[CatherineofAragon]

"But to amplify the question, looking at the relationship a dog has with his owner vs the relationship a cat has with his owner (again, talking about the generic traits of the two animals), which most closely mirrors the relationship a Christian has with God?"

But I'm not sure that really matters, since I don't think animals' relationships with us are meant to mirror His.

God created both dogs and cats for our companionship. I've had several cats, and every one of them has been wonderfully loving and attached.....there was never anything lacking in our relationships.

[cuban leaf]

But I’m not sure that really matters, since I don’t think animals’ relationships with us are meant to mirror His.

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It matters to me. In the answer to the question is my answer to which animal I prefer. For me, I often look at my pet and say, “Dang, I would like to hope that God sees me as I see my pet.” regarding how my pet responds to me.

What I find especially interesting is that I think pretty much every person who read my question knows which pet I like the best becaus in their heart of hearts, they know the answer.

But as you said, different pets have different personalities and you can find stinkers in both species.