Quadrupedal Dependents

They anticipate us. Observe our body
language, keenly listen to the words we
articulate, recall their meaning, assess the
dimensions lying in the clues of our expression
and infer aptly what we have not yet deliberately
undertaken to convey. We speak separate
languages and consider ourselves immeasurably
more intelligent, for what have they created
other than a place for themselves, entirely
subservient to their masters, who have, in
their genius, created hugely in manipulating
the bountiful opportunities nature has
permitted us, her designer organisms, to
recklessly experiment to her detriment.

They, on the other hand, did after all, migrate
adventurously across the primeval Bering Strait
when such grand excursions were still possible.
They adapted, and altered into sub-species
becoming what we would much later find them
to be, malleable companions for the hunt, and
to offer forewarnings of dangerous intrusion. To
aid us in the business of acquisition, in
defence, offence - and ultimately - survival.

We retain their faithfully reliable presence,
a vestigial version of the utilitarian function
they once served. Their careful eyes regard us,
ears cocked to our command, prepared to act
and to react; eager to demonstrate a proficiency
no longer prized. They cleave to us, quadrupedal
dependents, their feral capacity deferring to
our service. Become our leisure and social
companions, the relationship suffused with an
emotion transcending interspecies
collaboration, trust and loyalty.