A Growing Relationship with Richard Parker

One thing I've noticed happening as I read this book more is that I have a growing interest and concern for Richard Parker. I think the same thing is happening to Pi in the story, that he's actually developing a relationship with the tiger beyond the initial fear and need for survival. In a way, Richard Parker helps keep Pi alive just as much as Pi is helping keep Richard Parker alive. My question is: has anyone else felt this happening to themselves as they're reading the story, and do you think the author designed it so the reader would feel the same way Pi felt about the tiger and their situation?