"Your dream? Fascinating. I'm sorry, what's that Judith? I can't...I can't..keep talking, I'm listening, it's just that Judith is...What's that Judith? I'm sorry, I don't mean to miss your story of your dream, but it looks like Judith has a problem, and you know, she can't do anything without me! I'll catch up later, JUDITH, I'M COMING!"
"Who the fuck is Judith?"
Animals do lots of physical behaviors to each other, like grooming for fleas or ticks, that seem weird to us, but probably signify affection and closeness to them. They probably don't just let any old random monkey start picking through their fur, any more than we'd allow some stranger to hold our hand on the subway.
Animals show lots of affection to each other, and they show affection to us. Of course they recognize when we do stuff that shows affection to them. They'd rather have tummy skritches, but they'll sit still for some kisses.