At different stages in my life I spent time with a Labrador and a black kitten. The dog died of illness at her age of nine, and the kitten was adopted because I wasn't allowed to keep him in a rented house. Ever since then, I have avoided watching anything related to animals, especially dogs, as I always think about how she used to run towards me in small steps for a hug before I went to bed. I wouldn't describe the time I spent with them as complete. However, I realised that I should cherish the time I spent with them instead of regretting what I could have done better.

For me, having companion animals is about trust: the most fundamental motivation to love unreservedly. This is also why I became a pet sitter — I chose to love and care for animals without worrying that my love would be questioned, compared or hurt.