I just don't get why people go all crazy over pets. We had a Persian cat for 19 years when I was growing up, at one time a parakeet, goldfish and a turtle so it's not like I haven't been exposed to pets. I just don't understand why dogs are treated as well as or better than some people treat people. I know that dogs are supposed to give unconditional love (which actually makes owning a dog sound like it's for your own self esteem) but I just don't get it. We eat cows, rabbits, pigs, squirrels, pheasants, etc... but we practically adore dogs and cats. How does a person cry when their dog dies and then go out and eat a steak dinner? I know I'm weird and I'm not hating on animal lovers I just truly don't get it. I guess the thread about buying your pet a Christmas present got me thinking.....

Well personally I never understood what was so fantastic about having a baby! HAHAHA! Never wanted any kids, never had any kids. But I certainly loved my dogs! HATE CATS! CATS SUCK!!!!!!!! I swear I will never, as long as I live own another stupid good for nothing cat. AAAAH...that feels good to vent that...HAHAHAHA! I'm being stupid yeah but dead serious really! Never another cat in my house.

I don't really get it, either. I've never understood how people can compare their animals to their kids. We had a dog a few years ago but gave her to my parents. We have fish, had a hampster that was supposed to live 2-3 years, but lived for 4. We have a cat now. He's 10. He pukes everywhere, gets hair everywhere and chews up stuff that he's not supposed to eat(plants, leaves, ribbon, furry pens, etc.). The only reason we have him is because I know it's good for kids to have pets and the cat is easier than a dog because we like to travel. Once he's gone, no more pets. My girls (and DH) has been begging for a dog. I will be the one taking care of it, too, and the answer is NO! There will be no more pets in this house!

And, we bought him a Christmas present once when the girls were with me at PetSmart during the holidays. They talked me into it. Haven't since.

Lisa

__________________
"It's not having what you want,
It's wanting what you've got"

I remember being a teen and have a boyfriend sitting on the couch with me (not making out either!) and here comes our cat and starts puking a fur ball....maybe that has something to do with my dislike of pets! lol

Having a baby is the best thing that's ever happened to me! Nothing better in the whole wide world, even when it took three years for my oldest to sleep through the night. I was kind of a zombie for a few years there... I would gladly throw myself in front of a train to save them if I had to. Unconditional parent/child love is what I truly understand. This pet stuff has me confused!

Pets are like anything else that people have/do, some people "get" it and some people don't.

There are TONS of things that other people do/have that I just don't "get" and that's fine.

As far as loving pets and still being able to eat meat, I think a lot of that comes from the culture we're raised in. In this country it's a social taboo to eat "pet" animals such as cats or dogs but it's perfectly OK to do so in other countries.

__________________
Jesus SAVES by shopping smartly and using double coupons!

It's like asking someone why their favorite color is red, when yours is blue. Whatever floats your boat. The thing I hate is when someone gets a pet without thinking it through and then neglects it because it's "too much trouble."

As for the steak question, a lot of pet lovers are vegetarian. For those who aren't, I imagine if they raised a cow as part of their household like people do with cats and dogs, they wouldn't eat steak either.

__________________
If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

- Stephen Colbert.

You're not weird, you just have a different opinion, different feelings. It's just like everything else in the world. Some people love something, while others don't. Everyone liking/hating all the same things is what would be weird.

That's about all there is really, to "get".

__________________

Pets have unconditional love, they don't backtalk or roll their eyeballs at ya. I absolutely could not imagine my life without our two dogs!! In fact, I would take in all the strays and unwanted dogs if only I had room.

I find pets very much like children.

They love, feel pain, feel happiness, they grieve for their losses and feel sadness. If you open your heart and your mind you can understand what they are saying to you even though they don't speak.

They don't pretend to be something they aren't just to impress you, they don't go behind your back and backstab you. When you need a friend to talk to they are there and comfort you in away a lot of people don't even have the capacity to do.

They make you feel totally loved. When you come home and they are just so excited to see you, not because your home to cook them dinner or take them somewhere. They are happy to see you because they love and missed you because you are you. They are sad and miss you when you are gone because they miss being with you nothing more.

There is nothing like sitting and watching TV or sitting on the computer and them bring you their special toy or come curl up in your lap because they want to give you something that is special to them or they just want to return your love.

I rescue a lot of animals that have been abandoned by families who don't want them anymore just because they grew up and are no longer cute or because they are too much trouble to take care of. I have seen cats mutilated because they scratched someones furniture. I have looked into sad eyes because they loved their families or the person that cared for them and you can honestly see the sadness in their eyes because they don't understand why they are no longer in their home and they get excited when the door opens thinking it is someone they know coming to get them and then laying back down disappointed that it wasn't.

