So, I got to thinking about something the other day. Most people will agree that people are the most intelligent life forms on Earth. (I know some of you out there will try to make a case for dolphins being pretty smart; but really, when was the last time a dolphin came up with a new app for the iPhone? Get real.) So; say you have an employee who seems incapable of learning even the simplest of tasks. You speak to him and he might briefly glance at you before going back to whatever he’s doing but more likely he completely ignores you. The only time he shows a hint of interest is when you offer him food. Would you say that this person is extremely independent and highly intelligent? Or would you say that if he was any dumber you’d have to water him twice a week?
Now let’s say you have an employee who is extremely loyal to you. He’s always doing his very best to learn whatever you try to teach him. He may be a bit of a suck-up, but deep down he just wants to make you happy with his performance. Would you think that he’s so stupid you have to walk behind him with a plastic bag when he goes outside? Or would you think, “This guy could be my best friend”?
Now let’s apply this analogy to the animal world; specifically cats and dogs. All the cat people out there would have you believe that those creatures are so independent that they won’t take orders from a mere human. And, supposedly, dogs are too dumb to think for themselves. Personally, I just don’t have much use for cats who want to be either let in or out of the house every hour on the hour while I am trying to get some sleep on my friends couch. On the other hand though, I don’t really enjoy constantly being licked when the family pet wants attention (but if people would raise their children better that wouldn’t be an issue).
From this rant you might assume that I am a “dog-person”. It is true that I like dogs far more than cats, but I consider myself to be a “beaver-person”. They’re just so cute and furry. I love to bury my face in them. And they make great watch-dogs. They’ll always slap their tails whenever danger is nearby. I even got myself a bumper sticker, “Honk if you like beaver”. You’d be surprised at how many drivers will honk their horns at you. Strangely though, it’s almost exclusively men.
It’s interesting how your own world view will shape what you see. I just finished a book about the parable of the prodigal son and I was trying to apply that principle to your post. Is the employee who ignores you the younger son? Is the employee who is loyal the older son?
Where’s God in this story? Is God carrying the plastic bag?
Regardless, I can’t go with you on the beaver. I will honk for an ocelot, however.
cardiogirl at Jacked Gingah´s last blog ..Mostly I want it to be a compelling reading
I’m definitely a dog person, but I really like beaver too
Wow, that’s so odd that you get so many honks in response to your bumper sticker. I would never have thought there were so many beaver lovers out there. And most of them men!
I’m a cat person, as I’m sure you know, but even I would be annoyed by a cat wanting in or out every hour. Our cats stay in, unless I take them out on the leash. Come to think of it, now that the weather’s nicer, they’re going to start bugging me to take them out.
Hmmm. Maybe I should look into this beaver thing.
they are so sweet
I too like beaver and there is actually a beaver like animal that I see by the pond that is next to my house. In truth it may be a muskrat and not a beaver, but it is similarly shaped and colored. I have even seen him walking down my street before, because there is a marshy area about half a past the end of the road…
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When was it determined that dogs and cats were the only acceptable domesticated pets. I hear ferrets are an awesome animal to keep. And an army of beavers could build me a dam.
I like otters. Especially rabid otters.
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I love rabbits. Are rabbits family of beavers? One thing I love about beavers is on how they arrange loose logs on rivers or water.
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Honk, Honk, Honk, Honk, Honk!!!
Guess you can tell I love beaver too
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Best. Comment. Bait. Ever.
Notice that most of the comments are from men, too….
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No one knows the values of the animal in our lives.
Well, now, that’s a good looking beaver, but I’m more of a monkey man, myself.
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Awesome comparison and application of the employee analogy with animals. I also hate the prejudice people have on cats and dogs and feel pity when the rest of them are ignored just for the sake they are not quite regular pet material. I had a small chick as a pet when I was a kid, but unfortunately I cant find out what happened to it. It just vanished one fine morning
I suspect my parents for that, but they claim innocence on that regard still now.
Craig@Car Rental Auckland´s last blog ..Rugby World Cup Car Rentals
This employee-animal analogy is unheard of before. I’m a dog-person myself. But like Craig, I too feel that we tend to be prejudiced toward dogs and cats. To me, this isn’t required. Any opinion?
