Adam was walking the Garden of Eden and called out to God, ‘You used to walk with me every day. Now I never see you anymore. I am lonely here, and it is difficult for me to remember how much you love me.’
And God said, ‘I will create a companion for you that will be with you forever and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourself.’
And God created a dog.
Dog was a good companion.
And God was pleased.
And Dog was happy to be with Adam... and wagged his tail.
So Dog lived with Adam and was a companion to him and loved him. Whenever Dog saw Adam he would run circles around him, leaping in the air and barking joyfully.
Adam was comforted.
And God was pleased.
And Dog was happy... and wagged his tail.
After a while, it came to pass that Adam's guardian angel came to the Lord and said, ‘Dear Lord, Adam has become filled with pride. He struts and preens like a peacock and he believes he is worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught him that he is loved, but perhaps maybe a bit too well?’
And the Lord said, ‘I got your point. I will make a new creature for him, a companion who will be with him always and who will see him as he is. She will be very beautiful, and Adam will love her dearly. And she will remind him of his limitations, so he will know that he is not always worthy of adoration.’
And God set to work and made a brand new creature. She was soft and radiant and her eyes were beautiful. Adam loved her and doted on her. Her name was Cat. But Cat would not obey Adam. And if he got angry or sulky about that she would stay away for days, and Adam would be frantic. When Adam gazed into Cat's eyes, he knew that he was not the supreme being. That he could not always expect admiration.
And Adam learned humility.
And God was pleased.
And Dog was happy... and wagged his tail.
And Cat? Cat didn't give two hoots one way or the other.