“but me I’m not a gamble you can count on me to split
the love I sell you in the evening by the morning won't exist”
~Bright Eyes
I was taking note last night as I was petting a friend’s cat (sorry, not a euphemism) as to how open domesticated animals are. Here is this cat that knows nothing about me other than I came around from time to time. I don’t feed this cat, nor do I live with it. The same could be said of my departed Grandmother’s dog. He is always so happy to see me and when I visit him it is like checking in with an old friend. He lives with my brother now and has a good life. After my Grandma passed away, he walked around looking sad. He genuinely missed her. When we see each other, it is a reminder to us both of the past and the shared affection we had for someone.
So why can domesticate animals love people more than we bother loving each other? It seems like we are the definition of guarded. Perhaps we’ve all been hurt and remain stand offish in self defense. I’m sure I’m guilty of that infraction on multiple counts. Usually a dog has to be beaten and abused time and time again to become withdrawn and untrusting. Ask anyone who has adopted a greyhound and they’ll tell you that as horrible a life as that creature once knew it can open up again and show love. In fact, a greyhound is notoriously good natured and loving.
So maybe the animals are giving us a lesson in how we should behave. Don’t we all want to lose ourselves in the affection of someone else? I’m not suggesting we start sniffing each other’s butts or rubbing up on stranger’s legs. Maybe we shouldn’t assume everyone is out to hurt us. Maybe the reason animals can show affection so openly is they seem to lack this human idea of ownership. Your pet loves you for who you are and loves you without abandon and does not want to change you or manipulate you (except maybe for their favorite treat). We should all take a cue from the animal kingdom. I should take a cue from the animal world. Next time something furry is sitting in your lap, think what a better world this would be if we were this open and loving to each other.
the love I sell you in the evening by the morning won't exist”
~Bright Eyes
I was taking note last night as I was petting a friend’s cat (sorry, not a euphemism) as to how open domesticated animals are. Here is this cat that knows nothing about me other than I came around from time to time. I don’t feed this cat, nor do I live with it. The same could be said of my departed Grandmother’s dog. He is always so happy to see me and when I visit him it is like checking in with an old friend. He lives with my brother now and has a good life. After my Grandma passed away, he walked around looking sad. He genuinely missed her. When we see each other, it is a reminder to us both of the past and the shared affection we had for someone.
So why can domesticate animals love people more than we bother loving each other? It seems like we are the definition of guarded. Perhaps we’ve all been hurt and remain stand offish in self defense. I’m sure I’m guilty of that infraction on multiple counts. Usually a dog has to be beaten and abused time and time again to become withdrawn and untrusting. Ask anyone who has adopted a greyhound and they’ll tell you that as horrible a life as that creature once knew it can open up again and show love. In fact, a greyhound is notoriously good natured and loving.
So maybe the animals are giving us a lesson in how we should behave. Don’t we all want to lose ourselves in the affection of someone else? I’m not suggesting we start sniffing each other’s butts or rubbing up on stranger’s legs. Maybe we shouldn’t assume everyone is out to hurt us. Maybe the reason animals can show affection so openly is they seem to lack this human idea of ownership. Your pet loves you for who you are and loves you without abandon and does not want to change you or manipulate you (except maybe for their favorite treat). We should all take a cue from the animal kingdom. I should take a cue from the animal world. Next time something furry is sitting in your lap, think what a better world this would be if we were this open and loving to each other.
2 Comments:
When one holds a faultering 18 year old dog in their arms and keeps them close and warm through another long traumatic night, then early there is a glint of eyes as they greet a new day, a day neither you or they expected for them to see. then they raise up and walk around on tired old legs. When they still snuggle into your body and want to be close and not left alone then you know their need and they know your love.
We have the ability to love as always but the world teaches us not to show it, for all it may indicate what and who we are.
Because of some warped minds caring people can be mislabelled as some form of offender. No wonder people show more love to and recieve more love from domesticated animals.
I read this as my little domesticated formerly abused dog covers me in kisses and then abandons me for a tennis ball.
Animals are just better than people...plain and simple...this one is for dakota.
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