One of the things I love about my Dodo is his animal honesty.

In every situation he reveals himself as he is: when he asks for food and rubs against my legs; when he gets irritated, thinks I’m getting on his nerves, and doesn’t spare me the occasional scratch; and when I pet him and he rolls onto his back, exposing his belly like a peace treaty.

None of the people I have known, myself included, possess the authenticity and perhaps even the sincerity of Dodo and of pets in general.

As I was thinking about this, I was reminded of Albert Camus, who said that man is the only animal that refuses to be what it is.

That strikes me as entirely true, yet I can’t quite say why human beings refuse to accept themselves as they are: is it because they strive to be better, more fulfilled? Because they seek the approval of others and hide themselves in order to present a more pleasing version? Because they are led astray by famous models that bombard them at every step today, making their own selves seem worthless? Or…

Whatever the case, I envy the way you accept yourself, dear Dodo.