I think like others said. I think some people like pets and some people don't. I just personally can't imagine my life without them.

I too never understood the overwhelming urge to have a baby. At age 53 do not regret my choices. Not one iota of desire for that here, but puppies! Nothing like puppy breath to wring my heart right out of me.

You have your babies and I'll have my dogs thank ya very much!

I'll second that!

Wow I truly do not know where to start, so I guess I will start here, loving a pet or making a fuss over a pet is truly your own business. Some like me who is a huge huge animal lover and could never ever ever imagine my life without my pets is my business or my personal views. Personally and honestly I truly cannot understand how anyone could not love or at least like a pet in their home.While of course my children are my children my flesh and blood and thats another story to discuss how anyone would not want a child but that is more personal. So getting back to pets I do consider them we all do 1000 percent our children and my kids brothers and sisters all the way. The unconditional love and care they offer to you cannot be described.Even animals who have been abused over and over again still offer up their love to you and wag their tail. I will say this animals without a doubt could treat us humans more about getting along and learning to forgive and forget they are much more smarter and wiser then we will ever be. As far as oh my animal passed away and then go out and eat a steak, well all that know me I am a complete vegetarian and so are my dd;s and if my son did not have his stomach issues he must depend on meat because he is so limited to his food intake he said he would be a vegetarian too and he feels as he gets older he will become one and just have to adjust his diet because he loves our pets like there is not tomorrow. I personally would lay my life for my animals because they know I am Mommy and they would do the same. I truly wish there were no neglected animals and more people would adopt, you would be rewarded a zillion times over with endless love and caring and speaking as I write this my Simba man my littlest sheltie is right next to Mommy and on a final note I love my cats as well ferrets rabbits and all.... Peace. Catherine

I think that may be part of my problem, too. We had tons of animals growing up - horses, dogs, cats, mice, strays, etc.

But, my sister had this dog that had a skin condition - she was always mangy, scratching, had fleas, etc. It ALWAYS chose to lay on MY bed. It completely disgusted me. I was always yelling at that dog to get off my bed. My sister didn't care - it slept with her all the time. My sister rescues dogs now, too. She was/is way more understanding with the pets.

Don't get me wrong - the ones we have had and the cat we have now are well taken care of - I'd never abuse them - I'm just not that attached to them.

Lisa

__________________
"It's not having what you want,
It's wanting what you've got"

WOW all I can say about this is I love cats and dogs and most pets and I also love children. A world without them would be pure hell. IF YOU HAVE NEVER HAD A PET OR BABIES LOVE YOU HAVEN`T LIVED. I would protect any animal or babie i could

__________________

When you don`t know what to do-Walk fast and look worried.

I am definately a middle of the road pet owner. After our 16 yo dog died this summer, I swore that was it. No more dogs. But, with things the way they are, I just needed some company, and little Bella seems to be doing a great job!

BUT.....animals are just that, animals. I in no way equate them with humans. Bella will have her place. If she gets annoying while I have company....in the kennel she will go. I will not have my guests annoyed by a yipping dog.

I am not Bella's "mommy" I am her person. lol...and as far as being my children's siblings?? I have two fantastically smart and wonderful children......Bella comes nowhere near that. She's a dog.

I think owning a dog, particularly for me at this time, is a very self serving thing. That's what animals are here for as far as I'm concerned.

Animals do not have souls. I would rather see help given to needy children...But, to each his own, and I understand how other's feel.

__________________
Melissa

Very well put!

Animals do have not souls who says, did God not create all living things?????.Sorry but animals do have souls, they have hearts, they feel pain, they feel cold, they feel hunger just like us and to me and I am sure many many others animals are our children they know me and my husband as mommy and daddy we do not say come to catherine and tommy. And they most certainly think my kids are their siblings and are called by such always will be. As far as company coming over to our home unless my animals attacked a guest , I would never ever put my animal away this is their home too. Again I could never imagine a world without animals all they want is a little love and for that they give us their heart and soul and love 4ever..Peace. Catherine

I would like book, chapter, and verse for that train of thought. I do not believe it is appropriate or right to make a statement about what God has done without basis.

Nothing in scripture indicates that animals have souls. Souls are the essence of a being that God joins with a human body. It is the essence of that person that will live on after the body no longer lives. The soul has the ability to make decisions, to discern right from wrong, to make commitments, etc.

