>Understanding ancient peoples through their interactions with domesticated animals is really humanizing. YES. I'm not really a "dog person" (in the sense that

>Understanding ancient peoples through their interactions with domesticated animals is really humanizing. YES. I'm not really a "dog person" (in the sense that I don't immediately take to them, for various reasons), but I've always thought of dogs like a sort of collective guardian species for humanity. They teach us cooperation, connect us with childlike play, and show us what love is supposed to look like. They serve their families with humility and respect-- but only if they are given the proper structural support to do so. It is really the most intimate, symbiotic relationship between species that I can think of. Humans don't just like dogs because they are a source of unconditional love-- humans like dogs because they are love-able unconditionally. It is almost selfless to love a dog. I feel similarly about cats. I think cats teach us what harmonious independence looks like. They teach us sensitivity-- because you can't just walk up to a cat and expect it to respond to your caress with instant gratitude. If you touch a cat in the wrong spot, it will let you know. If you don't learn the first two times, they may just burn that bridge with you. You have to watch each individual cat closely in order to figure out how you're supposed to interact with it. You have to test your ground with it, as it tests its ground with you. They will remind you to get a grip on your ego, or check yourself, as they are often tricksters and will use your weaknesses against you in order to have a bit of harmless fun-- so you learn how to navigate a strong personality, and how to laugh at life's chaos. Also with that last bit is that they teach you how to have respect, how to be submissive in a constructive way. You also learn to let live. They teach us that it's okay to assert ourselves, that we are allowed to roam by ourselves, and that resting is about being at peace without caveat. Lie down and go to sleep-- who cares if it's not the right time for someone else? Give yourself a break and rest.