Since I was 18 years old I have lived away from "home" but never "alone". I considered each animal with which I was able to share my moments as part of my family. Peers. Siblings. Good and not so good moments were shared within a routine of sincerity, mutual care and understanding. I know how to interpret them and I know that they interpret me.
I don't have a preference between cats or dogs but I understand the difference between each of them, in general.
A few years ago I studied several animal-assisted therapy courses and I was able to understand in depth how they vibrate in an energy so similar to ours from the therapeutic side.
I know when they are thirsty. I know when they are tired. I know when they are hungry, when they look different, when they feel that something is not right. I know. I know they need their space within conscious care.
I am renting an apartment where bringing animals is against the rules, so I am not offering to bring them into my home. That rule will change shortly, for sure.
"Tell me how you treat animals and I'll tell you how you are"...