Relationships
THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND DOGS
What animals can teach us about relationships
by Coco Helado
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An English artist from the early part of
the century, Louis Wain, used to create pictures of cats engaged in a
variety of human-like pursuits. One painting would show several of them
wearing top hats and playing a game of cards; another would depict kitties
attired in summery dresses, as though preparing for a Sunday afternoon
picnic. Louis Wain eventually became quite mad, and his works became increasingly
bizarre. His felines took on wild-eyed, maniacal expressions, and had
vivid colors and patterns emanating from their heads, like rock stars
in psychedelic-era concert posters. The artist eventually died in a lunatic
asylum, proving that anthropomorphizing our pets is a dangerous pastime
indeed. Animals don't-and-shouldn't-possess human qualities; instead it
is us who ought to try to become more like our pets.
Yes, in the scheme of things, cats and dogs get little respect. On the
rare occasion that we humans do acknowledge our animal natures, the animal
in question usually winds up with little respect, as proven by a rundown
of the pejorative terms we use: "Dumb animal." "Brute." "Bitch." "Dog."
"Catty." But most people fail to realize that our relationships with one
another would be much improved if we would only behave a little more like
cats and dogs! Cats and dogs can be wonderful teachers, especially with
regard to relationships.
For instance, women often complain to one another, "Men are dogs." If
only we were so lucky! Ladies, we should pray that our men become as loyal
and selfless as canines. Do not malign this noble animal with a negative
comparison to your man. Instead, encourage men to embody dog-like qualities.
To
start with, dogs are honest. They don't hide their feelings. They don't
voice "harmless" little lies or tell us they've been somewhere when they
haven't. We don't expect dogs to remember our birthdays and anniversaries
because we know from the start that they are simply incapable of doing
so. But we also know that whenever there is a celebration, they will enthusiastically
join in the fun. And if ever they do something wrong-and they will-they
look guilty and beg desperately for our forgiveness with such sad sweet
eyes we are compelled to reach down and give them a pat on the head. One
cannot hold a grudge against a dog.
But perhaps the most marvelous characteristic of dogs is that they absolutely
live to serve their mistresses. Nothing makes them happier than making
you happy. They are eternally loyal, and their lives are given meaning
by ministering to others.
In fact, dogs make us remember what it is to be simply, perfectly happy.
They charm and enchant us, lifting our spirits effortlessly. Walk down
the street with a dog and the most dour faces light up instantly. Even
a few minutes spent playing with a dog removes us from our hectic routines
and burdensome responsibilities and into a world of joy, inspiring us
to play like children-without regard to the adult world's cutthroat rules
and competitiveness. Yes indeed-they say that dogs are "man's best friend,"
but really, they are women's!
Men, for their part, dismissively refer to women as "felines" and deplore
what they term "catty behavior." A woman who succeeds in a corporation
is sometimes said to have "clawed her way to the top." And then, of course,
there's that problematic term, "pussy," sometimes used affectionately,
but frequently deployed as slur.
But men should hold up cats as their feminine ideal. Consider the facts:
Men often complain that women can be nagging and emotionally pushy. But
cats are nothing if not sensitive to emotional and physical boundaries.
They have the most carefully attuned sense of balance in all things, making
them the perfect household companions. And cats have a certain keen intelligence
that causes you to feel they are one step ahead of you at every turn.
Cats have a marvelous sense of discretion. They endure the company of
others until it is boring, and not one second longer. It's not that they're
snobbish, but they make no bones about how they really feel. One could
never imagine a cat faking...anything!
Cats are never unpleasant, merely, at times, uninterested. And why not?
They don't suffer fools gladly, preferring their own serene company to
second-class companionship and clumsy attempts at affection. They are
supremely secure beings who teach us that striving for a little bit of
solitude is natural and desirable.
From a cat one learns grace, silence, and contentment. When stroke a purring
cat you nearly begin to purr yourself! In fact, cats are incredibly tactile
and sensual. Rub a cat the right way and she will truly appreciate your
touch, stretching out and smiling to show her pleasure.
So here it is: the truth about cats and dogs. If we really did behave
like them, perhaps the relations between the sexes would be a lot smoother.
While the word on the street is that cats and dogs don't get along, anyone
who has ever lived with both knows it isn't always the case. Cats and
dogs can make the most charming companions. Perhaps there is no sight
sweeter than that of the canine and feline sleeping together with a tender,
quiet affection.
How to learn the wise ways of animals? Have a pet! After all, both having
pets and having a partner offer similar benefits. Studies show that people
in either situation tend to live longer, healthier lives. They keep us
active and give us a sense of pride. We want to walk around with them
and show them off! So the next time someone looks at you with disdain
and says, "You're an animal," bow your head modestly and reply, "Well,
I try."
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