, the Berlin professor of political science was considered the father of German economics during his lifetime. He was the head of the "Younger Historical School" and one of the leading figures of the "Kathedersozialisten", who dealt in particular with social issues and advocated social reforms. As an influential science organizer, Schmoller (1838-1917) ensured that representatives of other disciplines found it difficult to gain a foothold at German universities. But Schmoller's fame faded very soon after his death. Especially after the Second World War, the neoclassical model economy that he vehemently opposed began its triumphal march with a tailwind from the Anglo-Saxon countries in Germany. The work of the learned Swabian was seen in many places as the low point of economic thought, and the Grundriß, the first volume of which was published in 1900 and the second volume in 1904, even as a deterrent example. Even today it is still good form for some economists to express disparagingly about Schmoller's more than 1000-page old work. Hardly anyone has read it, however. His observations and explanations start with individual phenomena. From this basis, he can gradually draw general conclusions. However, there cannot be a "final uniform law of economic activity" that applies regardless of the specific historical, political and social situation. Schmoller is convinced that people are not solely guided by the instinct to earn money in their economic activities. They always strive to act "well" in order to secure the recognition of the community and to avoid punishment. The "habits of law, morals, and morals" encountered them in the form of institutions. Economic progress requires institutional change. Schmoller's considerations do not stop at the social conflicts of his time. As a socially politically committed citizen, he fears both: unrestrained capitalism and a red revolution. He sees only one choice: "Either you push the whole working class back down to the level of lawless slaves and servants, and that is impossible, or you recognize them as citizens with equal rights, raise their intellectual and technical education, but then abandon them also organize, gives them the influence they need to protect their interests.”

Working on the ARTBOX System alongside Team Many Many Beginnings we had already publicly shared an open invitation for problem-solving via collaborative learning. Those who joined us started to ask first why rural areas?

The simple reason is:

Like vibrant roses, most people in rural areas, generally live short lives.

The blossoming youth opens fresh and hopeful, they bud with open arms to life’s burgeoning promises while they are eager to experience any of life’s zephyrs - the gentle aromas and joys.

In 2021, we believe that their hopeful expectations for a better tomorrow will be realized. Can we not facilitate the realization of their dream?

Each day we see the signs that the East and the West as disparate as their viewpoints and agendas maybe - they (we ALL see) that - energetically and in every other way that we are all one, interconnected; our collective well-being depends on the well-being of others.

Those of us living in rural areas are no exception to the rule. We are all sisters, brothers, and others and that will do well to accept our common bond and genuine connection to Mother Earth. Perhaps, we might do well to consider how we might support our extended family.

In Africa, and elsewhere, a tendency towards cliquishness contributes to isolationist thinking, and infrequent sharing of wisdom, technical insight, and systems-based benefits sharing. Africans are looking for happiness and solutions in the wrong place.

Neither the East nor the West can be the panacea that the youth require.

Recently, experts in the Arts (literature, designers, and performers) as well as architects, engineers, and others like Koen Timmers (in Education), are active more than before. Those who test the boundaries of what can be in the status quo of today’s systems - envision collectively a better, more hopeful tomorrow through their creativity, empathy and yes, their solidarity with collaborators. One of these leaders I had the pleasure to meet, Dennis, brings to my mind my beloved Mordak and his symbolic influence for me and ultimately for ARTBOX System.

Mr. Dennis P. Owens, Founder and Chief Vision Officer for Animal Behavior Arts Ltd. based in New York, is in the category of experts previously mentioned. For years he is transforming the lives of community stakeholders through the magic of The Human-Animal Bond. His particular passion is found near the juncture of The Bond, particularly where there is trauma, mental illness, an openness to develop empathy, and non-coercive communications. Dennis is a mediator, a human services and companion animal professional, and is always interested in meeting others from his tribe.

He reminds me of the UN Peace Ambassador, Jane Goodall.

In July 1960, at the age of 26, she traveled from England to what is now Tanzania and ventured into the little-known world of wild chimpanzees. From her story, I knew that the presence of an animal can help simply provide wordless emotional release and benefits to those who are open to the experience.

