(PETS vs. KIDS)can pets really replace kids in a relationship??????

[Alex+R 0]

I don't understand what Jenn and others are talking about when they talk about putting animals before people. When does that decision ever need to be made? I mean, if you're on a sinking boat with a person and a dog with two life jackets, and you choose to save the dog, that's not quite right, but luckily most of us will never be in that position.

Some people see it as choosing an animal over a person if they keep a cat that a child is allergic to. Hello, the kid can take pills. If I don't see that as a reason to give away a pet, then I'm not going to find that many other ones.

The major problem, IMO, is not respecting animal life enough.

[jego ryu 0]

I will never love animals more or better than my kids. Kids are special and future of our world.

Actually, judging by the average attitude of children today, our world would be better if ruled by cats.

what gona happen to us.....

[Empress of Groovy 373]

I don't understand what Jenn and others are talking about when they talk about putting animals before people. When does that decision ever need to be made? I mean, if you're on a sinking boat with a person and a dog with two life jackets, and you choose to save the dog, that's not quite right, but luckily most of us will never be in that position.

Some people see it as choosing an animal over a person if they keep a cat that a child is allergic to. Hello, the kid can take pills. If I don't see that as a reason to give away a pet, then I'm not going to find that many other ones.

The major problem, IMO, is not respecting animal life enough.

I wish it were that easy! I'm highly allergic to all sorts of critters and react violently to cat dander (as much as I love them). Even after drugging up and taking inhalers with me (nasal and oral), I can't usually spent time in a household with pets for more than a little while. If there are multiple animals and wall-to-wall carpeting, forget it--I won't even attempt it. My sister is the same way. It sucks, not to mention inconvenient! I'm not talking about the sniffles either; I'd end up wheezing like an emphysema patient, and it would last for hours afterward. I envy people who are able to have cats and dogs. Just looking at some people's kitty pictures in various threads makes my nose run!

But enough kvetching! I have a nice tropical aquarium that includes a catfish I acquired in early 2001. Speaking of fishies, does anyone in the Phoenix area want some free guppies? I have about 50 little ones in need of a good home. I bought a male-female pair less than a year ago and already gave away a bucketful via Craigslist in November. It's time for another guppy giveaway. Fancy tails! They're randy little things, I tell ya!

[Jenn! 918]

I don't understand what Jenn and others are talking about when they talk about putting animals before people. When does that decision ever need to be made? I mean, if you're on a sinking boat with a person and a dog with two life jackets, and you choose to save the dog, that's not quite right, but luckily most of us will never be in that position.

Some people see it as choosing an animal over a person if they keep a cat that a child is allergic to. Hello, the kid can take pills. If I don't see that as a reason to give away a pet, then I'm not going to find that many other ones.

The major problem, IMO, is not respecting animal life enough.

Well, you're right that it's a situation that would not likely occur.

I would never dream of keeping a pet that a child is allergic to. I think that's just ridiculous personally - to make a child take medicines in order for you to keep your pet. That's exactly the type of thing I'm talking about.

I also have a hard time with paying large sums of money for surgery for pets. True, I haven't been in this situation, but I think I would have a hard time paying thousands of dollars for my animal's surgery while thinking about the *children* who are wanting in this world.

From what I've read, I think I would consider myself a "speciesist" or "anthropocentrist", I guess.

Edited April 14, 2008 by Jenn!

[SaadBell 0]

Fun Facts About Our Favorite Pets

The most pet dogs -- being owned by almost one in three families -- are located in the U.S. and France.

The least amount of pet dogs -- just one for every ten families -- are located in Switzerland and Germany.

Lord Byron, the English Romantic poet, had inscribed upon the gravestone of his beloved Newfoundland, Boatswain, the following: "Beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of man without his vices."

More than 40% of pet owners admit to talking to their pets over the phone or through the answering machine.

25% of pet owners say that, after a bath, they blow-dry their pet's hair.

Names like Max, Molly and Sam are pretty popular with pets today. In fact, more than 50% of dog and cat owners give their pets a human name.

Say cheese… 40% of dog and cat owners admit to carrying a picture of their pet in their wallet.

Kubla Khan owned the most dogs ever to be owned by one person -- a whopping 5000 mastiffs!

Pets are a lucky bunch -- some 79% of owners give their pets presents for birthdays and holidays.

The well-dressed pet -- 21 & of pet owners admit to occasionally dressing up their pets.

In the U.S., approximately 1 million dogs have been named as the primary beneficiary in their owner's wills.

58% of pets are included in family and holiday portraits, while 70% of owners sign their pet's name on greeting cards.

