[audio]

[kestreldawn]

It seems that having small, sentient companions is rather common here on Earth. Can someone explain why so many people seem to want and/or have them? Especially when they are incredibly small and seem to serve no purpose in terms of protection or strength?

Comments

[kestreldawn]

There were discussions about it in my house. None of us .. or the vast majority of us .. have never been in a situation in which having a pet was at all feasible or even wanted. We were all too .. nomadic. Usually unwillingly.

[am_i_a_monster]

I guess that makes sense. I mean, it might not have been fair to have a pet when you were living in space, huh?

I never had a pet before either. But now that I have one, I'm really glad I do.

[kestreldawn]

Not when you never had a home or a planet to stay on long enough. A ship isn't a great place for most living things. Not for extended periods of time, anyway.

I'm glad that you're able to have one, then. You would suggest a cat over a dog? I'm not familiar with the Earth versions of these animals, so I don't know if my understanding of the Lothcats and Dogs we had back home are relevant here.

[am_i_a_monster]

I don't know. I have this cat because he needed a home, and we kind of needed each other. He's perfect for me. Dogs are good too. I'd say either. Or one of each if they get along.

[kestreldawn]

I imagine it would help having other people around to help take care of such creatures. Do you think they are both similar in terms of need and care?

[am_i_a_monster]

Their basic needs are the same, but there are some differences. Dog food and cat food are different. Cats have litter boxes. Dogs need to be walked. Stuff like that.

[kestreldawn]

Litter boxes? .. What are those?

[am_i_a_monster]

It's where the cat goes to the bathroom.

[kestreldawn]

... Oh. I assumed it would go outside somewhere.

[am_i_a_monster]

Some cats do, if they're outdoor cats. Most cats do both. It's good to have a litter box so you don't have to worry about what'll happen when you're sleeping or at work.

[kestreldawn]

That's good to know, thank you. Would .. it be all right, if I were to get one of these cats, if I went to you for .. advice on occasion?

[am_i_a_monster]

Yes. We can be cat-parent buddies.

[kestreldawn]

[She laughs a bit, though the laugh is .. oddly strained.] Who'd've ever thought?

[am_i_a_monster]

Not me. My dad wouldn't let me have a pet.

[kestreldawn]

I wasn't able to have one, either. Not because I wasn't allowed, but .. because our lives didn't really allow for it. We moved too often when I was young.

[am_i_a_monster]

I think you'd like having one then. There's a sense of stability knowing that there's a pet waiting for you when you come home.

[kestreldawn]

Yes, it's .. still a strange concept, all these months later, but I think you're right. I think I'll look into getting one. Thank you, for your help.

[am_i_a_monster]

You're welcome. Let me know what kind of pet you get.