Man was given dominion over all the earth, including animals. They exist for our enjoyment and as a God-created food source.

My pets are a joy. They are loyal and have a measure of intelligence and they bring our family great joy. But I could never in good conscience elevate them to equal status with my children.

No way am I my cat's mother.

I am her SERVANT, plain and simple. At least as far as she is concerned.

I understand where people are coming from when they don't want pets in thier own home. Pets can be messy, loud, needy, destructive and sometimes just out and out annoying. I have no problem with other people not liking pets as long as they act decent toward mine when they come to my house.

If someone was coming to my house that had a genuine fear of animals/other issue besides just not liking them, I would be more than willing to put the cat in the bedroom during their visit. As long as the cat has her necessities, she'd be fine. I don't subscribe to the "it's the pets house too so they can do as they please" line of thinking. It's my house and as long as I'm the one paying the bills, I'll be making all the decisions and if I decide the cat gets put in the bedroom during someones visit then that's how it will be. As soon as she gets a paying job and goes in on the bills she can get a vote. Until then, I'm "El Presidente for Life", lol!

I love animals but they are animals and sometimes must be treated as such.

__________________
Jesus SAVES by shopping smartly and using double coupons!

Great post!

Puppy breath is the BEST!!!!! I don't know what I would do without my lab, Scout....or my new kitten Mandy. They are both the loves of my life (as are my dd's and dh). Just the love they give me back, and how excited they get when I come home from work makes me feel genuinely loved....my kitten couldn't stop 'kissing' me yesterday.

Nope, I wouldn't trade them for anything.

__________________

Friends are like butt cheeks.
Crap might separate them,
But they always come back together.

I'm an animal lover. We have one dog, three cats and a foster cat. They are part of of our family, but the humans still rank above the pets in our family. I have no problem putting the animals up (in a back room or crate, ect.) if someone comes over that is allergic, has a baby, or if the animals are just being a pita.

I should clarify, I'm an animal lover who loves my pets, I don't always love other peoples' (same with kids) I hate going to somebody's house and having their giant dog jump, drool, try to knock me down and shove his nose in my crotch while the owner laughs it off and thinks it's cute. This of course is the owner's fault, but still not an animal that gives me the "warm fuzzies" (though I probably wouldn't go as far as to eat him.)

__________________
Once the game is over, the king and the pawn go back in the same box.

wowistdark do you not believe that God created all living things????, seriously then who did create all living things?????. Sorry but I guess we will have to agree to disagree for again while my children are my flesh and blood and the love for them is like no other love in this world they come first and foremost always again we as a family unit me and my husband and our children always consider our animals to be apart of our family and there is nothing wrong with that, it comes down to our personal beliefs and I know there are millions and millions and people who feel the same away about their beloved pets. Peace. catherine

OMG - I so TOTALLY agree with this! And, not just a giant dog - ANY dog. I HATE dogs jumping on me.

Lisa

__________________
"It's not having what you want,
It's wanting what you've got"

Uh, Lucy, did I not just say that I believe he created him?

You are operating on your feelings. I am operating from God's own statements about his *purpose* for the things he created.

He created the houseplant here beside me and it is a living thing. I do not feel particularly affectionate toward it, and it has never licked me or visited with me or anything of the sort. If the things that make pets 'elevated' to human stature are the fact that God created them and they are alive, vegetables qualify as equals to us.

From God's mouth to our 'ears':
Genesis 1:24 - 30...
24 And God said, "Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind." And it was so. 25 God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, [b] and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."

29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food." And it was so.

After the flood people ate animals and, I assume, that is when animals began to consume one another. Prior to that, all we know is that initially humans and animals ate plants.

God created it all, but only man is created in his image. Man has dominion over the earth. All that is on the earth was created *for* man to enjoy, to use, etc.

Souls inhabit people. They don't inhabit animals. They don't turn into angels when they body they are inhabiting dies. They do continue to live on, and *where* they live on (heaven or hell) is a decision only the Creator of those souls can make.

I have pets. I love my pets. I will cry when they die. They are loyal to us, they are affectionate towards us, and I'm so glad we have them.

But from the standpoint of Biblical reality, they *aren't* people... and it's *humans* that get *souls*.

Pets are like children because we raise them, teach them, share joy and sadness with them. They love us no matter what we said to them the last time we saw them and are always happy to see us.

Now the thing that makes them so easy to love and get attached to is that, unlike your children, they will NEVER move away, NEVER marry someone and put you on the back burner, they can be spoiled because they won't have to go to college or work and deal with other people.

They are ALWAYS there for you NO MATTER WHAT.

