The events of the past week and their continued unfolding has left many of us shaken to the core. The dark ironies juxtaposed by scenes of human camaraderie in the face of a unifying crisis, against the backdrop of political unrest across the globe, more war, innocent dogs ruthlessly murdered, nuclear calamity... has left me searching desperately for a silver lining. How about you?

A sigh of despair is met with inquisitive eyes or a chin on a knee, a posture of concern met with dutiful attention, jubilant relief with play-bows and swishing tails; something we humans have never needed to teach our canine companions is to read and devote themselves to to our emotional condition. Mother Nature did it for us.

Maybe that is the arrangement? Knowing of the formidable challenges this earth would pose for us humans, nature may have given us the dog to help us “weather” her storms. A dog is a multi-talented unwavering companion that is there for us through thick and thin.

Dogs' instinctive compassion gives them the fuel that provides the physical drive needed to serve. Indeed, at this very moment, there are many dogs on the scene in Japan, selflessly dedicated to the task of rescuing survivors and putting their own lives at risk in the process.

No matter what your personal take on it is, you would almost have to agree that the dramatic history of mutual devotion/admiration shared by dogs and humans exudes an air of mystery. Sometimes it seems as if this ancient bond is the product of something more than just chance.

Perhaps it's an interspecies alliance designed by the creator of all things to enhance our ability to cope with the challenges of being alive and remind us of the critical role that compassion plays in earnest stewardship of the planet.

If you were to look into it, you might be surprised to learn all of the different ways that professionally trained dogs play the role of “rescuer” in service to human society. It may also astound you how often it is the result of our own human folly or the aftermath of violence toward one another that summons their myriad of skills.

Along with these visible heroes there are the millions of “emotional attendants” doing the behind the scenes work of steadying their financially stressed, physically challenged, emotionally struggling or simply news-weary owners.

It makes me wonder if a subtle but even greater rescue mission is underway?

In these modern times the collective list of enormous problems without solutions is growing longer by the day. We, as people, are being forced by shared challenge to embrace our inter-connectedness with the global community and we might not always be comfortable with what (or who) we see.

The ability to agree on various courses of action becomes increasingly difficult as the complexity of “dire straits” scenarios grow. How will we weather the inevitable storms to come?

When I watch a search-and-rescue dog at work or when I watch my own dogs focusing their energy in an attempt to understand and positively influence a trying moment for their beloved humans, it's not just the fact that they care that amazes me — it is how they are careful. Thus, my silver lining.

Each measured step, ginger placement of a paw and intentional sweep of the nose combine to create an enlightening display of dedication balanced with a sense of self-preservation. Not only do they care about us, they relish the promise of their own survival.

Compassion is a gift that, if everyone gives, everyone is sure to get. I didn't learn this from people.

Let's welcome the lesson, and rescue ourselves.

John Spieser is a professional dog trainer and owner of Dogheart. He can be reached at john@doghearta2.com.