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THE
TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND DOGS
What animals can teach us about relationships
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."
Meet
your "mate for life" at Match.com !
Mix
'n Match Copyright © 1999 Match.Com Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
by
Coco Helado
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