The bond between animals and humans are often stronger than any other feeling. The loss or forced separation from a dog or a cat are sometimes real psychological cataclysms,more damaging than a divorce or a indefinite leave of a known person. Why?
We have organs analogue or homologue to the organs of animals (ears, eyes,limbs etc.). But emotional structures are also organs (modules, as they are called by cognitivists) and there are strong resonances between "modules" of humans and animals. Animal and human limbs, or lungs cannot melt one in another, while connection between the bundles of behavioral cooperativeness (play, defense, assistance, reciprocal cuddling, attachment, dependence), of animals and humans may produce such ties that their rupture may be a an earthquake.
Translation: I am risking the loss of my little dog and I am deperate for that.
It might go under the thread about empathy.
Yes indeed. Look at this:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp ... 4#26486144
Paolo, I've insulted you in the past and I apologize for that. You are one of the more compelling writers on WP.