Beating Darwin

Now I'm not one of those awful creationist types, but I do think that all this 'nature fighting tooth and claw' stuff is a bit of a stereotype. Yes, life is a struggle for food, but once the basics are in place different creatures can live together quite happily.

I firmly believe that animals have both emotions and a moral sense. I remember reading an article somewhere about a cat who would lead her elderly blind friend, a dog, to his food. Can you beat that?

And I think that's part of the reason why it's important for me to keep dogs and cats, and have them live together in harmony. Things were a bit difficult for a few weeks before Easter; Emily the cat had what turned out to be, £800 of vet fees later, a stomach upset (fortunately bill picked up by insurance, Sainsbury's, causing one to reflect on the politics and economics of healthcare!) There were some rather frantic attempts to separate food from dogs; fortunately now Emily has reverted to being Miss Piggy and eats with gusto, so no problems with unguarded food on the floor.

So, what I'm saying in a rather roundabout way is that having two very different species getting along peaceably together creates a sense of peace in one's house - sort of 'lion lying down with the lamb'. Although I don't think I'll try that particular one...