New York City’s relationship with animals or pet culture has undergone a remarkable transformation over the centuries, evolving from a utilitarian connection to the deeply emotional bonds we witness today. The New-York Historical Society’s exhibition “Pets and the City” masterfully chronicles this journey through an impressive collection of over 300 artifacts, artworks, and historical documents. The exhibition, curated by Roberta J.M. Olson, offers an immersive experience that begins with a striking newsstand featuring The New Yorker magazine covers and a captivating mural by Julia Rothman, where animals playfully inhabit the city’s landscape.
NYC’s Pet Culture
The exhibition delves into the city’s agrarian roots, where Indigenous peoples like the Mohawk viewed animals as spiritual equals. This perspective laid the groundwork for the complex relationships that would develop between New Yorkers and their animal companions. As the city transformed during the Victorian era, animals began appearing in children’s portraits, symbolizing desired virtues – lambs representing innocence in girls’ portraits, deer suggesting future stewardship in boys’ portraits, and squirrels symbolizing industriousness. This period marked the beginning of pets’ transition from functional roles to emotional companions.
Pet Culture To Protected Companions
The 19th century marked a pivotal shift in New York’s pet culture. While some animals enjoyed privileged positions in family portraits, others faced harsh realities on city streets. The exhibition doesn’t shy away from addressing the controversial aspects of this era, including the mass drownings of stray dogs and the eventual establishment of the ASPCA in 1866. New York’s pioneering role in animal protection legislation set standards that would influence the entire nation, establishing the city as a crucible for animal welfare reform.
Modern Animal-Loving Culture
Today’s New York City represents the pinnacle of pet-human relationships, with specialized services like dog walkers, pet-friendly establishments, and dedicated animal care facilities becoming integral to urban life. The exhibition celebrates working animals, from heroic war pigeons to guide dogs, highlighting their continued importance in modern society. The final sections, “Portraits With and of Pets” and “Pets in Pop Culture,” draw parallels between historical pet appreciation and today’s social media pet celebrities, demonstrating how our fascination with animal companions has remained constant while finding new forms of expression.
