I agree, but only for exotic animals.

Nope. They live and serve at my own pleasure. If I and others didn’t want their companionship they would not have been born in the first place and the population of domesticated felines and canids would plummet to near zero. Their life, in its entirety, exists only because I desire to “enslave” them.

Eian
Owner of Marco, my feline friend

NOT my dogs! I only have rescues that have already been rejected and abandoned by others and live wonderful lives with me. Rarely on a leash, never behind a fence, eat a varied mix of fruits, veggies and meats, sleep where they want, have the run of the house at all times, go almost everywhere I go and get more medical care than I do. They run in the woods, ride in the car, swim in the rivers and pool and interact with people daily. Not a bad life.

I don't know about arrogant, I have pets that are like my family. Humans have been living with dogs since the stone age, and I don't know what I'd do without mine. They are small dogs, Poms, so they would die without my care. I really think our relationship is more symbiosis than slavery.

Read Pat Shipman, "The Animal Connection" .

All of my pets (2 cats, 1 dog), including 17 chickens, are rescues. At 1 pointed i had rescued 3 goats & 18 ducks (all rehomed). Its been interesting.

Well I sometimes feel our species poses a threat to the planet's biome, monopolizing its resources and driving out opportunities for animals that can tolerate us. Fortunately, I'm a dog man and dog/wolves have been stalking us and ingratiating their way into our hearts for a long, long time. They only exist because there existed a niche on our periphery and which they were happy to fill. I'm pretty sure we'll over run this petri dish soon enough but I shall treasure their company until then.

Wolves were attracted to us and choose to be near us. They adapted. Dogs and cats are not suited for the wild and they are not the same animal anymore.

I am a pet owner, but I would not be able to breed any animal just to sell off its babies.

I have cats, dogs, chickens, a green cheek Conure, and now two baby ducks. The only one I feel guilty about is the Conure, even though it was hatched in captivity. But, at least I know it is in a home where it gets taken care of and will have a home with one of my kids if something happens to me.

I also know that my chickens and ducks, who are, or will be, once big enough to go outside, free to go wherever they want over three acres of land, will never be eaten by a human (and hopefully no predator). I do eat their eggs, though.