We can also experience a sense of closeness and connectedness to animals or to nature. I think the feelings of closeness we have toward the earth or to animals can be qualitatively the same as what we feel toward other human beings. In fact, it might actually be easier for us to feel close to animals or nature, precisely because we have made human relationships so complicated. Like human babies, animals are genuinely straightforward and authentic. Animals do not play the manipulative games that adult human beings have become so adept at playing with one another. They do not engage in that sort of pretense. We can train ourselves to shake the habits of deception and manipulations that creep into our human relationships, but this will take a conscious and concerted effort. With animals, we can experience that naturally, right now. For many people their relationship to a pet can serve as an important source of closeness and love.
Ogyen Trinley Dorje
from Interconnected; Embracing Life in our Global Society