There's a similar reluctance about taking me into the house as there would be about having a large, shaggy dog in the house. he'll come into the room with wet paws - and then, he's so shaggy. he'll get into everyone's way... in short - it's a dirty animal... but the animal has human soul... able to feel what people think about him... i am a sort of dog... this home is also too good for me... the dog recognises that to keep him it would be too much... dogs are guards, but there's no need for that... the dog is just sorry that he didn't stay away... i have found myself - i am that dog.
(van Gogh, 1883)
