An Associated Press-Petside.com poll released Tuesday found that half of all American pet owners consider their pets as much a part of the family as any other person in the household. Um…what? As far as I can see, that is messed up. Really. Think about it. I know you love your pet. You would do anything for your pet. But value it as much as any other person in your household? That’s just not right.
Hey, I had pets. I was one of those artsy single chicks with cats and I loved my animals. I remember scrounging up money for an EKG for Henry who we later learned had a bad heart condition. He also needed Prozac towards the end of his life (well how would you feel being a young virile male and knowing your life would soon come to a premature end?) And then there was the chemo we forked over for Katie. Martini, my dog, needed intensive psychological attention, home-made organic food, and a personal trainer to keep him sane and fit. I’m no stranger to loving your animals and treating them like members of the fam.
But when push comes to shove, please tell me all those people polled don’t actually consider their pets to be as important as their spouse or children. I mean the poll does say that more singles see their pets as family members than married folk. I guess that’s slightly comforting. The thing is, they’re still animals. I don’t get how people can overlook that rather obvious fact
The poll also said that most pet owners feed their animals human food, nearly half give their animals human names and almost a third let them sleep in a human bed. Can you say reality check? Listen, in many ways I’d love to have a pet. But I can barely manage a husband and two little boys. Sure, there’s a certain appeal to having an animal. They’re almost always kind, on your side, sympathetic. They don’t demand nearly as much attention as your children, and they don’t talk back. Big plus. But I implore you to remember that a pet is a pet and your family members (at least most of them) are humans. So in the event of a fire (or an earthquake if you’re still living in CA), let’s all consent to saving our offspring before venturing back into the flames for Fluffy. Agreed?
10 responses so far ↓
laggylife // June 26, 2009 at 7:43 pm |
I consider my pets to be as important as my spouse. I don’t have children (because quite frankly I don’t want them!) A living being is a living being and deserves the same respect and everything that goes with it as any other being. I have left boyfriends, stopped inviting friends over and moved from apartments because people have had issues with my dog or cats. I have this saying on a plac on my wall right at my front door; I love my pets this is their home It is my hope they’ll never roam my faithful friends they are the best this is their home you are the guest so if to you they are a peeve then by all means feel free to leave! I stick by it too if you don’t like my dog then don’t come over! End of!
laggylife // June 26, 2009 at 7:45 pm |
PS. All of my pets have human names, they all eat human food and they all sleep with my and my husband. And I can guarantee you I would save my dog before I would save your kids!
Grahams // July 1, 2009 at 7:01 pm |
This is the first, and now last time I read your blog. I think it is sad you even needed to write this. I find it funny because often times animals can sense an earthquake or alert an owner of fire which can actually help save your family. I guess I don’t understand why you took the time to write the article since you state in your bio, Pets: None. I’d probably have a nervous breakdown if I had one more creature to care for. I worry that you have 2 children.
flash // July 5, 2009 at 5:15 am |
Hmm. Is it true?
PetsWeekly // July 7, 2009 at 12:16 am |
I find it ironic that both of your “pets” suffered from psychological ailments. ..
If all you can manage is a husband, two boys and a blog, it’s not surprising that the addition of “a loving pet” is too much for you… Your article is offensive to those who have learned to balance their love across an entire family (which includes pets).
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that those “humans” who are well-adjusted and balanced in their lives don’t have to “rate” the importance of life – any type of life. You don’t rate how much you love your husband versus how much you love your sons, or how much you love either one of your sons. The more you love, the more love is given back to you. Just out of curiosity, which member of your family ranks high enough to pull from a burning car? Would you sacrifice your life for only one family member? And if so, which one? Maybe you should let them know so they can be prepared in case of emergency. I find your “ranking system” laughable.
I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis – yours is not one of them. I was given this URL by a friend who was deeply offended by your comment. Interestingly enough, this person is owned by a dog, as well as four children, a husband, two thriving businesses and a large extended family. She handles it all with a grace, calmness and dignity that I’m sure you would aspire towards.
Myself, I’ve been married for 7 years to an amazing man. Together we are owned by cats, dogs, kids, businesses, and a home filled with love. We love them all equally. Why? We can handle it – we have enough to go around.
