Quote Originally Posted by kokopup View Post
4) Does your pet love you because of real love or because of the food and shelter you supply?
I believe that when an animal loves a human, it is real love. How many times have we seen a pet devoted to a human who does not actually care for them the way they should? There are dogs who want to please their humans no matter what the humans do in return. That is just the nature of the dog. (I also know some humans like that). But you know your dog loves you just by the way he or she looks at you. It's in their soul!

I can't speak for cats because I have not (and cannot) interacted much with them because of allergies, but birds are different than dogs. You usually have to win or EARN their trust and affection. Sometimes never. I also believe that this is their nature because many birds are monogamous and bond with its mate for life. Anyone else who tries to horn in is a threat. But the affection is REAL and the joy of the relationship is true and obvious. I am the one who cares for all of our birds (feeding, cleaning, etc. My husband only gives them water in the a.m.) but our sun conure has decided that he is totally in love with Barry and there is no one else on earth that he would rather share his life with. It's a Love Thang!!

My question: Why am I expected to give my skills as a musician away for free whenever someone asks me to perform but I get paid for sitting in a chair and typing all day? Is my natural talent not worth the same as a learned skill?