[OT] Dogs and Cats

As somewho has owned and does own both (multiples usually), let me say this:

Both dogs and cats will come if you call them. Especially if they happen to
associate such summonings with good things such as food, being scratched
behind the ears, etc.

I heard of a recent study by some
psychologists/cognitive scientists that
compared cats and dogs to human infants.
They fixed the average dog-mental-age at
about 24 months (based on what the dog
could do/remember/how it reacted) and the
average cat at 18 months. One of the most interesting points was during an
interview one of the scientists was asked about the old belief that cats are
real smart, just independent minded. His reply went something to the effect
"When you talk to a Cat, and they give you that blank stare, it doesn't mean
they're assigning you some inconsequential status. Honestly, they just don't
get it. Period."

At our house, the dog gives way to the cat(s) going into his dish and sampling
what they want. Some would say this is a reflection of the pecking order, but
I think not. My dog (a yellow lab) doesn't have a nasty bone in his body (if
he did, the cats would be lunch) - I think he's
just more willing to share and he knows the cats won't eat much (and he'll
scarf whatever they leave in their dishes anyway, so he comes out ahead).

Remember: Dogs adore you for who you are. Cats adore you for what you can do
for them (or have done for them lately).:)