I don’t know if domesticated animals sense they are missing something by virtue of their association with companion humans who persist in retrieving them when they venture too far from home.
But could any sentient beagle believe he would live a happier life in the wild than under my daughter’s care? For them the technicality of freedom surely could not make their lives more carefree.
I also don’t know if wild animals are dispirited by captivity when they are in seemingly tender hands and gorgeous zoological facilities.
It is hard for me to believe that the art of being carefree could be practiced any better than it is by animals–domestic or wild–basking and dozing in the summer sun, scampering into the sea, enfolding themselves among each other after a satisfying catered meal, reaching into winter’s white sunlight for a belly tickle, or snuggling peacefully at our sides as we sink into fitfully fevered sleep.
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Author: Stephanie
In her spare time, Stephanie works full-time, and then some, as an attorney. She has published articles and delivered talks in arcane fields like forensic evidentiary issues, jury instructions, and expert scientific witness preparation. She attended law school on the banks lso is an adjunct professor at a law school near the banks of the Charles River and loves that dirty water, as she will always think of Boston as her home.
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Love in the Spaces 
That is why I hang around with my cats all the time to learn from them.
Would that be a cami when she’s not getting in trouble with the boys?
In retrospect, it was clearly a ploy on Cami’s part to distract me while Brady executed another part of her evil plot regarding the Christmas cookies.
Love these selections. Beagle is so carefree and happy!
Lovely selection of photos for this challenge! The little hippo relaxing makes me smile.