For Companionship and Work:
* Dogs: Dogs were indispensable companions and working animals. They helped with herding livestock, protecting families from predators, and providing warmth and companionship during long journeys.
* Cats: Cats were valued for controlling rodents in homes and barns, keeping food supplies safe.
* Horses: Horses were essential for transportation, farming, and hauling goods. Some pioneers kept horses as pets, enjoying their companionship and riding skills.
* Burros: Burros were known for their hardiness and endurance, making them useful pack animals for carrying supplies and hauling equipment.
* Oxen: Oxen were used for plowing, hauling heavy loads, and pulling wagons. They were strong, dependable animals, but not typically kept as pets.
For Food and Other Uses:
* Chickens: Chickens provided a source of eggs and meat, and their feathers were used for crafting and insulation.
* Pigs: Pigs were raised for meat and were sometimes used for hunting.
* Goats: Goats provided milk, cheese, and meat. They were also used for their wool and hides.
* Sheep: Sheep were primarily raised for their wool, but their meat was also consumed.
* Rabbits: Rabbits were hunted for meat and fur.
* Squirrels: Squirrels were a common source of food, especially during times of scarcity.
It's important to note that the "wildness" of these animals was often relative to the pioneers' needs and circumstances. They were kept in captivity, bred for specific purposes, and their behaviors were often managed to meet those needs.