“We need another and a wiser and perhaps a more mystical concept of animals… In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth.”
–Henry Beston
The animals I live with teach me a lot. Their behaviour may not make sense from a human point of view but then the same could be said for much of mine. =) What I admire the most about the three of them. Rufus, a seven year old Irish Terrier tends to be the most territorial but also the most protective. Maggie, a boxer / pit cross wants most to make us happy tho also loves her comfort. Princess, our feline companion wants what she wants when she wants it. She does not hesitate to ask or demand but is willing to negotiate. She also enjoys hunting and leaving trophies. From them all, I have learned to stand my ground, to give way and to not back down when I feel correct in my actions. I’ve also learned a lot about love and affection. Namaste, G
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Contrasting Spirits by G A Rosenberg
a friend of mine once told me that the difference between people and animals is cultural (same could be said for plants and fungi). As a result, it all boils down to figuring out how to communicate. Cats don’t meow at each other, only at us (well, kittens too). Dogs bare their teeth to threaten one another, but some have learned to smile at us.
For some reason, crows keep giving me sticks. I have no idea why, but I trust they do.
ttfn
Not Jack
I’ve been noticing this learned behaviour more and more especially with the dogs…
By the way I find your blog to be consistently inspiring. Thank you, G