Remember this when you interact with our animal companions. They trust us unconditionally, and it's a malicious double-cross to betray their deep feelings of trust in our having their best interests in mind. Remember also that in most cases they'll joyfully prance back for more of what we dish out, always expecting that we really do have their best interests in mind. They're that trusting and confident. It's indisputable that we severely psychologically and physically harm our companions when we let them down, when we neglect them or dominate them selfishly with no interest in the deep hurt for which we're responsible.
Humane education is critical.
In addition to teaching children using books and other second-hand material, we need to provide clear examples of compassion, respect, and love in our own behavior. Children are such keen observers. The hearts of our companion animals, like our own hearts, are fragile, so we must be gentle with them. You can never be too nice or too generous with your love for our dear and trusting companions, who are so deeply pure of heart. Indeed, by honoring our companion's trust in us we tap into our own spirituality.