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Animals Love Me
Does that indicate anything?
Animals love me. So, generally, do small children and the elderly.
I think it’s because I love them too. I feel gentle and protective when I’m around them. It’s not so much due to any physical frailty — some dogs, for example, are large and strong. So are some children, and some elderly folk.
Rather, I think it’s an emotional thing. Children and animals live in a more vulnerable emotional state than adults, and sometimes the elderly live there as well. They are more sensitive, more easily hurt.
So I try to consider their needs and respond to them.
Today, while walking, I reached out to a cute dog I’d never seen before. When the dog eagerly strained his leash to come sniff my hand, furiously wagging his tail, the owner looked puzzled. “He normally doesn’t like strangers.”
I’ve had this reaction with dogs, cats, horses, and pet rats. I’ve also had this happen with children.
One friend of mine has a daughter who hates to hug anyone outside of her family, but she always hugs me. However, I never force her. I always show her respect, and let her know, if she doesn’t want a hug, it’s fine. She matters. And her body is her body.