I feel sorry for people like you – those who feel that love must be “ranked and divided”. Luckily, you’re rapidly becoming the minority as society realizes the benefits of having pets (and family) in their lives. I would be happy to send you a list of studies that back this statement up if you like.
I find it interesting that pet-spending is nearly the only part of the economy has grown, while spending on children has plummeted. Huh. Might make for an interesting followup…
I would normally send people over here to really let you know how wrong you are in your “reality check,” but I don’t want to justify this posting with additional traffic. Personally, I would suggest keeping your opinion to yourself when it comes to this topic. It just makes you look rather pathetic in a world that is rapidly growing in social consciousness and environmental responsibility…
Learn to love more than one thing at a time. It would do you good.
Lens Flare // July 10, 2009 at 10:00 pm |
People, back off. Do you not see the humor in this article? Ms Gettleman is not deriding pet owners. She clearly knows her limitations and is presenting her take on pet ownership with a tongue-in-cheek levity that I as a pet LOVER find funny. I mean look how many people get a cute puppy for their kids and abandon it when it’s not cute and little anymore. She in no way gives me the impression that she would do something like that. I think she sounds quite responsible actually. People who don’t feel that they could be an attentive pet owner should do exactly the same as Ms Gettlemen and not take a responsibility they might not be able to handle. I love my pets as much as all of you angry people do but I would never judge so harshly anyone who doesn’t believe exactly as I do. Ms Gettleman sounds like a very logical and responsible person with a good sense of humor. Lighten up, people, your pets can sense your anger and it has an ill effect on them.
Lens Flare // July 10, 2009 at 10:09 pm |
Lighten up, people!
Urzu // July 24, 2009 at 7:26 am |
Don’t worry; you aren’t the only sane person left.
Look at all these comments arguing with you. LMAO. It’s hilarious, really. You’ll find that most of these people argue with you, try to talk about how smart their pet is, or talk about how pets are so much like people. They might seem like they are trying to convince you but in reality they are trying to convince themselves and are subconsciously repressing the fact that they must look to a simple creature fot their happiness, regardless if they have family or not.
I have (and had) many pets and I “love” my pets. However, I am not so disillusioned to belive that they are people.
Don’t fear, there aren’t that many over-zealous pet owners out there.
laggylife // July 24, 2009 at 2:42 pm |
PetsWeekly — I wish I could have been as eloquient as you, this just made me mad! I really can’t deal with people who go on and on about how much of their time their kids and husband and home take up. I have a job that keeps me out of my home 47 hours a week as does my husband. We live with my elderly grandparents and have the responsibility of taking care of their needs. We make time for each other and for friends. We have four cats and a 90lb yellow lab. We love everyone the same and we work at making time for it all! Life isn’t all about being tickled with a feather. It is what you work at to make it! Lens Flare — This article was not tounge in cheek it was a complete put down to people who feel differently than she does. So why should we not counter with the same attitude? Sanity is relitive and I don’t think anyone who lives without the love and fun of a pet is at all very sane! So please just because I treat my dog better than you treat your kids don’t call me insane. It is offensive!
ZigZag // August 29, 2009 at 8:07 pm |
For the record, I think that you all, especially laggylife and PetsWeekly, are way too defensive on this issue. I personally agree with the author of this article — while pets can be important in someone’s life, they are NOT people! God placed man over animals for a reason. We are supposed to value all people above animals no matter what.
Laggylife, I am shocked that you would save a dog, rather than the lives of two innocent children. If the choice is between getting scraped up and saving a dog, or letting the dog burn, yes of course I would save the dog! But honestly, I pity your moral standing if you think that pets are more important than children, who were made in God’s own image.
The dog that I had for all seventeen years of my life just passed away. Yes, I was sad, and yes, I cried, but no, I never spent 43 million dollars a year on dog clothing, like all America put together does, and no, I did not throw a bunch of money toward counseling. Plus, my dog had an animal name, ate animal food, and lived outside (which is healthier, P.S.). My dog had a special place in my family, as do all dogs, put that rightful place is underneath all living humans, as God intended it to be.
We are all accountable for our actions, including where we spent our time and money, and if you all are willing to let children starve in China so that your precious animal can have organic food, clothing, a “personal” trainer to keep IT fit, then I will sincerely pray for you and for your moral convictions.