'Owning' Animals

a reply to: TheJourney

In my situation I am not the owner of my 3 cats I am staff!

With each of my pets, I consider that we have a partnership- a relationship.

There is a hierarchy in those relationships, in which I have accepted to stand in the role of dominant, and they in the role of submissive.... just like the relationships they would have with other animals of their kind in nature. (okay, except the cat, our roles are not as fixed that way, as it is not in her nature. )

In my own life and relationships with humans, I have found the benefit and pleasure in being in either role of hierarchy, so feel no moral judgement against it.

I do perceive, however, that entering such a relationship entails certain duties and responsibilities on the part of each, and if either does not strive to live up to those, then the trust and respect deteriorates.
If my animals do not respect me, it is because somewhere, I have not fulfilled my duties as leader very well.
They help me develop my leadership skills and abilities, and to increase my self awareness and mastership. In return, I offer them protection, shelter, and food.
We both benefit from the physical affection and contact!

It's a mutual benefit exchange and relationship.

Sometimes I think, my dogs (five of) own me....