Such a huge difference

I had to do something today that I really did not want to do.
What it was is not relevant to this blog, but I brought Tails with me.  It's not at all the sort of situation where one usually brings a pet, but I'm sure glad I did!

Ownership change

As of last night, I own a red panda named Tails.

She loves her little collar, and think she understands that she is mine now.
Aside from a little of the usual shenanigans she was an absolute dream to bathe this morning, and she behaved like a perfect little lady out on the town today.

Excellent news

I bought this.

I'm going to need it as I discussed it with Tails' current owner, and I'll be taking over ownership of her this weekend.  The red panda, that is, not the current owner.

I guess she has been mine for a while in practice.  She certainly acts as though she has bonded with me, and she accepts my guidance and does mostly as I want her to.

Keeping in mind that she is a wild animal, I don't think I will ever truly be in control of her, but I wouldn't want to.  So much of her charm is in the fact that she is wild, and absolutely has a mind of her own.  If I could change just one thing about her, it would be who owns her, and that changes this weekend.  I can't wait.

So, what exactly changes, in the real world?
Nothing.  Not really.  This furry little critter of mine will still be her self, and behind the veneer of my owning her she will still be in charge of herself.
I feel it deep in my bones when she gives me that look, and I just know that I either have to force her cooperation, or let it go.

So yes, I'll formally be her owner, with all that implies, but I could never, and would never, break her will.  I love her just the way she is.

I guess I'll have to stop saying "current owner" and start referring to her as "previous owner" now.
Wow.