I'm not at all surprised, as I find both animal and Pokemon to be more similar than they seem. Both parties you can train and form a bond so strong that they become your best friend and ally. They both require proper care from their trainers or owners and they can defend themselves if necessary, with or without our aid. And those who are considered wild act exactly like any other Pokemon who're living in their natural habitat. The only difference I can think of at the top of my head are their appearances and their names.