Over the past half-century, studies have detailed the evolution of communication and cooperation between mammals, birds, insects and reptiles. And anyone who's had a close relationship with a nonhuman animal -- domestic or wild -- has firsthand knowledge of their potential for complex social-interaction capabilities and subtle (if sometimes mysterious) communication through postures, roars, songs and play. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
But have you ever seen an owl try to pet a dog? How about a cat playing with a dolphin? Polar bears wrestling with sled dogs? A massive elephant seal falling in love with a woman? (They both enjoy piña coladas and long waddles on the beach.) If not, just watch these videos ( http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/center/articles/2012/animal-love-compilation-05-18-2012.html ) and rejoice at the diversity of relationships in our species-rich world. ...
Of course, you may want to stick to tamer fare at home -- we draw the line at dog-smooching.