Animal Personalities
–Those who do not share their lives with animals are frequently surprised by those of us who do so with more than one of a single species; why should anyone choose to have, for example, more than one cat? The answer is that no two animals are alike, and each has a distinctive and discernible personality; they are not interchangeable, cookie-cutter life forms. Animal behavior also reflects the individual’s unique personality. Multiple animals additionally interact with one another in ways that are frequently entertaining. I live with three very different cats and one dog, each of which has distinctive traits and attributes. Four is my personal limit, while for others it might be even more; this does not, however, justify acquisition of dozens of pets, at which point the person might be termed a “collector.”
I don’t really like to think of myself as a pet “owner,” but rather a caretaker or steward of them. One does not or should not “own” another living creature, but rather share life and space with our fellow life forms, benefitting from the mutual association.
Explore posts in the same categories: animals, furryTags: animal personalities, cats, dogs, pets
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FOXSYLVANIA 
August 24, 2008 at 1:44 am
Loved what you had to say about “sharing life and space with our fellow life forms, benefitting from the mutual association,” rather than “owning.” We made a rock music vide about this very notion– that association is mutual in its benefits! (You can see our video at http://www.luluandlolly.com) A different approach, but the same spirit! Thanks for the eloquent words, Your PaLs, LuLu and LoLLy!
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August 24, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Thank you, LuLu and LoLLy! I try not to regard myself as superior to any other life form, but simply different from them, as they have differences and certain advantages to my own…and the similarities and mutual needs are there, if we are sensitive to them.
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September 1, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Given that you’re a human who understands we’re all individuals, we suspect your three cats and one doggy probably have very interesting and individual perspectives on life with you. We would love to share your view with others — since you put things so well, but on our Dog Blog (Dlog!) only critters are allowed. If you would like to pass this on to your pet pack, please invite them to write in and share their unique and individual perspectives, at http://luluandlolly.com/dlog.asp! 🙂 Your individual PaLs, LuLu and LoLLy!
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September 2, 2008 at 11:39 am
I’ll spread the word, LuLu and LoLLy! Please remember that I’m only 25% human, and hope that you won’t hold that quarter against me… 😉
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