I have lived close to many animals in my life. My first memory is a black-and-white rabbit. I have lived with dogs, cats, cows, chickens, turtles, rice fish, butterfly larvae, grasshoppers, lizards, beetles, goldfish, degus, porcupine fish, and Iberian ribbed newts. Some of them were pets, and some were simply animals around me. Among them, dogs and cats often made me feel that our feelings could connect.

I finished reading Kayo and Me by Shunko Uchizawa.

As I read, the goat Kayo began to feel like a real “someone.” She is beautiful, cute, but also strong-willed and independent. Her presence touched my heart.

We usually think that we cannot talk with animals. But I believe our feelings can still connect. Body warmth, weight, breathing, and the way they look at us—these things speak more clearly than words.

While reading the second half of the book, my cat came and lay on top of me. Her warm weight spread through my body. In that moment, her warmth felt connected to Kayo’s warmth, and I felt very happy.

My cat and I are completely different kinds of beings. Even so, we accept each other and share our feelings. I take care of her, but I often feel that she is the one who supports me.

When I am at work, my cat is probably sleeping in a safe and comfortable place. She knows someone will come home. I know I have a place to return to. Because of this, she can sleep peacefully, and I can go to work without worry.

The feeling that other living beings help us live— I think this is a very important part of everyday life.