Pets. A No Judgement Zone.
|
Time to read 3 min
Committed. Steadfast.
Perhaps it's a dog. A cat. A lizard. A horse. A bird. A rabbit. A hamster. Whatever form it comes in, our pet is more than just an animal in the house. If you work from home your trusted companion and biggest cheerleader will likely receive the Employee of the Month award. Or maybe they greet you after a long day at the office with joy and excitement, making you feel like the Person of the Year. Perhaps they join you as you binge-watch that show from last year, listening as you share secret thoughts, the perfect confidant, and BFF of a Lifetime.
Committed and steadfast, these faithful furry or finned friends punch above their weight, never judging, always true. Pets give us love, make us laugh, get us off the couch, and through each day, helping us face any challenge.
"Animals are such agreeable friends ― they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms."
Trusted. Faithful.
This special bond between humans and their animal companions isn't new – it's woven into the fabric of human history, captured countless times in art that spans millennia. From the ancient Egyptians who immortalized their cats in stunning hieroglyphs and sculptures, to Renaissance masters who couldn't resist adding a loyal hound to their patrons' portraits, our animal friends have always been worthy subjects of artistic celebration.
What makes our pets such perfect companions? Human relationships often come loaded with expectations and social conventions. But our animal friends offer something uniquely precious: unconditional acceptance ... a No Judgment Zone. Your cat couldn't care less about your job title. Your dog doesn't mind if you're having a bad hair day. Your fish won't notice if you're wearing mismatched socks. Your rabbit won't judge you for binge-watching that guilty pleasure show. Your bird isn't going to tell you not to eat cereal for dinner.
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
People. Pets.
Medieval manuscripts often show this special relationship in unexpectedly charming ways. Between the serious religious texts, monks would doodle their cats chasing mice across the margins. These playful additions humanize these ancient documents, reminding us that people centuries ago found the same joy in their pets that we do today. Even Leonardo da Vinci, that towering genius of the Renaissance, was known to be an animal lover who filled his notebooks with sketches of cats in various poses.
Sketch of a sleeping cat by Leonardo da Vinci. Courtesy of Discovering da Vinci
The Victorians elevated pet portraiture to new heights, commissioning paintings of their animal companions with the same seriousness previously reserved for human subjects. Dogs lounged on velvet cushions, cats posed regally by windows, and even pet birds were captured in oils and watercolors. These pet portraits were expressions of genuine affection for creatures that had become true family members. Charles Burton Barber, regarded as one of Britain's finest animal painters, received commissions from Queen Victoria to do paintings of her with grandchildren and dogs.
Suspense by Charles Burton Barber. Courtesy of Christie's
"An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language."
Celebrate. Recognize.
Today, social media feeds are filled with countless photos and videos of our beloved pets. But the fundamental truth remains unchanged: these creatures bring something irreplaceable to our lives. Pets are our stress relievers, our exercise motivators, our midnight confidants, and our most loyal supporters.
Whether they're helping us through a tough moment by unexpectedly jumping on our laps, reminding us to take breaks by demanding their walk, or simply providing silent companionship late at night, our pets continue to play the same role they have for thousands of years – making us more human.
Take a moment to give your pet a little extra scratch under the chin, a pat on the noggin, or whatever way you show them you love them. Consider commissioning a portrait or sculpture of your furry, scaly, hairy, four-legged, two-legged, winged, or slithering pet friend – whether they're by your side now or have crossed the rainbow bridge. After all, you're part of a tradition that stretches back to the dawn of human civilization: celebrating the unique and precious bond between humankind and their animal companions. Let's recognize people and their pets.
"Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way."