I love beavers… If only because I remember having a beaver barrage near my chalet when I was young and it was really fun to swim near and walk around hoping to find beavers.
Theirs also the amazing beaver tails… yum!
It sounds interesting to know that beavers could be good pets. But what are their characteristics? Are they more on the dog-side or do they behave like cats?
After reading your post, I was eager to know a lot more on beavers. I surfed the internet for the same. My search reveals that beavers are friendly, smart and helpful. They have strong teeth and a fairly big tail. I guess, they would be good pets.
Beavers are too cute to be kept as pets. One must not go by their size to ignore or mock them. Rather these creatures are smart and friendly. These are helpful as watch dogs since they beat their tails during signs of danger.
An interesting thought to have a beaver as a pet. As surprising as it may sound, beavers can prove to be good pets. Don’t let their small size dissuade you from considering the same.
I appreciate this thought of linking humans to animals. More so, the mention of beavers as pets is interesting. I referred to few websites based on beavers and my fondness for them has only increased.
I loved a beaver pic, there more lovely animals out there dolphins, rabiit, cats
Beavers are primarily nocturnal and large in shape and the furry body give a cute look to them. What I like the most about them is their nature to build. They are known to build dams on rivers and brooks with the help of wood and stones. This also helps other creatures of the environment against predators . I adore beavers for this selfless and intelligent act that they religiously follow throughout their lives.
A beaver as a pet! Well, I’m not sure if one would think of taking this cute little animal as pet. I’m aware of this animal’s abilities and natural talent of striking an alarm. Well I like beaver and here is my comment!
i dont like beaver but my son like it..what should i do?
Who does not like beaver? One of the finer products of the animal kingdom to say the least.
Beaver is good in many forms, depending on which form you are talking about. Just stay away from the beaver burger.
Surely everyone loves Beaver! Even women…I’ve seen it on the internet!
Loxlee@Loxlee Loves Engines´s last blog ..Formula 1 China Round-Up – Spain Up Next
Ha! I should have remembered this is a guys blog. Took me a bit as I innocently imagined you would be bit if you tried to bury your face in a beavers fur. Good one.
Zulina
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I’d name your blog the dreamland! Whereas Santa knocks at our door just once per year, you blog is open the entire year – wow! Thank you.
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I love beaver!! What a blog and what apost, just cheered me right up!!
Too funny!! Maybe if you drive around southern california with your bumper sticker you might some more female fans of beaver.
Believe it or not most men have the beaver fever!
I love beavers, they are so cute, and yet also very clever
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You have to be careful when selecting a beaver that it isn’t diseased.
You don’t want it to spread.
Beavers are cute and cuddly. I didn’t know that they can become pets? This is interesting. Don’t they love to be in or near water? So do you need to build a special place for them with water they can swim in? ^_^
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Beavers are cute & cuddly. Although my daughter is afraid of them. We had to give our beaver to one of our neighbors’ kid. It was heartbreaking. Hope when she grows up little more she will learn to like them.
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gotta love beaver =D
lol bumper stickers “i love beavers” ought to be sold here
I love cats and beaver
I actually love cats, but apparently i like beaver too
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Never thought of it like that before! I love my dog and even though he’s a bit on the simple side I wouldn’t trade him for any other pet!
I would not trade my dog in for that beaver. It is a cool little guy though.
Beavers are actually great Pets, one of my friend is having them as pets. After reading this post I have become keen on having them as pets .. Gotto give it a try !!
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I dislike cats and dogs immensely. Give me a beaver anyday!
I love animals in general but I would also prefer having dogs as pets. Beavers are adorable but I can’t imagine myself with one. I also prefer leaving them in the wild where they are happy.
We can all attest to liking “beaver” lol. Dogs seem to be way cooler pets than finicky cats… just something about them.
After reading your post, I was eager to know a lot more on beavers.This is interesting.
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i like beavers, they are hard workers
This is an interesting article. I don’t like cats too. I prefer to have a beaver for my pet.
I love the beaver. If only because I remember a beaver dam near me, I was a little girl, villa is fun to swim near round, hoping to find the beaver.The otter actually is great pets, one of my friends is to let them as a pet. After reading this article, I like them as a pet
This is an interesting article.