Silver Sands Veterinary Center
Loving Your Companion
Loving Your Companion
The Core Four of the Human Animal Bond
Donald H. DeForge, VMD
- Andy Pettitte (1995-2003, 2007-2010, 2012-13, 18-year career, 15 spent with the Yankees, 3 with the Astros)
- Mariano Rivera (1995-2013, 19-year career, all with the Yankees)
- Derek Jeter (1995-present, 19-year career, and counting, all with the Yankees)
- Jorge Pasada Catcher-1990 and now retired
As a group, they were a part of the New York Yankees’ dynasty of the late 1990’s. Before 1995, the last time the Yankees made the postseason was 1981.
- 12 Postseason Appearances.
- Eight Division Championships
- Five World Series Championships (1996, 1998-2000, 2009)
Individually, these players have made their own impacts with some outstanding achievements.
In the 22nd round of the 1990 Major League Baseball draft, Andrew Eugene Pettitte was selected. Andy Pettitte holds the Yankees franchise record for strikeouts. In 2001, Andy Pettitte was named Most Valuable Player of the American League Championship Series by going 2-0 with a 2.51 ERA. The two wins were the first and last game of the series with the Seattle Mariners. In 2009, Pettitte became the first pitcher to start and win all the series-clinching games in one postseason. Andy Pettitte has 19 wins in the postseason, an all-time high.
In the 24th round of the 1990 Major League Baseball draft, Jorge Posada was selected. Jorge Posada ranks among the best of the New York Yankees catchers. He is first all-time in doubles (379), walks (936), second all-time in home runs (275) and extra base hits (664). He also played in the most postseason games as a catcher in history.
Mariano Rivera was signed as an international free agent in 1990. Originally a starter, Rivera accidentally found “a gift from God” when he discovered the infamous cutter. He would become a setup reliever for then closer John Wetteland in 1996 before the title was passed on. 652 saves and counting, Mariano Rivera may go down as the greatest of all-time at his position. Rivera is amazing in the regular season; he finds a level beyond that in the postseason. In the postseason, Mariano Rivera has 42 saves and an amazing 0.71 ERA, both the all-time best.
With the sixth overall pick in the first round of the 1992 Major League Baseball draft, the Yankees selected Derek Sanderson Jeter. In his first full season in 1996, Derek Jeter would go on to win Rookie of the Year, hitting to a .314 average. In 2000, he was the All-Star Game Most Valuable Player and in the 2000 World Series, against the New York Mets, Derek Jeter hit .409 with nine hits and two home runs to become the World Series Most Valuable Player as well. He is the first player to accomplish such a feat. In 2009, Derek Jeter became the Yankees all-time hits leader with his 2,722nd hit, surpassing Lou Gehrig. He also became the first Yankee to reach 3,000 hits. He achieved it with a home run in a five-for-five game. With 3,316 hits and counting (I hope), Derek Jeter is the all-time hits leader in the New York Yankees franchise.
Andy Pettitte, starting pitcher, and Mariano Rivera, closing pitcher, have combined for the most wins-saves combination. They have achieved this combination 72 times. The other admirable qualities of these four players are that they are not only dedicated professionals with fiery passion for the game of baseball; they have all composed themselves with class and grace that is admirable and respectable. Pettitte and Posada are known for their visibly energetic personalities on the field, letting the world know when they like what they see or do. Derek Jeter, the captain, composes himself with a passive grace that makes him a role model for many and respected by all. Mariano Rivera’s calm demeanor put all at ease and his unnecessarily nice gestures show that his humble beginnings made him an appreciative human being of all those around him, for a minute or a lifetime. While only one dons the title of “captain,” it is as if they all had the characteristics that made them captains in their own respective ways.
When the 2014 season begins, it is safe to assume that Derek Jeter will be the last member of this group to be wearing pinstripes. All three of his historic teammates will have retired and it will be a first for the Yankees shortstop. It will be the first time he will play a game where none of his brother-like teammates will be on the roster with him.
Four players signed with one team, debuted with one team and spent almost their entire careers together is not a common occurrence. With the creation of free agency, it is rare for a set of players to come up together with one team and stay together for as long as the Core Four has. Many believe that this will never be achieved again. The fact that the Core Four were as successful as they are is even more astounding. For those that witnessed it, appreciate seeing something that may never be seen again. For those that didn’t get the honor of witnessing it, ask those who have because it is truly a treasure to see a successful group of talent wear the same uniform for as long as they have.
The Core Four of the Human-Animal Bond
We all know about the outstanding baseball Yankee phenoms making up the Core Four. Let us take a moment to try to determine what is the Human-Animal Bond Core Four? Consider the statement: The Human-Animal Bond is a miracle in itself!
Dr. Bernadette Dunham states the following:
Dr. Bernadette Dunham states the following:
"Because of irreplaceable companionship, pets teach children about compassion and love, and the process of life and death. Pets also teach children how to care for others, and they show all of us the ease and importance of acceptance. Your age, looks, and wealth don’t matter. Animals are simply thankful for you! Despite your bad hair day or your blue mood, your pet will always be there for you. This feeling of support is so deep and profound that it cannot be easily defined.
In Dunham’s eyes, the human-animal bond is inevitable because the “interaction we have with our animals impacts us on a daily basis [and] is what makes our bond so strong. We can’t help it.” She added, “The bond we share with our pets greatly affects the compassion in society. Animals enrich our lives so much and I hope we never lose sight of how fortunate we are to experience the human-animal bond.”
