As I sit here, being stared at by my new feline houseguest, and seeing a horse on tv nuzzling the grizzled cowboy in front of him, it strikes me that we are the only species that regularly provides comfort to other species.

Having hands must seem a wonder to our companions.  We all know the way we purr when being caressed by someone who truly cares for us, but imagine if you, and no-one else you know, had hands. 

Now, I don't necessarily believe an animal loves me just because they lick my hand, or sleeps within view.  But when you found a being that could scratch you under the chin (oh, and provide dinner) you, too, would jump into their lap and butt them with your head until they gave you the taste of compassion that you so craved.

And noticing how we stand apart from our other animal siblings, I feel pretty good about humanity.