I decided to start reading "The Ape and the Sushi Master" before the quarter started because of its captivating title. I have a friend who continually ridicules me for 'humanizing' my animals and this book continually refers to anthropomorphism, which is projecting our complex human emotions onto other animals, some animals who simply don't have the brain power to feel complex emotion. I couldn't help but incorporate my reading into my relationships with my pets even getting offended that the book dare to doubt my pet's (a 4' green iguana) brain capacity. I would never have thought a lizard could have so much personality and attitude. Then again, am I making all of this up because I'm projecting these personality traits onto her? If we so often do this inadvertently with animals, who says we aren't doing it to each other? Aren't we just a sophisticated, cultured animal? I often wonder if I really 'know' who someone is or if I'm making them out to be who I want them to be? Who hasn't dated someone and then looked back and asked, 'what was I thinking' or 's/he turned out to be totally different than I thought'? I'm also curious as to what pets other people have and if they too see their pets as more than just animals? Does each one seem to have different, distinguishing characteristics? My pets include the previously mentioned iguana, a 5 month old golden retriever, and 4 tree frogs. When thinking about my frogs, which even I can admit have limited brain function, I notice each one stands out individually in my mind. When I really think about the distinction between them, my analysis doesn't really go beyond feeding habits. Okay, I will wrap up. I can talk about my pets like other people can talk about their children. See you all tomorrow morning!
