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.