The kinds of roles dogs fill can be hard to come by in human relationships. We touch the dog or the pet at whim. There is a lack of self-consciousness and a fluidity to it that is absent from most human relationships. If someone acted that way to you, you'd feel claustrophobic pretty quickly. It's a boundary violation.
Caroline Knapp was an American writer known for her memoirs and essays. She wrote candidly about her personal experiences, including her struggles with alcoholism and eating disorders. Knapp's works were acclaimed for their honesty and introspection. Her contributions to literature and her exploration of personal demons have resonated with many readers.