Non-Verbal Communication is What It Takes.

BUDDY TO THE RESCUE

As can be seen from the above article taken from The Straits Times on 16th September 2008, I guess you can conclude that I would be touching on the aspect of non-verbal communication for this post. What exactly can be classified under non-verbal communication, you may ask? It comprises of facial expressions, body gestures (kinesics) and the tone used. Although most of the time, we tend to communicate verbally, there are instances whereby non-verbal communication is inevitable and necessary, for example in this case in which a dog that made an impact and saved his owner from the jaws of death.

The news article mentioned about how Buddy, a dog- unbelieveably, or not- made a phone call to the emergency services, asking for help for his owner who was then suffering from a severe seizure. Yes, Buddy actually grabbed the phone in his paws and pressed a speed-dial button to the emergency services, using his teeth. This was when non-verbal communication took place: The telephone operator answered the call, expecting someone to reply on the other line, which was obviously impossible since Buddy was not capable of speech. Instead, this was what was heard on the other side as recorded:

"a dog can be heard whimpering repeatedly and barking."

After which, when paramedics arrived,

"They heard Buddy barking loudly."

Apparently, that was already the third time Buddy called for help when his owner was incapacitated.

It is indeed amazing, isn't it? When I first came across this article in the newspaper, I was impressed by Buddy's actions, or rather his response over the phone.

This may get you thinking; not every dog can be trained and would actually be able to call for help during times of need. The following example would further illustrate how non-verbal communication with animals (in this case, another dog) and humans can facilitate one's daily lifestyle- in this case, a simple task of making a trip to the mosque.

Taken from The Straits Times on 26 September 2008, this is yet another report that shows how

significant and necessary non-verbal

communication is.

An exception is made for this visually handicapped teen as a guide dog is required to facilitate his movements. Muslims do not, or never at all, allow dogs in mosques as they are regarded as unclean animals. Hence, it is evident how well the non-verbal communication between the owner and his dog is, since the teen can actually depend and trust his dog to bring him around.

"Now... he can go wherever he wants, whenever he wants." - Father of teen

The aforementioned further supports the relevance of non-verbal communication, regardless of time frames- past/present/in the future.

Personally, I have a liking for dogs as they're adorable, nice to cuddle, blah blah blah; but these two captivating articles gave me a totally different perspective to the common pet. What I have written are just the tip of the iceberg; there may be other numerous examples of non-verbal communication- which I'm just about to discover.

Stay tuned. :)