I loved reading your story.
I think we all get pets for different reasons - not completely selfless. I know that most of us end up totally in love - allowing ourselves that innocent pleasure. All my life my pets have brought me out of myself & into a better place.
I totally sympathize about the loneliness of living away from home, in a foreign country - everyone should be
made/encouraged to do this - it opens our eyes & hearts I think, like no other experience. It is like a bitter sweet - almost has a taste in your mouth. I'm glad you have so many rewarding things to do & a great pet to focus on. Did you know that looking after another living thing is used in therapy - to connect us & encourage giving of ourselves - even gardening?
In my area there are a lot of immigrants who come from cultures that do not or cannot have pets. The children of these families, when they visited our home were always captivated by our cat. She is a gentle soul & has many times patiently sat still while a child petted her.
Not a lot of people have a bird friend - although coming here to share with you all may seem like there are tons of bird owners. We love our little budgie to bits - but I've also noticed nervous smiles on our friends when we mention him, as if a bird couldn't be that much fun or smart.
Because our bird is so small he isn't as physically rewarding as our cat or a dog. But he sure brings a smile to your face almost all the time.
My husband was working the other day & Laker ran across his desk & grabbed his pen & struggled to carry it off - the client on the phone had to deal with my husband laughing unexpectedly; not what he normally does when talking business.
But maybe it will catch on.
