u/EfficientFish3051

My dog is a 10 lb chihuahua mix I've had for 6 years, and my kitty was added 3 years ago and is now 12lbs and a bit bigger than the dog. They get along well enough that there are no safety concerns; they've never hurt each other, and I can leave them alone in the same room all day no issue.

The problem is that my cat has been obsessed with my dog since he was a kitten. Constantly trying to play with her, cuddle, and follows her around. She, on the other hand, tolerates him at best. It's a tough watch. Sometimes she will let him get close, but most of the time she will get up and leave or will show her teeth at him to make him leave. When he is extra persistent, she has even pinned him down and barked in his face (which is crazy because he is definitely bigger and stronger but lets it happen).

Sometimes she will play with him a tiny bit. Also, he likes to rage-bait her to get her to chase him around the house, and it can be hard to tell if she is actually mad or enjoys it. Probably both. She's never been the biggest fan of other animals, and usually prefers other humans. I thought over time she would think it was nice to have some companionship, but they never really became friends.

I have done some training! She used to growl or lunge at him when he came close (all bark no bite), especially if she was in my lap. So I started saying no and putting her down and giving him attention instead, or temporarily stop petting her and calling him near to give them both pets at the same time. I also reward her for being nice to him with treats or a play session. He now knows his best chance to cuddle her is when she is in my lap and will usually take advantage haha

Should I just accept she will never like him that much? Is there a way to train her to bond with him more? It's so sad to see him get rejected by the one he loves the most ):

Im in vegan and anti vegan threads. While there are reasonable middle ground people there seems to be a lot of anger on both side. If this isnt the right place for a post like this, sorry, just looking for some perspective. Im a newer vegan but have always eaten a variety of foods, plant-based and not.

While im 100% plant based at the moment I see myself as more of a flexitarian and in specific circumstances would consume animal products (e.g. im being hosted and someone made me a meal not knowing my preferences or if I were to buy local eggs). Ive been through a lot of health issues in the past and know my body pretty well so I genuinely believe 99% plant-based is sustainable for me, but if I got sick obvs id do what I need to do.

The real question is do you guys think its possible to remain plant based without being seen as virtue signaling or seeming super judgey? I regularly cook meat for my omni partner and dont expect him to convert. I also work in a restaurant where I prepare meat and have no problem with that.

Genuinely I dont even want to share the fact im plant based with people bc I might be seen as thinking im morally superior. Making someone feel patronized or looked down on is the opposite of what I want. I did transition to vegan for ethical reasons but I dont believe that people who eat animal products are morally bankrupt. Its a complicated world out there!

Since you guys have seen both sides do you have any recommendations for how to not fall prey to the more extremist side of veganism? Or how to not make people feel that im looking down on them because im living differently to them? If someone does something for ethical reasons it seems implied that people who dont do that are acting unethically so I understand why it can be upsetting.

Please be nice im genuinely asking and thought this group would have a helpful perspective

Edit: There has been a lot of wonderful insight from all parts of the spectrum thank you guys! Not only was there great advice, but (while i appreciate everyones opinion) a few of the comments gave me an example of how being passionate about your beliefs can edge into dogma for both vegan and omni. I guess I was over thinking it a bit too much and I just gotta mind my business, be kind, and try to lead by example. Thanks everyone, my mind feels a lot more settled about it 😊

I (25f) have been a vegetarian on and off since childhood. After a long stint of meat-eating and mental illness, I have been moving back to vegetarianism. However, after research and meditation, I have decided to be fully vegan. What a relief it has been! I've been subconsciously carrying a lot of guilt and shame.

It's only been a few weeks, but I have so much more self-love and confidence. Way more so than when I was a vegetarian. There was a brief conversation about it with my partner, but aside from that, I haven't discussed it with any friends/family/coworkers. I feel like a superhero living a double life, so empowering!

Eventually I'd like to get involved in activism, but since I'm a brand new baby vegan it feels like I should wait until I've solidified my lifestyle. Practice what you preach, you know? Until then, I just want to enjoy my newfound freedom (:

Are vegans superheroes?? Have you guys felt like this also?