Lessons in emotions?

Last class we talked about things that make us 'foam at the mouth'. Are you good at managing anger? Then you're probably emotionally intelligent. EI, or emotional intelligence, involves not only recognising your own emotions, but also those of others and, most importantly, managing them in a positive way. To what extent can the teaching of EI in schools bring benefits to society?
Click here to read an article on this topic.

Biscuit

I've just come across this sweet poem by Jane Kenyon. Superficially, but just superficially, a poem about the relationship between a pet and its owner. On another level, I find this is an in-depth analysis of the nature of trust. What do you think?

Biscuit

The dog has cleaned his bowl
and his reward is a biscuit,
which I put in his mouth
like a priest offering the host.

I can't bear that trusting face!
He asks for bread, expects
bread, and I in my power
might have given him a stone.

Man's best friend?

Some animals are famous for being sensitive to weather changes and for predicting natural disasters and, fanciful as it might seem, some pets are even believed to sense when their owners are ill or dying. Some experts believe the explanation is purely biochemical, attributing animals' reactions to chemicals given off by the human body.
I'm also convinced that pets, specifically dogs, can easily perceive their owners' emotional changes as well, and are very affectionate and comforting to them in these circumstances.
How do you feel about these heightened senses of animals? Do you have a story to share with us?