I could not imagine waking up without my babies. When a pet dies it's usually more devastating than a person dying. That's not because we love them more than the people in our lives it's because they are there every second of the day and the loss of them leaves a huge empty hole in your day and your life.


Also animals are basically innocent and totally rely on us for everything. That makes them endearing and easy to love.

__________________
The political system is broke and it's a joke.

I'm just shaking my head at this post. A pet's death is more devastating than a person? Is this a joke? I personally find that totally offensive. You can't imagine waking up without your babies? Did you give birth to them? If what you wrote is what you believe this is what scares me about 'pet lovers'.

Oh wowitsdark you are so eloquent!!

You are misinterpreting my words. I said that a pet is with you every second of the day so the loss of a pet can be more devastating because of the way it affects a person's life. If you are offended then you are not fully comprehending what I am saying. NOWHERE in post did I even infer that a pet's life is worth more than a human's but I get the feeling that you are translating my words to mean just that.

If you are scared of pet lovers it's based on ignorance based on a misconception. Just tell me what the heck exactly are you scared of? You're scared of a person who loves a living being that God created and I believe he made pets so innocent and so dependent on us to teach us something about life. If you believe (and I'm not sure you do but it sure comes across this way) that they are somehow not worthy then I'm scared of you and people like you who put your value on life and are offended by other peoples' love of all God's creatures. For God's sake even if you are going to eat an animal you should at least have the compassion to recognize it's a living being and do your best to not torture for how a person treats those among us who are the most vulnerable shows a person's true spirit.

__________________
The political system is broke and it's a joke.

It's scary because it sounds like an obsession. They aren't with you all the time unless you are housebound! And they aren't your "babies" either. Not literally anyway. And no where did I say that you said they are worth more than a human. What you said was "When a pet dies it's usually more devastating than a person dying". That statement is offensive to me because it puts the pet at least at the same value as a human. Even if a pet is with you 24/7 it should NOT affect you more than the loss of a loved human being. If it does that does not sound emotionally healthy at all. Last I knew animals weren't completely dependant on humans. You let them run and they will forage for food, etc...Only human babies are dependant on humans for their survival. Animals were not made by God to be dependant upon humans for their survivial.

I understand the idea that the death of a pet can be more traumatizing than the death of a person as it depends on who the person is that died.

I was 100X more upset when my cat that I had for 15 years died than when my uncle, who I hadn't seen in at least 10 years and had no relationship whatsoever with, died. Yes, he was a person and a member of my extended family but there was no connection. The cat may have been an animal but he was there thru all my day to day living for 15 years.

But if the person who died was someone close-parent, sibling, best friend, etc-then the death would be extremely traumatic. Much more so than a pet, no matter how long I had them.

__________________
Jesus SAVES by shopping smartly and using double coupons!

Put in that context that is understandable.

There is a difference in considering a pet as part of the family, and considering it as a sibling to your children. My Bella is definately a part of the family in the sense that we have to consider her in our decisions now. She is part of the household. I will treat her well and love her, but she is a DOG!! While I will care for her she is ultimately here for me.

targetfirl..........SO funny about being a cat's servant. SO true. I used to have indoor cats, but Im definately more of a dog person now!!

wowitsdark...you always say what I"m thinking and am just too lazy to articulate. lol

__________________
Melissa

Annadrose I simply love love everything you wrote in your post and your 100 percent correct. And yes honestly I have some relatives in my life who I hardly ever see much less talk too. Case in point my dads youngest brother his half brother my dad is almost 77 my half uncle is 54 we are strangers literally I do know the man so if he passed away yes it would be sad, but I will tell you this if anything happened to one of my shelties and they passed away, you bet my heart would be breaking it already did 3 times with shelties I have had the wonderful pleasure to call my baby. Like I mentioned before even animals who have been abused more then words could describe still offer up their unconditional love 100 percent and like Anna said they will always be there for you.Again pets could teach us humans alot more about how to get along . Of course always and perhaps I did not make it clear enough my children my own flesh and blood of course mean the universe to me. But just because I did not give birth to my pets does not make me any less their mommy, who feeds them, who bathes them, who walks them, who takes care of them when they are sick we do. Again to Anna a simply lovely post thanks so much . Peace. Catherine

My best friend does not have children (although that will hopefully change, if everything works out!). She has had pets. She loves those pets and has grieved when they died. I understand her attachment to the pets. I think that part of her attachment is because the pets don't complain (she's a nurse--she hears enough complaining!); she's had significant events in her life where the pets were what helped her get through the rough patches.

