@admitsWrongIfProven @freemo They might have seen the mostly helpless babies and decided to see what happens when they raise them. I believe our brains release similar chemicals as other mammals when caring for an animal. It seems like affection is more likely than finding an animal as cute.

Perhaps this was done by very simple people with animals who were equally special or it could have been the brightest of both species. For cats it was likely manipulation from the start. Dogs would protect their pack.

Perhaps it's like marriage where both parties help when needed but otherwise avoid each other.

With some animals, especially milk producing animals, it can be found in our genetics. For domesticated animals, like the dog, they had a similar mutation that allowed for a diet with more grain. We likely bonded in harsh times and both wear a ball and chain because of our relationship.

I don't know how I feel about what I just wrote but I did write it.