Flirting with instinct...

Animals give us permission to explore, if not live by, our instincts. They are constant reminders that there is vibrant, productive life without human intellect or emotions.

Indeed, animals are "other" and separate from us, but there's no real need to overblow or romanticize that fact. Then again, overblowing and romanticizing animals' otherness is something we do very well. It speaks to some yearning in us and therefore has its own importance and should not be squelched. Humans go wild in your leopardskins! Chimps go sapien in your summer dresses!

("Bettie and Friend" photographer unknown)