We have a dog---that I tolerate; I'm a cat person. But, I've never had a pet that I loved as much or more than my children.

I'm middle of the road on this one. I understand those who don't understand how a pet can be a "baby" and be treated like a human. I also understand, because of my friend, why some people are very attached to their pets.

HOWEVER---pets are animals. They should not be placed before humans. And while pets could teach humans a thing or two about acceptance and unconditional love, we should keep in mind that "pets" left to their own devices eat their young, kill weaker animals in the pack, and lick their own private parts! I certainly don't think those are characteristics I want to see in the human race.

I'm on the fence about whether our pets have souls---I think in some instances they might. Just like I think some people don't have a soul.

I don't have strong feelings one way or another when it comes to how other people feel about their pets (mark it down ladies, this is probably one of the few cases I don't have a real opinion! ;-) )

__________________
Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

I think most pets would not eat their young or kill weaker animals in the pack. Even wild animals don't routinely do that.

And, I think we have seen those practices among humans. Can't say I've personally witnessed the last one, but I think a lot of guys would do it if they were physically able.

__________________
If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

- Stephen Colbert.

Well, yeah--most men would be want to do that if they could!!

"pets" are only as tame and docile as they are "raised"--when they aren't "pets" they are wild animals, and they behave in a pack mentality which includes eating their young, and killing weaker pack members; perhaps they don't kill the weaker members, but they allow the weaker members to be killed as a means of self-preservation.

Oh, and I agree, humans behave horribly. My point was---treating pets like children is a personal decision that as long as it doesn't interfer with your ability to interact appropriately w/ other humans, is ok.

__________________
Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

OK...I'm not getting in on this discussion, but had to post that I just got a Christmas card from a friend.
Inside is a Christmas picture of her dog and on the back she wrote "Fido ~ 6 years old ~23 pounds".
(the names have been changed to protect the innocent)

What am I supposed to do with it? Post it on my refrigerator??

Hey here's a though...let people that want to have animals and love them...do so without some A hole judging them as being stupid or crazy.

And here's another thought...if you don't want to have animals then don't have them and butt out of people's business that do.

There are so many STUPID AZZ things that people do that I think are just down right IDIOTIC but you know...if it doesn't affect my life what the heck difference does it make. ie tattoos all over their stupid ugly disgusting bodies.

If you want to have a dozen babies do it...just take care of them and don't expect government help to do so!

I must have missed something 'cause I don't remember anyone calling anyone stupid or crazy on here......I simply started this thread to ask a question 'cause I just don't get that adoring animal love. Still don't but that's ok.

You don't get it because you don't want to. You have your opinion and nothing anyone says can change that because you feel so strongly about it. I get the feeling you started this thread just to argue with people. And maybe you didn't say crazy or stupid but I believe you did use the word "obssessed". And you do give the impression that you feel people who love their pets in a way that you admit you don't understand are missing something or don't love humans as much as they love pets. You may not have out and out said that but that is the impression you leave.

__________________
The political system is broke and it's a joke.

Sorry Kts I agree when I first saw the title of post I was puzzled while I fully admit I have started some heated topics here that alot have disagreed with, however this topic was honestly and very personal to be upsetting because again animals are so lovable and I would never ever dream to start a post about this. Again you have every right to do and have every right to your personal beliefs but in comparsion to all serious issues we may discuss this one I did not understand and as Anna stated you did use the word obession and some people do and there is nothing wrong its just a personal view, obession was not a good choice of words sorry. Peace. Catherine

Not true at all. Heck, I'm "obssessed" with a lot of things. That doesn't mean I think I'm crazy or stupid about it. I think you are getting a tad bit defensive. I truly don't get this great love of pets. I would actually LIKE to want a pet. I WISH I did want one. I can see the benefit of one now that my kids are grown but I just can't see myself having one. I do think Boston Terriers are pretty darn cute though. I don't understand treating a pet like another human being. They aren't. I understand having hunting dogs and having one for companionship but I guess it's the people that go overboard that I just don't get. And there are a ton of them out there. Doesn't mean I'm insulting them. I just don't get it. A friend of mine has framed 8 x 10 pics of his friends dogs in his house. WTF??? Of course he's the one that would seriously marry his friends dog if it was legal. Seriously!

Actually, I don't feel that strongly about it, I just truly, truly don't understand it. Your first statement is mighty judgmental. Whoever thinks I was insuiating that "obssession" means crazy and or stupid should have ASKED me what I meant by that before they just ASSUMED that's what I meant. Isn't that doing to me what you think I did to you????

