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Sometime long ago, we made the assumption that animals are dumber than we are but how can be so sure? There's no proof of that. If a dog fetches a rubber ball for its owner it is merely trying to please its owner, just as we would do certain things to please our companion. Once it receives the right reaction, it will fetch again.

Not all animals are smart. Some are incredibly dumb, with as much thought process as the rubber ball would have. Some will repeatedly hurt themselves because they forgot they did the same thing ten minutes ago. But can't people be the same way? Some people also suffer from stupidity; people that you would automatically consider a hopeless case.

Dolphins are smart, cats are smart, and any animal that thinks for itself; an animal you can tell is really considering your command, is thinking. Just like we think things through, animals do, as well.

Maybe we aren't that different after all. Maybe we want to have someone or something to boss around and feel superior to, so we convince ourself our dog or cat or rabbit is no smarter than a brick. Ancient Egyptians knew a thing or two about respecting cats, even if they were a little extreme.

Animals could do things they know will hurt because they hope if they take the chance, the turn-out will be different. Just as maybe we think we can trust a relationship we know won't work out to test the waters and take a chance, even though we'll end up hurt and heartbroken.

When animals use their paws as hands or look at us a certain way, they seem more human than ever and yet we wish not to see the similarities.

Animals can teach us respect, patience, responsibility, and strength. If we're strong enough to respect them and likewise, we can get along. Just as all people should realize that and get along.

I'm not crazy, I just like to believe there's more than meets the eye.

So next time you throw a rubber ball for "man's best friend" to fetch, consider your roles for a second and how you're treating another being. Does your dog really want to fetch or does he just want to make you, his owner, happy?

What if someone said "fetch, simple human"? Would you oblige?

Learn more about this author, Mimi Madeline.
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