Aww *hugs back* - I understand exactly what you're saying as furry for me is much more a spiritual lifestyle thing than something more transient. I often look to characters, particularly anthropomorphic ones, to try and understand my own flaws and to try and work out who I am.

Although like you I accept I'm a good guy, I have low self-confidence and it is this that often comes to the surface when I watch such films as I see characteristics I would like that I don't feel that I have. I also relate my past experiences to those of characters like Balto and it is this that triggers the emotion. This is why I am happy I have joined the Fandom as there are many here with whom I can empathise.

In many ways the hardest thing to do is to accept yourself but as you say you wouldn't be who you were without these foilables. This should be celebrated and embraced rather than worried about. Sometimes though this can be so hard.

Sincerest of *hugs* to you too my furiend.