In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semi-human. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog.
Interpretation
True companionship with a dog requires us to embrace their nature rather than trying to change them.
This quote emphasizes that enjoyment of the companionship of a dog comes from accepting and embracing their true nature rather than insisting they conform to human standards. It suggests a deeper connection that enriches both the dog and the owner, inviting people to open their hearts and minds to the unique qualities of their canine friends.
In practice
During a speech about pet ownership and responsibility, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of understanding our pets.
Animals used to provide a lowlife way to kill and get away with it, as they do still, but, more intriguingly, for some people they are an aperture through which wounds drain. The scapegoat of olden times, driven off for the bystanders sins, has become a tender thing, a running injury. There, running away is me: hurt it and you are hurting me.
They say we die twice - once when the last breath leaves our body and once when the last person we know says our name.
If I ask you, 'What do you want out of life?' and you say something like, 'I want to be happy and have a great family and a job I like,' it's so ubiquitous that it doesn't even mean anything. Everyone wants that.
We think that accomplishing things will complete us, when it is experiencing life that will.
Life is flying by. You don't have time to waste another minute being negative, offended or bitter. If someone did you wrong, get over it and move forward.
What keeps life fascinating is the constant creativity of the soul.
I want every day to be life for the living, not just traipsing through it existing. I'm just interested in life and the world and exploring.
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