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.