In Dunham’s eyes, the human-animal bond is inevitable because the “interaction we have with our animals impacts us on a daily basis [and] is what makes our bond so strong. We can’t help it.” She added, “The bond we share with our pets greatly affects the compassion in society. Animals enrich our lives so much and I hope we never lose sight of how fortunate we are to experience the human-animal bond.”
| The following quote is among Dunham’s favorites: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” –Mahatma Gandhi |
Take a moment to contemplate the significance of the miracle of the Human-Animal Bond. Pet's teach children what the words compassion and empathy really mean. They teach love.
Leo Buscaglia speaking about love speaks about this magic from a human perspective which easily can be turned around to reflect on the Human-Animal Bond.
“There are scores of people waiting for someone just like us to come along; people who will appreciate our compassion, our encouragement, who will need our unique talents. Someone who will live a happier life merely because we took the time to share what we had to give.”
― Leo Buscaglia
That is the key--animals teach children to share the love that they have and to give it freely to others. In society it is the opposite. We are born with the freedom to love but as we grow we are encamped in fear, anxiety, and paranoia. Many psychologists describe a scenario that as children grow love is replaced by extreme and irrational fear or distrust of others. Some of this is taught and the rest occurs as a by-product of the negativity of media. The face of the news showing killing, rape, kidnapping, and suffering night after night after night. Bad news sells and good news is vanilla!
Because of all of this, the animal can become a key in allowing acceptance, erasing prejudice, and explaining the wonder of unconditional love. As Leo states, there are scores waiting for someone who will live a happier life because we took the time to share what we had to give. Animals teach us that each day by wanting to be with us; wanting to be our friends; giving without expecting a return and/or a contract of remuneration in some shape, form, or manner.
The Human-Animal Bond Core Four has at its center our COMPANION....the one that provides unconditional love to us each and every day. The second part of the core four is each of us....the pet owner, advocate, and caretaker. The 3rd and 4th Core Four participants are your loving regular doctor of veterinary medicine and the ER doctor who is there in time of crisis.
The Core Four of the Human-Animal Bond:
We salute each member of the Human-Animal Bond Core Four but must always remember than without #1, our beloved companion, the other 3 do not exist. Hug your companion tonight and tell them that you love them. Care for them in all stages of their life from neonate to the end of life stage. Make a commitment to never let them suffer and be sure.......100% sure........ that there are more good days than bad days as they approach their geriatric years.
Pet ownership is a term that I do not use. We are not owners but have been given the privilege of caring for a life....an animal life....in the good times and the not so good times. That privilege brings with it an important responsibility to never waiver in care. That is a tall order but it is the mandate of the Human-Animal Bond. We receive the gifts of our companions...they only ask in return a home of safety, medical attention when needed, and a quality of life. Their unconditional love is freely given in return!
Dr. Don DeForge
Animal Doc AM Multi-Media
http://animaldocammultimedia.blogspot.com
E-Mail DonDeForge@aol.com with comments
Silver Sands Veterinary Center
www.SilverSandsVeterinary.com
17 Seemans Lane
Milford, CT. 06460
1-800-838-3368
02October2013
Leo Buscaglia speaking about love speaks about this magic from a human perspective which easily can be turned around to reflect on the Human-Animal Bond.
“There are scores of people waiting for someone just like us to come along; people who will appreciate our compassion, our encouragement, who will need our unique talents. Someone who will live a happier life merely because we took the time to share what we had to give.”
― Leo Buscaglia
That is the key--animals teach children to share the love that they have and to give it freely to others. In society it is the opposite. We are born with the freedom to love but as we grow we are encamped in fear, anxiety, and paranoia. Many psychologists describe a scenario that as children grow love is replaced by extreme and irrational fear or distrust of others. Some of this is taught and the rest occurs as a by-product of the negativity of media. The face of the news showing killing, rape, kidnapping, and suffering night after night after night. Bad news sells and good news is vanilla!
Because of all of this, the animal can become a key in allowing acceptance, erasing prejudice, and explaining the wonder of unconditional love. As Leo states, there are scores waiting for someone who will live a happier life because we took the time to share what we had to give. Animals teach us that each day by wanting to be with us; wanting to be our friends; giving without expecting a return and/or a contract of remuneration in some shape, form, or manner.
The Human-Animal Bond Core Four has at its center our COMPANION....the one that provides unconditional love to us each and every day. The second part of the core four is each of us....the pet owner, advocate, and caretaker. The 3rd and 4th Core Four participants are your loving regular doctor of veterinary medicine and the ER doctor who is there in time of crisis.
The Core Four of the Human-Animal Bond:
- Our Companion
- Ourselves at Pet Owner-Advocate and Caretaker
- The General Practice Doctor
- The ER Doctor
We salute each member of the Human-Animal Bond Core Four but must always remember than without #1, our beloved companion, the other 3 do not exist. Hug your companion tonight and tell them that you love them. Care for them in all stages of their life from neonate to the end of life stage. Make a commitment to never let them suffer and be sure.......100% sure........ that there are more good days than bad days as they approach their geriatric years.
Pet ownership is a term that I do not use. We are not owners but have been given the privilege of caring for a life....an animal life....in the good times and the not so good times. That privilege brings with it an important responsibility to never waiver in care. That is a tall order but it is the mandate of the Human-Animal Bond. We receive the gifts of our companions...they only ask in return a home of safety, medical attention when needed, and a quality of life. Their unconditional love is freely given in return!
Dr. Don DeForge
Animal Doc AM Multi-Media
http://animaldocammultimedia.blogspot.com
E-Mail DonDeForge@aol.com with comments
Silver Sands Veterinary Center
www.SilverSandsVeterinary.com
17 Seemans Lane
Milford, CT. 06460
1-800-838-3368
02October2013
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