Well let's see. I've had kids and I've had pets. I love them both. Keeping religion out of the mix, yes I think IF we move on to another place, I will see my relatives and my pets.

With some of the relatives I've had, I might opt to see my pets first.

__________________

I would put that card with all your other cards. This Pet is very important to your friend and I think they would be very hurt not to see their Fido up on the fridge.

__________________

Without Health you have no Wealth!

When I was young I had no interest in a pet. Thought they smelled and was very afraid as a cat grabbed me around my neck at 5yrs old.
When I had my 3rd daughter she had a passion for animals starting at a young age. When she started acting like a dog I said we really need to get this kid a puppy.

We adopted our Toy Poodle when she just turned 7 (see my avator) and I can't tell you how much she has changed our lives in our house.

It was truly the best thing we have ever done and I look forward to another. I can't even thinki about losing her because the thought is unbearable. Animal Planet has become one of my favorite channels and I now realize I have missed out on many years of the most unconditional love. Nothing but love is what i receive from this dog who I love so much. She has also really got me to relax more because she loves being cuddles and I never would just sit as I am so Type A.

I love her to pieces and although as some say she isn't an equal to one of my daughters I always joke and call her my doggy daughter.

I know I am going to get hammered on this post but I will tell you unless you have Children or a Pet whether a cat. dog etc you truly never truly know what you are missing.

__________________

Without Health you have no Wealth!

I have 3 kids and 2 cats. I love my kids to death but I also love my cats too. I see no big deal about it. When the kids are gone at school or whatever my cats are always with me. If I'm on the couch so are they. When I'm sick they're cuddled right up with me when everyone else is screaming "stay away I don't wanna get sick" lol! I couldn't imagine not having my kitties. My kids of course love both the cats too.

__________________
Mom to Jake, Zach & Meghan
SJCC STREAKS FOOTBALL!!
CLEVELAND BROWNS FOOTBALL!

I got my lil Shiz Tzu, Bailey Boy, when my daughter started kindergarten. He was to fill the void of her being gone all day. Well, he has certainly done that! Plus, he loves me when no one else can. He knows if I am sick and is always concerned and tries to comfort. He is lots of fun and functions as a family member. Yes, he gets Christmas presents. Sometimes, I even get him a burger when we get fast food. He EXPECTS to be treated as a family member. My daughter and Bailey play like brother and sister. When they get tired or one gets too rough, they pout at each other. He brings us all so much joy!
His intelligence is awesome at times. He can say, I love my Momma. If I ask him if he loves his Momma when he is pouting, he says "No". He can say several things, but only when he wants or to show off for house guests. On the other hand, he simply cannot understand blowing noses. He always comes running, watches and his face shows so much concern and asks am I ok.
He is very much like a child...only ever so much better behaved. He loves to please and he does a terrific job with that.
I see him as my lil furry son. He loves to be held like a baby and talked to as such. He is not more important than my child. But, he IS like a sweet, well behaved, intelligent, lovable child and is treated as such.
No harm done. I am no more crazy or eccentric than I was before I got him. He does however calm me and smooth out some of the wrinkles life throws in my rug.
Perhaps one has to experience the "puppy love" to understand it.

Kathy how could NOT understand why someone would have framed pictures of their pets in their home? Their pets that they do love whether you understand it or not, their pets that often they raised from babies or rescued from shelters, their pets who snuggle op to them and love them no matter what?
Can you understand why someone would have a picture of a spot they visited in Italy? Or a picture of their summer home or the home they grew up in? Pets have shared experiences with their owners and there are many happy memories of when Fluffy did this or Fido did that.
Does that help you understand better?
And if were talking about this with spoken words instead of in writing you would see that I am not defensive I truly don't understand why you don't get it. People love their purses, their cars, their jewelry etc why would they not love something that is alive, furry, cute, endearing, and loves you unconditionally?

__________________
The political system is broke and it's a joke.

I totally agree with you. I was going to stay out of this one but it's just snowballing now. Our family lost our little poodle back the first part of the year and he was with us 16 years. That little guy was definitely part of our family. He grew up with my boys and when they left home, he was still here, looking out the window watching for them to come back. When he died, we definitely cried and mourned. I'm shedding tears typing this right now.
Now another little guy (a 3 lb chihuahua) has come into our home. My son rescued him from a cage that he was kept in 24/7, shaking and trembling and needing the proper food and care. When I'm not carrying him around, he's my shadow, following me everywhere I go. I truly believe he knows he was rescued and is appreciative. For him to make it on his own... well, he couldn't.
Kathy, I don't know why you've brought this up, perhaps to cause an uproar on the boards because it has been quiet. I don't know. But I think you need to step back and back off.
Pets are some people's only contacts. People depend on animals/pets. People's blood pressure goes down when stroking a pet. Elderly are more active when they have pets.
Kathy, if you don't care for pets, that's fine. But for those of us who do, let us enjoy them as WE wish to do. IT'S NOT YOUR BUSINESS NOR YOURS TO JUDGE.

