In Response to Jim Nollman's The Man Who Talks to Whales: The Art of Interspecie By Danielle Terhune (04/21/10 18:23:04)
“The Man Who Talks to Whales: The Art of Interspecies Communication” by Jim Nollman
In chapter one of Jim Nollman’s book, titled “The Turkey Trot” I appreciated the long introduction into interspecies communication. The process at in which Nollman discovered his own way in collaboration with a Turkey, by allowing the Turkey to be just as much of an individual in the ‘flute and gobble’ composition was very insightful. I was glad that he reached the conclusion that collaboration with animals is being on equal terms with them.
The first chapter also reminded me of a very similar epiphany I had in animal collaboration with my dog Comet, when my parents came to visit me in early April. The experience of collaborating with my dog lead to the same conclusion that Nollman had with the Turkey. That the animal and human have equal parts in a collaboration. A human cannot force or modify the animal to his or her will. The animal must have a will and desire of its own.
The following is an excerpt taken from my first art project/reflections of my interaction with my dog labeled, “Common Interests” that I posted on the Interspecies Collaboration website:
“What I gleaned from this observation of Comet was that my dog, and I believe animals in general, will act outside of normal character when influenced by humans. Of course this is general knowledge but I believe it goes beyond humans "tainting" an animals natural actions. Our influence on Comet taking interest was positive because we initiated his interest without forcing it. If we had dragged Comet up to the pond by his collar he would not have been pleased and would have run in the opposite direction, not caring about the Koi fish. Even if we had tried to coax him over with a treat, he would have sensed something fishy and again ignored our requests, as has happened in the past with all other man-made bodies of water. It was the fact that we took interest in something and then included Comet in our discoveries that gave him what he needed to respond positively to something he generally hates.
This experience brought to an understanding of animal collaboration. We as humans can encourage the animal to take part in what we are doing, but if they show no interest then we need to move on. If we have to force, trick, or bribe the animal to pay attention then its not collaboration. When we are willing to view the animal as an equal, they will respond in turn.” [Write Comment]