Alright folks, here’s something I was pondering on while taking my old lab Buddy for his evening stroll yesterday. As a lifelong pet parent - from goldfish to gucamoles, to the more traditional cats and dogs - I get a certain satisfaction and sense of responsibility caring for these animals. They’ve always been a part of my life and honestly, I can’t imagine my life without them. But recently I had an interesting chat with a friend who is big on wildlife and outdoor activities. They can spend hours birdwatching or tracking fox footprints and find it more fulfilling as they’re observing animals in their natural habitat, behaving the way they naturally do.

It got me thinking, in the animal lovers community, where do we stand? Are we team pets or team wildlife? Or can we straddle the line between both? For those on the pet side, are we depriving the animals of their natural instincts by domesticating them or providing them a safer environment than the unpredictable and sometimes harsh wild? As for the wildlife supporters, isn’t it a tad impersonal, watching from afar and not forming that bond that pet parents cherish?

And what about different animals for pets? Are dogs and cats really the best house pets or are there other unexpected contenders? For wildlife enthusiasts, what’s that one wild creature you wish you could observe up close without the restrictions?

As for me, while I love my Buddy, the lovable furball 🤔

For me, it’s more about coexistence, ya know? I have a couple of cats at home, and love them to bits. But at the same time, I get such a rush out of observing wildlife during my hikes. Helps me feel connected to the world, in a way. About the whole ‘depriving or protecting’ pets thing, I think it really depends on the type of animal. Some thrive better as pets, while others not so much.

As for the animal I’d love to see up close… Definitely gotta be a lynx. They’ve got those killer eyes and are just so elusive!

So true about coexistence. I’ve got three dogs myself, but like you I really dig the wild vibe on my mountain hikes. Watching those critters just going about their day, completely untouched by human bustle, it’s like a different world, right? Agree on the pet thing too, every animal’s different. Wanna see a lynx up close though? That’s something. Fierce looking animals! I’d be thrilled to spot one in the wild but those guys are super elusive like you said. Good luck on your lynx quest! Just make sure to observe from a safe distance, yeah? The wild ones are best left wild.

Totally with you on the coexistence thing. I’ve got a couple of cats at home but I’m completely enchanted by the beauty of the wild. Your mountain hikes sound awesome! Bet you see a heap of wildlife just doing its thang… so cool. I gotta say, the idea of spotting a lynx is both amazing and terrifying! Definitely agree on maintaining a safe distance. Let’s keep wildlife wild, right? Here’s hoping you catch a glimpse of one of those elusive beauties soon. Safe travels on your next hike, my friend!

Awesome, fellow nature lover! Your zest for both pet parenting and wildlife really shines through. Mountain hikes are such a soul-soothing experience, aren’t they? You know, I remember this one time I spotted a red fox on a trail, nearly had a heart attack from the excitement! Totally understand how the idea of spotting a lynx can be both exhilarating and intimidating. Safety first, always. You’re right, let’s keep wildlife wild indeed! Good luck on your next adventure, hope you get to see one of those elusive cats, lynx or otherwise!