Larson's statement was, "The cartoon was intended to be an exercise in silliness. While I have never met a cow who can create tools, I felt sure that if they did (the tools) would lack something in sophistication and resemble the sorry specimens shown in this cartoon." Additionally, he added, "I regret that my fondness for cows combined with an overactive imagination, may have carried me beyond what is comprehensible to the average 'Far Side' reader."
