There is a school of thought that dogs actually influenced human brain evolution. When first read this several years ago, it was a revelation to me and I began to secretly watch my dogs in the same way I found they were always watching me. When we put aside the admittedly fun part of dog ownership, which is anthropomorphizing them, and look at them as animals, like us, with their own interior lives, we come away awed by their ability to usually move gracefully between 2 worlds and, more than just survive, benefit both those worlds.

It is at this point that we begin to learn what it means to be human. And I believe that this is the gift we receive from all animals, but especially those we live close to. To be human is to be a GOOD steward of the earth and it’s inhabitants. Not a taking steward, or a dominating steward, but a co-inhabitant contributing with our great brains what other inhabitants cannot. Animals teach us to respect and take joy in a natural world that we sometimes over-think in our natural tendency to the ever more complex. The keep us grounded. They teach us important lessons about how to behave. They take us back to the simple, the source, where we can rest and renew.

So yes, I agree that we need to be conscious of the needs of both people and animals. But people come with different gifts to share…and whether it is shared with animals or humans, we all inhabit the same world, so it is all important work.

I think it’s human nature to be competitive, but I am a believer that all of us come to this earth with a talent (a gift) and we are meant to use them as they were given. For some, it’s working with and saving dogs or cats, for others it’s the homeless or the elderly. In the end though, I believe we are all linked – humans, animals, planet. How we treat one affects the other. I look forward to your new piece.

God bless you for helping out in the hurricane struck areas. Did you run into Kim Clune by chance? She was helping to deliver supplies to Coney Island – her 2nd run.

I think that what benefits one group benefits the other whether it is human or animal. I feel there’s enough room for improvement in the world in so many areas that it shouldn’t matter as long as the world becomes a better place.