Some chef once said that her favorite animal is Lamb because it’s cute on the hoof and delicious on the plate.
It sorta touches on how I feel about my dog. He’s really great and it took me a LONG time to warm up to him. He’s like another person in the family. But he is a dog. He is not human, and he is not made in God’s image.
I understand that what I interpret as human thoughts of endearment on his part is really just him wondering if I have another Beggin’ Strip. But it is fun to imagine otherwise.
You are correct about not being in God's image but it is one of God's creatures. Suggest you check out youtube video of military dogs at the gravesides of their fallen masters.
There was a dog in Japan that went to the train station for years after its master had died. They put up a statue to the dog.
I have had many dogs and yes some loved me for food but there were others that just loved me no matter what. Weren't “looking” for anything except to be loved in return. Believe it or not your dog may have affection for you beyond that Beggin strip. Just my impression of owning dogs for over 50 years.