Yes, it seems that very few people have a real understanding for animals. Perhaps that is linked to the fact that when you are at ease in your human society, you don't have much time left to observe them properly and over time; it's only when you don't really fit in that you turn yourself to animals; they are often much kinder and welcoming and their love, when they give it, is always true and unwaving, they never take it back. They may not speak a language like we do, but they do communicate their needs quite clearly, I think. And they are able to learn a lot, just like we do.