They are creatures, just as we are creatures. Because of our long and mutually satisfying/beneficial association over thousands of years of coevolution we often "grok" across species lines in ways that seem magical or mystical from our species-centric point-of-view. Via magical and mystical to the extent it furthers our appreciation of the connection we have with these other species. Let us always respect they are different species and our connection with them is likely perceived differently on their part.