What do you need to buy your dream?
Allow me to introduce myself—I’m Alexander, and this essay is dedicated to a mysterious work where a person encounters various rarities that exist in the world. Welcome to my reflections; today, you’re sure to find something that dreamers long for.
Everyone has dreams and desires. More than that, we’re taught to dream, to strive for what we want, to grow, and to acquire new skills. But what if you could buy what you dream of? Then it’s time to visit the Chinese quarter and the pet shop of the charming Count D. He claims to sell “dreams and love,” but in reality, he offers rare animals from all corners of the world—creatures that aren’t easy to obtain. And people come for their “four-legged dream.”
This is how almost every episode of the anime series Petshop of Horrors begins—the characters arrive at the pet shop to make a purchase. The attentive shopkeeper then selects an animal for them, after which a contract is signed. And this isn’t just a simple sales agreement. The contract strictly outlines the care rules the buyer must follow. If even one rule is violated, the shop bears no responsibility for the consequences.
After a brief moment of happiness from their purchase, something inside the main characters begins to manifest. You know, it’s like a simple worker who wins a million dollars—he’s happy for a while, splurging on things he’s always denied himself, fulfilling his fantasies, until boredom sets in. Slowly, he slides down the slippery slope of dwindling funds into even greater poverty than before. In the anime, the person breaks the contract, violates one of its terms, and immediately faces the consequences—often fatal.
Through the contract, we can see where the failure to respect boundaries and limitations can lead. We’re used to fighting against them, believing they’re the cause of our troubles: restrictions based on gender, race, social status, health, place of residence, religion, geography, gravity, and countless other factors that influence us. And indeed, on one hand, our successes are owed to pushing these boundaries. For example, animals from the savanna quickly moved north and spread across the world. In the works of writers and philosophers of recent centuries, the question of freedom has become increasingly urgent. Even the profession of psychologist is partly aimed at recognizing and achieving freedom.
But at the same time, we need boundaries. They help us better understand ourselves and the needs of others. We build our relationships with the world by recognizing our own boundaries and those of others. And where understanding of boundaries occurs, responsibility for oneself and what falls within personal boundaries arises. It’s no coincidence that the theme of buying an animal was chosen for the series. Ideally, a person understands the responsibility they bear for a creature that has its own will and its own perception of the world. Yes, it’s pleasant, warm, and fun, but it requires proper care. More often than not, people who buy with rose-tinted glasses try to get rid of their “purchase.” In the series, the animals’ appearance adds an extra layer of tension—they all resemble humans, with anthropomorphic forms.
For example, a couple grieving the loss of their daughter buys a rabbit—one that looks exactly like their deceased child. Are they frightened? Yes. Are they lost? Yes. Did they get their dream? Yes. The dream of bringing back someone they loved. They return home happy. But were they able to preserve that happiness? No, because, just like with their daughter, the parents couldn’t set limits for the rabbit. Unbounded love, which placed no restrictions on the daughter, led to the development of addictions and criminal tendencies. Ultimately, the girl died from an overdose. The unbounded love of the rabbit’s owners, who couldn’t refuse it forbidden treats, led to an invasion of carnivorous rabbits. In the end, the rabbits died from sugar, but not before tearing their owners apart alive. Unbounded maternal love—it’s destructive, you know.
Why do I recommend watching this Japanese animated horror series? And most importantly, how can it help you with your dreams? Besides encouraging you to watch more anime, of course. For me personally, each episode is a parable—a story about the relationships a person forms with the objects in their world. Can they establish their own boundaries with this world and respect those of others? And most importantly, is the person ready to fulfill their dream and desire? The anime seems to say: “Fine, I’ll give you your dream, but can you handle it?”
Christianity contains the idea that God knows everything each of us needs but doesn’t give it to us because it would destroy us. A person must undergo trials, atone for their sins through a system of restrictions. When they change, are reborn, then they’ll achieve what they desire. We psychologists are more grounded. We talk about personal responsibility, accepting one’s limitations, and self-improvement. We talk about boundaries, about each person’s personal responsibility for respecting their own boundaries and those of others. This creates the opportunity for change, growth, and maturity within one’s own limits. It allows us to achieve our goals when we’re mature enough to do so.
Petshop of Horrors is simply a good metaphor for the necessary psychological maturity required to achieve dreams and love. Enjoy the show.
Author: A. Rafikov.
