A dog is essentially a servant. His feelings toward his master are comradely and his manner familiar; he enjoys the master's affection and respect. He will go to any extent to give pleasure and protect his people. He can be trained in any manner of service tasks and will go about them with enthusiasm. His intention is to please.

The cat is different. She serves no one, by design or willingly. Her one accomplishment -- the hunting of mice, rats, and other rodents -- is self-taught. The man does not live who can claim to have trained a cat to perform a task for human benefit. There are no police cats, no watch cats, no sled cats. The cat does not even approach when he or she is called unless it suits her.

Dogs are dependent upon humans. They seek out humans for companionship, play, and care. They enjoy the position of being part of the “gang” and will go to great lengths to keep that position.

Cats are also extremely self-sufficient. You by no means have to entertain them. This is not to say that they cannot be entertained or that they are not entertaining. It is just that their errands are many and their schedules full. Cats prefer going it alone, depending upon their own wit to survive.

Whether you elect to share your home with a dog or a cat depends a good deal upon your own personality. If you seek to be in charge, you will have a problem with a cat every time. She cannot be controlled. If camaraderie and never-ending reliability are what you seek, a dog will satisfy the position willingly.

There are homes and individuals for both dogs and cats—investigate what you anticipate cautiously and choose accordingly. Your home will be blessed with the company of either.