Do we choose our pets, or do they choose us?

I have been thinking about my animals and how they came to be in my life. We as humans tend to think we are superior beings. We are confident, sometimes arrogant, about our position in the evolutionary chain. Well, I'm beginning to think that we aren't so smart. That we aren't as superior as we think we are. I am beginning to think my animals are sometimes smarter than I am.
My female cat Grace absolutely without a doubt chose me. She appeared on my doorstep one cold afternoon in December several years ago. I wasn't sure if she was a stray, but judging from her good condition I tended to doubt it. So I thought she was just outside for the day while her owners were at work, and I spent a few minutes scratching her head and went back inside. Later that evening there she was again, causing a scene on my doorstep. Again I scratched a bit, and this time gave her a bit of food. Well, that was it. At this point it was about 12 degrees out, and she wasn't going anywhere. I tried to go back in and let her be, but she wasn't having any part of it, meowing and sounding quite pitiful actually. So I did it... I let her in.
Well, my 85 pound hound mix was NOT pleased. The cat however, didn't care, wasn't phased, and actually caused him to retreat to the bathroom in apprehension. Then she made herself comfortable on my couch and never left. Oh at the time I said "Just for the night, its cold." And stuck to it, letting her out in the morning. When I got home from work, of course, there she was again, waiting to be let in, fed, and catered to. And I did. I still do.
She is Grace, Queen of the Universe. At least Queen of Her Universe. Master of all others, whether cat, dog, or human. She is a most loving and sweet Queen, but a Queen nonetheless, demanding, in her own subtle way, that she gets the best spot on the bed, whichever bed she chooses; that she sleeps the afternoon away on the computer chair, no matter who might want to use the computer - after all, that is what the six dining chairs are for, right? ; that you turn the water on for her in the bathtub so she can drink out of the faucet... until she decides she prefers the vanity sink... no... bathtub again - just leave both on I will let you know when I am finished.

Whoever coined the phrase dumb beast is a fool. This cat is a genius. And I adore her.