Ruisi: I once had a very cute and intelligent dog. He was by my side for ten years. In August this year, he passed away due to illness. For a while, I couldn’t accept his departure at all. After that, I kept recalling the stories with him repeatedly. When he was still a puppy, he came to my house. During the next ten years, he always loyally guarded this home and accompanied me. I truly am very grateful that he appeared in my life. At the same time, I often reflect on whether the little dog, coming to live in the human world so early, might long for freedom.
Leo: I once had a hamster for about two years. It was always lively and active. But the life expectancy of hamsters is short. It became slower and had a poor appetite in March. I was worried about it, so I left him cheese, blueberries, strawberries and other delicious food. Finally, it insisted on taking a bite and said the last goodbye. After it passed, I buried it under the sakura in front of my house. After that, every year when the flowers bloom, I can remember the continuation of life.
Geo: I have a lovely little black cat, whose full name on her vet record is Portobello Burger, Bella for short. I do my best to take care of her, and she seems to be a really happy, cuddly cat. I do however wonder sometimes, what would she think if she knew what a silly name I’d given her? It makes me think about the power I hold over her life, and how much she must trust me to take care of her for her to be so loving.
Sophie: I have four cats and a dog and have never really reflected on the dynamic I share with them. It is definitely one of dependency, as they rely on me for their daily needs. But do I exploit this dependency when expecting things from them, such as comfort or companionship? Is it also fair to have them co-exist together, with animals from different litters and of different species? Do they like living together?
What are your connections to animals? Try and reflect on how you view these relationships and how they impact you.