allcreaturessmall:

brynrose:

People are always so surprised by my relationship to animals, they think I should “love” them a whole lot more than I do. But in 24 years I think the most important thing I’ve learned about caring for animals is that love is not actually a huge part of it. I mean it is, obviously. But it’s so damaging too, it’s like the antithesis to balance. Unchecked it results in dogmatic, self-serving fervor. More important than love to your relationship with animals: respect, understanding, critical thinking, thoughtfulness, kindness, gentleness. Empathy. Perspective. Distance and space when necessary. The ability to let go.

This. I’ve seen so many “well loved” animals suffering at the hands of their owners. People who “love” their dogs allow them to be matted or obese. People who “love” their cats declaw them. People who “love” their fish keep them in bowls. People who “love” their hamsters keep them in Critter Trails. Many “loved” pets are not euthanized when it is time because their owner “loves” them too much to let them go.

Remember: Just as a relationship with an abuser or a toxic person can involve a real depth of feeling, there is so much more to any healthy relationship than love.