What?  This is news?  I guess if you are one who believes animals do not “feel” then it falls in the news category.  However, anyone who has and loves pets is aware that love, jealousy, and pride are exhibited by them.   Blackie is the alpha dog and the other dogs know it, but Alli is the cat in charge.  Alli inspires whimpering and pacing anytime she hisses at Blackie.  She adores Jem, curling up in his lap and purring loudly.  She stops purring if I come close.   Tchaik is the biggest of our pets and very insistent that he is to be the one receiving petting.  He pushes Blackie out of the way in order to be first or get her away from me.  Blackie will allow it, but if he gets out of line or tries to play too rough she will put him on the ground, growling and biting.  Tiki knows to stay out of their way, but if Jem tries to sit with me she will insist on getting between us.  If any animal catches a mouse or a snake, isn’t it common for them to bring it to you for your approval?  If you scold a dog doesn’t its tail tuck and ears drop?  Contrary to popular belief, I do not put animals on the same level of importance as humans.  They are part of the family, and they do feel affection, jealousy, loyalty and other emotions. Certainly it is on a more simplistic scale than humans, but still.  I know, some people personify their animals and it is too far.  (OK, I have been guilty.  They are just so darn cute and it is such fun to put human thoughts to their expressions.) 

Lil Bit went to a friends house a few weeks ago and when they brought her home the mother would barely come inside the door saying she was allergic to animals.  She commented to Jem that Lil Bit had said our cat had sensitive skin, then laughed about how she didn’t know how you could tell if a cat had sensitive skin.  It really isn’t that unbelievable.  Our cat has never liked being touched, she cringes (meows and bites) if you try to pet her anywhere but the chin or top of her head, and we have had her longer than Lil Bit so we are a little familiar with her behavior. 

Pet owners know their pets.  They know what they like and dislike, what they respond to, and how to get certain responses from them.  It is just something you learn when you spend enough time in the company of a friend, human or furry…hopefully your human friends aren’t that furry and there is a clear distinction.