In The Cat Inside William Burroughs paid a great compliment to his favorite animals:

“My relationships with my cats has saved me from a deadly, pervasive ignorance.”

Now, isn’t that a true thing? That our relationship with animals can have such a benevolent influence. I’m spending the week looking after a friend’s dog (a cute, wee strawberry-blonde, Lakeland Terrier), who has, over the years, taught me much about myself, for which I will always be grateful.

In thanks for that, here is a small selection of some interesting people and their lovely animal companions.
 

James Dean and his cat, Marcus, a gift from Elizabeth Taylor, who took custody of Marcus after Dean’s death.
 

Marilyn Monroe and her Terrier, Maf.
 

Humphrey Bogart and his beloved Scottish Terrier.
 

Paul McCartney wrote a song about his English Sheepdog Martha
 

While Cat Stevens proclaimed ‘I Love My Dog’ - the title of his first single.
 

Freddie Mercury loved cats, and he also wrote a song about his favorite, Delilah.
 

Yoko, John and friend.
 

Joan Baez and her friend.
 

The best cure for a hangover, Errol Flynn and Arno.
 

Lana Turner loved dogs, and like our canine friend was very, very loyal. It was said of the actress, if you killed someone and ‘phoned Turner for help, she would arrive with a shovel.
 

Frank Sinatra and Ringo.
 

Jayne Mansfield and, er, driving companions.
 

Alfred Hitchcock and his pal, the now exceedingly rare Sealyham Terrier. Cute.
 

Madeleine Carroll and the beautiful Susie.
 

Writers appear to like cats. Here’s Jack Kerouac with Tyke.
 

Ernest Hemingway and one of his many cats.
 

H. P. Lovecraft and his feline familiar.
 

While artists appear to like dogs. Pablo Picasso and his Wiener dog Lump.
 

Andy Warhol and his friendly Dachshund.
 

David Hockney and his beloved dogs.
 

Gertrude Stein, Alice B Toklas and Basket.
 

Winston Churchill and his Poodle Rufus. Churchill once said, “Dogs look up to you. Cats look down on you. Give me a pig. He just looks you in the eye and treats you like an equal.” Perhaps we should ask George Clooney?
 

 
Bonus: Who can forget this happy chap?