I think the extreme is what KTS is getting at. Like I said before, animals are animals and people are people. When you blur the line between the two, that may be considered extreme.

xpcandy's post, while she tried to come off as not caring about what other people do....was in fact very opinionated and judgemental about what other ppl do. Kts is not being judgemental imo.

__________________
Melissa

You are reading way too much into my thread. As far as the picture I was talking about- he finally got a picture of his own family up but otherwise he has 2 8 x 10 pics of his friends dogs. They aren't even his dogs..... I think you need to chill a bit on this. I understand what everyone writes about and, as I said, we had a Persian cat for 19 years, but I still can't fathom the depths people will go to concerning their pets. Some people treat their pets better than their kids..... By the way, I haven't seen too many people framing pictures of their neighbors cars or purses that they admire! lol I don't love my car (it's an inanimate object) and I for one, my sister too while were are at it, would NOT LOVE having a pet. So yes, there are people that don't want or need a furry creature around them.
I think we just need to disagree on this one. You keep on loving your pets and I'll keep on staying away from them!

Very well said.

Our hospital has "therapy dogs" visit from time to time. It's shown to make a big difference in the demeanor, attitude, etc of the injured patients. Nursing homes will use them as well. Regardless of how some don't/can't/don't want to understand, they DO make a big difference in a lot of people's lives. That IS extraordinary!

__________________

Oh my goodness. This thread was not started to cause an uproar at all. I don't think people with pets are crazy or stupid or anything bad at all. I just don't understand the extreme attachments to animals and how far people will go with them. I'm not sure why my wondering about this makes me get all this negative stuff. I simply don't understand. Maybe I should have been more explicit in stating I don't understand the "extremes" of some people and their pets but I never thought I was offending anyone. I don't hate animals. If I saw an injured one in the street I'd certainly call the police, etc... I love watching deer if they happen to walk through my yard, etc... But I don't think I will ever understand people who equate them with their children. If that is an offensive opinion to you then so be it. I guess talking about pets in any way but totally positive is insulting to some people.

Yep I know all about those. When I was growing up a blind man across the street had a seeing eye dog-his name was John and his dogs name was Penny and we said "hi" to them whenever they walked by our house. Funny I remember their names from about 45 years ago! And I know they use horses for therapy too.
Can't I just not like the idea of having a pet and not understand the lengths some people go to with their pets? I never said they were useless or not helpful. If I did please show me where I said anything negative.

I've gotten a Christmas card from my cousin (who had one baby who was a SIDS baby) and the've had dogs ever since and couldn't have any more children. I've gotten a picture of their "child" every year and it goes with the rest of the cards too. They used to have bulldogs-one was even used in some greeting cards once as the "model". lol I can't remember what the breed is of their current one although it's their first non-Bulldog.

Thank you so much! Someone gets it! A happy dance done in your honor!

I didn't see this earlier, but it rings true.

Everything positive that has been said about pets, you said you know people that do this or that in relation to their pet - but that you still don't understand it. When you feel someone finally "gets it", you happy dance.

You have acknowledged understanding of how much people can love their pets, so you knew a lot of that already. But you don't "understand" the whys of it. You're not going to because you are who you are and you feel how you feel, just like everyone else.

It seems you have a lifelong dislike for pets and that's fine. At this stage, you are who you are and it's probably not going to change. So, because an argument, what where you lookiing for? Since you posted on a message board, you were looking for SOMEthing.

__________________

Well, actually, people are animals. (Though some may be rockheads or vegatative,)

__________________
If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

- Stephen Colbert.

Here is my "why" on why I love my dogs

Growing up I was always overweight. I would go to school get called names, my sister would always tease me, my mom was never on my side and could basically care less about me. All I had was my dog and my dad. I was dad's little girl always had been so when I would come home from school or where ever I had been my dad would still be at work and I would take the dog and go to my room and stay there. The dog was the only one I could talk to or play with and she made me feel better. Dad was extremely close to this dog as well and he would come home get the dog and I and we would go for a drive, go to the boat and just hang out. My dad was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma and was given 3-6 months to live. Thankfully he lived for 12 years. The dog was the one who was my rock. I could cry to her for hours and she would lay there and comfort me. Honestly if it weren't for my dog I probably would have killed myself.

