In The Far Side, humans and animals are much more alike than meets the eye. There are some comics that feature animals exhibiting human behaviors, whereas others depict humans acting like animals, yet both scenarios bring the two closer together. Despite numerous Far Side comics pitting the two against each other, there are surprisingly many that center on their unity.

These Far Side cartoons showcase humans and animals living in harmony alongside each other in the alternate reality that Gary Larson has crafted in his work. The relationship between these unique species may not always be perfect, yet they find common ground in these particular tales, proving that they're more similar than they are different. Now, here are 10 Far Side comics that show animals co-existing with humans.

10 The Far Side Proves That Animals Aren't So Different From Humans

First Published: April 15th, 1982

This first Far Side comic demonstrates how humans are much more similar to animals than they'd like to believe, and those similarities can unite them instead of dividing them the way their differences do. A dog is shown scratching a human's belly, which causes him to kick his leg the way a dog would.

The human possesses the same natural reflexes as a dog, which means they have something surprising in common with one another. Moreover, the dog looks delighted by this revelation, and the scene unfolding could be bringing them closer together. Many Far Side comics portray dogs and other pets seeking revenge against their owners out of malice, so it's a refreshing change of pace to see them bond here.

9 In The Far Side, Animals and Humans Both Need a Drink Sometimes

First Published: January 22nd, 1981

This next comic shows that animals can blend into human settings in The Far Side, contrary to the fact that they'd stick out like sore thumbs in the real world due to their outlandish appearances. Here, a horse is brought to a bar, and no one seems too stunned by its presence as the other visitors have their drinks.

The only question that's posed upon its arrival is whether it can be made to drink, in reference to a classic joke: "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink." Animals ing humans at bars in The Far Side signifies their unity, as they're able to co-exist in public settings without people losing their heads.

8 The Far Side's Jungles Let Humans and Animals Co-Exist Peacefully

First Published: December 30th, 1983

Co-existing isn't all about sharing the same spaces, contrary to popular belief. In some cases, such as when it comes to The Far Side's animal and human populations, maintaining a firm boundary between species is crucial to keeping the peace. This cartoon exemplifies this notion by offering a glimpse into the jungles of The Far Side.

An explorer walks among the trees in the jungle, and unbeknownst to him, elephants cross overhead in a shockingly durable tunnel system that's been developed for them. Thus, both of them can exist in the jungle without harming the other, resulting in better circumstances for each party. Humans hanging out with animals is fun, but sometimes, they're happier leaving each other alone with no hard feelings.

7 The Far Side Lets Humans Help Animals Work Through Their Problems

First Published: December 8th, 1984

What makes The Far Side's complex dynamic between humans and animals work is the fact that they can help each other out when they're in a bind, and this comic proves it. People often visit therapists when they need to talk through their issues, and here, a dog receives his own much-needed mental health examination with a human therapist.

The dog lies on a couch for a therapy appointment as he says, "It's the mailman, doc. He scares me." Without judgment, the therapist writes this down and prepares to offer insights to help this canine deal with his internal struggle. Perhaps this human will help the dog overcome his fear of mail carriers and therefore mend animal-human relations even further.

6 These Far Side Humans Treat Their Pet Like Their Own Child

First Published: August 6th, 1984

Humans have been known to keep various animals as pets, from the usual suspects like dogs and cats to truly unexpected creatures like monkeys. In this Far Side cartoon, a couple possesses a rhino as their cuddly companion, but he's more than an ordinary pet. The comic actually implies that they see the rhino as a child more than an animal they own in the traditional sense.

The woman calls her husband on the phone, then puts the rhino on, urging him to give "one grunt for Daddy". The couple's evident affection for the rhino, along with their insistence on communicating with it like a human and calling themselves its parents, convey the connection they share that runs deeper than the way most people regard animals.

5 The Far Side's Humans and Animals Let Loose After a Few Drinks

First Published: September 17th, 1982

Human parties can be a riot, and in The Far Side, animals get to in on the fun from time to time. With that being said, they don't always stand by that choice, and animals can be as wild at parties as certain people. In this cartoon, an old couple brings cows from their barn in to have a few drinks, but once the cows get tipsy, things take a rowdy turn for their quaint get-together.

One cow stands up on the table and dances around, clearly drunk, while the humans watch in disdain. They may voice their frustration with inviting the cows in the first place, though it's nonetheless a positive development for humans and animals to drink together in The Far Side's world.

4 The Far Side Shows How Animals Can Relate to Humans in Old Age

First Published: April 23rd, 1993

Dogs appear frequently in Gary Larson's work, and they aren't always as friendly with humans as their title of "man's best friend" insinuates. They can be downright hostile with their owners, but these dogs subvert that classic Larson trope by behaving in a human manner that bonds them to their owner. For more Far Side comics about dogs, take a look at the gallery below!

Two elderly dogs sit on the front porch beside their equally old owner, and they watch puppies run around while commenting on their youth. One says, "Why, back in our day, we had to play with a half-rotted cat's head." The dogs' snide comments about the next generation mirror those of an older human, giving them something in common.

3 Even Dangerous Animals Can Co-Exist With Humans in The Far Side

First Published: July 13th, 1984

Many of these Far Side comics feature less threatening animals like dogs and cows co-existing with humans, but they aren't the only creatures that can get along swimmingly with people. This particular cartoon reveals that deadly squids are capable of living alongside humans with hardly any issue, so long as specific conditions are met by those around them.

A man welcomes someone into his home, where he houses a giant squid with an angry expression on its face. He says, "He's quite harmless. ... Just don't show any fear. Squids can sense fear." This comment may make some worry, but the fact that a squid is mostly harmless around humans is promising for the prospect that other dangerous creatures could befriend humanity.

2 This Far Side Pet Owner Treats His Dog Like a Genuine Equal

First Published: June 20th, 1988

The bond between humans and dogs is typically powerful, with that loyalty being expressed through their teamwork as dogs retain what they're taught. This Far Side comic brings that teamwork to a new level as a dog learns how to take over a task for his owner, accentuating their ability to work together.

A man in his car is approached by a police officer, and it's revealed that his dog has been driving his car for him. It's obviously unrealistic for a dog to drive a car on its owner's behalf, but this dog knowing how to do so is a testament to its friendship with its human pal. These two co-exist as equals in lieu of the standard power imbalance between an owner and a dog.

1 In The Far Side, Animals Don't Shy Away From Hitting on Humans

First Published: November 22nd, 1991

In this tenth and final Far Side cartoon, animals and humans take their co-existence to a further extreme than anyone could have predicted. An ostrich is seated at a bar with a drink nursed in his wing, and he takes the opportunity to hit on a woman sitting beside him. The caveat, though, is that the lady he's got his eye on is a human being rather than a fellow bird.

The Far Side is no stranger to exploring the horrors of dating, and a relationship between an ostrich and a human woman definitely raises eyebrows among most readers. This romance likely won't last, yet it's undoubtedly shocking to see it appear at all within a comic. In The Far Side, humans and animals are able to successfully co-exist, for better and for worse.