With Dennis, we discussed Animal-Assisted Therapy/Activities & Humane Education and synergies for the ARTBOX System. He’s excited to deploy trained dogs and trained handlers to ARTBOX villages in the near future, utilizing extant community resources. He recognizes that there is value in the inherent, local customs, their values, and traditional practices. His approach seems reminiscent in some ways to Jane Goodall, who equipped with little more than a notebook, binoculars, and her fascination with wildlife, Jane Goodall braved a realm of unknowns to give the world a remarkable window into humankind’s closest living relatives.

Through nearly 60 years of groundbreaking work, she has shown us the urgent need to protect chimpanzees from extinction; Dr. Goodall has also redefined species conservation to include the needs of local people and the environment.

Might Dennis deliver like Dr. Goodall?

After an initial talk with him, I was convinced that he could help rural villagers to understand animals not only as a species but also as companions with emotions and also develop long-term emotional bonds. These bonds, always desirable, but especially critical in communities where the children and adults are survivors of trauma.

Dr. Jane Goodall’s work has transformed our understanding of chimpanzees and has refined the relationship between humans and non-human animals in ways that continue to reverberate around the world.

I hope likewise Dennis can help us answer some basic questions. Here is a short interview:

- Mr. Owens, can you introduce us to your passion? How did you learn about ARTBOX System and are dogs kind of like counselors with fur for children?

Cem, my passion for animals; and specifically for dogs is lifelong and has changed, somewhat over time to an enduring love for what we often discuss as The Human-Canine Bond. Yes, domesticated dogs are amazing energetic beings (most often) with fur, and yes I believe their miraculous nature can often be therapeutic, however, we have to be open to the experience, and the dogs require skillful handling to adequately harness their gift and we need to be receptive to glean the lessons that some animals will readily share with people.

I have been fortunate to have had opportunities to partner with several amazing domesticated, well-trained, and extensively socialized dogs (and other animals) who have been proficient in several arenas: scent detection (Search and Rescue, they’ve helped me and colleagues in conflict resolution, animal behavior rehabilitation, participated in Animal-Assisted Therapy/Activities & Humane Education, complex trauma disclosures, assisted survivors of violent crime during depositions and comforted emotionally distraught children and adults during challenging discussions - there are sometimes conversations which one might only feel comfortable sharing; whispering to a trusted, canine confidante.

I wouldn’t say that a dog, alone - would be an appropriate counselor for a person in need of therapy, but I have witnessed and supported the therapeutic partnership between a skilled human practitioner and an appropriately trained and prepared dog, horse, what have you. I think that as emotionally evocative as our animal interactions may be, we must remain open to the possibility that a person may not always be available for this connection, and it will not occur with every animal that one encounters. We must remain reality-based and accept that there are many reasons that “a special connection” may not occur.

I became familiar with ARTBOX System in an effort to become more familiar with organizations and resources available in Sierra Leonean communities. One evening, I encountered Mr. Mansaray on social media and he informed me about ARTBOX System. I learned that we both had an interest in equity and gender-based violence, among other topics. Mr. Mansaray and I agree that introducing my work to participants at ARTBOX System. I’m honored to be of service.

- Thank you. We too! Fortunate to have met you. What does it take to train a dog in your opinion? For example, I always wonder whether they have empathy with us?

I believe that dogs live very much in the moment. I think they have limited capacity to understand what people experience, but I do believe that animals can experience some of the emotions that humans do, even though there may be some differences.

- Do you think that's a common mistake people make in crisis situations — feeling obligated to give some sort of answer or advice when those who are hurt just need to express themselves – a function that animals do better than us?

“Mr. Tanriover, I believe that many of us have difficulty truly listening, for several reasons. Dogs and other animals are masterful at simply existing in the moment; at being present. They are not likely to be checking email or social media accounts.”

- Thank you for this interview, Mr. Owens and welcome to our Team!