When I moved out on my own and found my husband we got a miniature pinscher named Delilah. Not having kids to me she was like a first born. A year after I got her I found out I was pregnant and my son was born. She was wonderful with him. Unfortunately my dad passed away and she was the one who was there for me every minute curled up in my lap or being her goofy self. My husband was there for me yes but not in the way I was expecting. My son was a year old and he had no clue what was going on. Delilah didn't either but she never left my side when I needed her the most. After that in 2004 we decided to get a boxer puppy. Delilah showed him the ropes and kept him in line. In March of 2008 Delilah was diagnosed with kidney failure. She underwent dialysis, we changed her food and when she got to the point she wouldn't eat I home cooked her meals and did everything I could have for her. I had to let her go in September of 2008. To me it was devastating. I cannot say it was like losing a child because I cannot even bear the thought of that but I can say I lost a part of my heart that day.

In April of 2008 my son, myself and Tyson our boxer were all playing out in the backyard.
On one side of our yard we had a 4' chainlink fence. On the other side in between houses there was a 2.5' fence - I don't know what kind it was - it was a different kind of fence that had bigger rectangle holes in it. Our neighbors had a chow and a pug who would always run up and down the fence together. I never thought twice about it until that day. We were throwing the ball and the ball went to the fence where the dogs were. Mayson was hot on the trail of the ball and before I could say anything Tyson sprinted to the fence and stood there so that Mayson would not get near the dogs. At that time China - the chow somehow got her muzzle and paws through the fence and attacked Tyson. His skin was hanging from the back of his front leg almost to his back leg. He protected my son that day - I can't stand the thought had we not had him what might have happened. A trip to the emergency vet and $500.00 later he was stitched up and back home where he belonged.

We now have 2 boxers Tyson and Drake and they are a part of my family and always will be. I cannot imagine my life without my dogs. I can come home and they are always happy to see me. They never seem to have a bad day and they cheer me up if needed. I always say they were born to entertain us. As far as comparing them to my children - they are like my children in a way. They cannot take care of themselves and depend on me to do it for them. They didn't ask to be brought into this world they depend on me to take care of them, exercise them, train them, feed them, water them, bathe them etc... in that aspect they are no different than a child. Yes I am close to them but I cannot compare them to the love of my child but I do consider them a part of my family.

Do dogs have souls? I don't know - I do know that they have a heart and that is all that matters to me. I do see both sides to this. I am a dog lover and always have been. I also have two cats though who to me are just cats. I can't explain it. I do take my dogs to obedience training and they are well mannered dogs. They don't jump on people but when people come over and if they are not animal people I do have enough respect to put the dogs up while I have the company. I am also training the dogs to get their therapy dog certification so that they can bring joy and hope to others. I wouldn't trade them or give them up for anything.

Nicole

I don't feel that the OP has show anger in her posts. I think she now has a good idea of why we treat our animals as we do. I also think she may begin to see that our pets ARE can be like our children...but that we do not treasure them above or equal to our flesh and blood children. I would hope that the OP will become curious enough to check out the antics of a sweet puppy...without acquiring one...which would be a mistake with current mindset. I think spending some time with a sweet puppy is the only way to get a taste of sweet puppy love. It is not wrong that OP doesn't desire a relationship with a pet. Some people do not desire to have a child. No problem. She doesn't say she doesn't accept how we love pets, just that she cannot see why. Well, there are a lot of things that people do that I just cannot fathom why they do or feel that. However, I don't get bent about it because everyone is different. And I am glad. I sure would be bored in a world full of clones. My earlier post was simply to show how I loved my lil furry son and why.
OP, I would wish you the discovery of sweet puppy love. It is a love that is totally unique from all others. It is so unconditional. It is a love that fills in the gaps left from the natural selfish nature of humans. It is a love that bathes entire families. It brings the same things a small child brings just in a different species.
My lil furry son is one of life's treasures. When I think if I had I not been curious about animals what joy and love I would have missed, I am so thankful that my heart was tender.
If you never change your mindset, I will like ya just the same. But I cannot help but feel you are missing out on a great treasure.

Excellent post Nicole. Boxers seem to be popular family dogs. We have several friends that own them and I like them. That's what my DH wanted instead of our little Pom, but I'm the one that is with her all the time and I just didn't want to deal with something that big at this point in my life.

__________________
Melissa

whoops! way past post limit....closed thread

__________________