Pet Peeve: Pets as People

Pets are not people; they are animals. That sentence is literally a fact. However, today people seem to looooove to act like animals are people.

1. They dress them up. Yuck.

2. They let them rule their homes and beds and couches, making them smelly and/or hairy.

3. They let them babysit. I am sick and tired of seeing babies posed or napping or in the arms of a big giant dog.

That is an ANIMAL, parents!! An animal who might suddenly get freaked out by a car noise outside or a fleck of dust in the air or who might have a dream that they are chasing a squirrel and in the process could absolutely injure the fragile and precious tiny human being who has been entrusted to your care. I know you think your dog would never do that... but that dog has no understanding of how it could accidentally injure that child. And that is not cute.

4. When I tell something about my child, they say, "Oh, I know just what you mean! My dog/cat/pet always..."

Really? Did you create your pet from your own person, birth him, nurse him, care for his every need hour after hour, day after day, year after year? Do you sit in awe of the amazing miracle that is a pet? Do you teach your pet about life, love and decency? Do you carefully build your pet's character and nurture his self-esteem? Do you quit your job to care for your pet or spend thousands of dollars a month for good daycare? Do you lie awake at night hoping for your pet's future, worrying about his health and safety? Do you constantly analyze what you could be doing better as your pet's caretaker or if you are doing a good enough job?

So, in conclusion, pets are not people. Please tell your friends.