Traditionally we separate companion animals from livestock in order to protect our own emotional selves: a way to prevent us from getting “hurt” when livestock becomes dinner. Children are discouraged to play with livestock and directed to forge friendships only with their pets.
Is it necessary?
More importantly, is it healthy to insist on such an “artificial” categorization?
What can we learn from wolves and caribou?

One morning my American Chinchilla doe hid in a corner of her cage and refused her favorite food. She produced no droppings and no urine that day.
It was a sorry sight.