Some businesses allow employees to bring animals to work because they've found that the practice boosts morale and increases productivity. Executives credit having pets when they were children with helping them develop leadership skills. Architects duplicate wasp nests in their designs. Psychologists observe animal behavior for clues to better problem-solving and stress-handling skills.

Animals have been showing people how to work together more productively and effectively for centuries. The only problem is, people have rarely gotten the messages.

For a few months Linda was traveling on a book tour. She'd been visiting many cities and usually only stayed away from home a few days. On this trip she'd added some vacation time. One day, while Linda was gone, the Anderson animals must have decided that enough was enough. They formed a committee to study the situation.

Our two cats and our dog filed into the living room, one-by-one, and stood before Allen. As clearly as if they were speaking out loud, they asked, "When is she coming home?"

Before Allen could think about how odd it was to be interviewed by an animal committee, he answered, "Tomorrow."

One-by-one the Anderson animal family members filed out of the room and stood, staring into the bird's cage. No doubt, communicating to their feathered brother that Linda would be home soon.

If you live in a multi-pet home, have you noticed the animals forming committees and using teamwork to accomplish their goals?