India, Sept. 27 -- Dog-tired, gone to the dogs, dog-eat-dog. given how long we have lived side-by-side with canines, with evidence indicating that they may have become domesticated more than 15,000 years ago, it is no wonder that our language is full of references to these beloved animals.

Many of my favourite such phrases are reminders of how this relationship has evolved. It wasn't always one of pampered indolence, for instance.

That's where we get "a dog's life", in fact. The earliest recorded use of this term dates to the 16th century, a time when these animals were still used for activities ranging from heavy-duty transport to security (particularly to guard valuable livestock) and arduous chases during hunts. (This is also where w...