Melissa Modolo "I and Thou"

I think animals are good at demonstrating the concept of "I and Thou" just as the horse example was used in the text. They are generally not interacted with since they can't speak to us. They are often brushed aside as a part of the scenery or as simply another fixture in the room. It is only in those brief moments where there is a true understanding between human and animal. It is in those moments where they become more than an "it" but rather a "you". Often it happens when they are being disciplined and they understand they have done something wrong. Many times, however, this happens in a very intimate moment where there is a clear exchange of ideas. This rarely happens in the presence of other people but there have been times with my former pet bird at home and with my close friend's kitten where we have made eye contact and exchanged a thought. Maybe not a thought containing emotion or meaning, but one of acknowledgement that the other understands. These moments are amazing where one can see a glimpse inside the mind of the other. They are personal exchanges that are never exactly the same and they are always very memorable.