It's been scientifically proven that people who own pets experience less stress, have fewer heart attacks, and live longer.

More money is spent by American on dog food than on baby food each year.

[Sinergy 3]

My dad is the type of person who loves his dog more than his human family.

Just an example: his dog has given my son ringworm 2 times after licking him on the face, and the dr even sd it was from the dog, which was taken to the vet and confirmed of having ringworm. My dad just looked at me and said "stop hating my dog".

second example: Dog bit my son, I slapped dog, dad slapped me and sd it was my sons fault for scareing the dog. My son was just walking past the dog in the livingroom, nothing more.

Its been like this even with me and my sister with his past dogs growing up. The dogs were perfect, and we as the kids were second to the dogs.

in result, i hate dogs

[Alex & Rachel 78]

I don't understand what Jenn and others are talking about when they talk about putting animals before people.

Well I think Sinergy just gave us a very good example!

I think you put animals before people if your pet holds a higher status in your home than your own child. Human children need so much more love and attention and instruction than a pet does.

Oh and I am with Big Agnes! in that popping a pill every day isn't always a solution - I am allergic to cats but I am also even more severely allergic to at least two different popular brands of allergy medicine, too. I am okay, though, if the cat is kept out of the bedroom and out of the laundry and if the carpets are regularly vacuumed.

[Scott & Lai 12]

My dad is the type of person who loves his dog more than his human family.

Just an example: his dog has given my son ringworm 2 times after licking him on the face, and the dr even sd it was from the dog, which was taken to the vet and confirmed of having ringworm. My dad just looked at me and said "stop hating my dog".

second example: Dog bit my son, I slapped dog, dad slapped me and sd it was my sons fault for scareing the dog. My son was just walking past the dog in the livingroom, nothing more.

Its been like this even with me and my sister with his past dogs growing up. The dogs were perfect, and we as the kids were second to the dogs.

in result, i hate dogs

That is just wrong on so many levels, not the least of which is your dad slapping you, an adult

[brnidokiegurl 0]

I have raised my kids, that time is over and they were raised with animals also, now there is no talking back from my dog, she doesnt ask to go here and there, she doesnt ask for money and she is very appreciative of everything i do for her.....she has a great listening ear especially now with this visa wait whereas the kids could care less

[Sinergy 3]

My dad is the type of person who loves his dog more than his human family.

Just an example: his dog has given my son ringworm 2 times after licking him on the face, and the dr even sd it was from the dog, which was taken to the vet and confirmed of having ringworm. My dad just looked at me and said "stop hating my dog".

second example: Dog bit my son, I slapped dog, dad slapped me and sd it was my sons fault for scareing the dog. My son was just walking past the dog in the livingroom, nothing more.

Its been like this even with me and my sister with his past dogs growing up. The dogs were perfect, and we as the kids were second to the dogs.

in result, i hate dogs

That is just wrong on so many levels, not the least of which is your dad slapping you, an adult

on the arm, hahaha hes not cold slapping me in the head or anything lol

[Scott & Lai 12]

My dad is the type of person who loves his dog more than his human family.

Just an example: his dog has given my son ringworm 2 times after licking him on the face, and the dr even sd it was from the dog, which was taken to the vet and confirmed of having ringworm. My dad just looked at me and said "stop hating my dog".

second example: Dog bit my son, I slapped dog, dad slapped me and sd it was my sons fault for scareing the dog. My son was just walking past the dog in the livingroom, nothing more.

Its been like this even with me and my sister with his past dogs growing up. The dogs were perfect, and we as the kids were second to the dogs.

in result, i hate dogs

That is just wrong on so many levels, not the least of which is your dad slapping you, an adult

on the arm, hahaha hes not cold slapping me in the head or anything lol

Even still, it is disrespectful, especially in front of your son.

[In Gods Hands 0]

I love and adore animals (domestic to wild). For as far back as I can remember we always had animals ranging from snakes to monkeys, mice to gigantic dogs..and all kinds of farm animals. Always surrounding by them and family of 9... Now that all have grown up my parents have just 3 little dogs to keep them company. Are they like kids to them.... yes. but not like the ones they raised. They are spoiled rotten and they baby talk to them pass the point of "cute". These animals tend to rule and seem to know it. Like a spoiled child who has their parent wrapped around their finger. Furniture in the house is arranged to accommodate them too. It irritates me at times.. but to stay on the good side and keep the peace.. I dont say anything. Well, maybe I've said the word "Genesis" (refering to the order and care God set for us to do regarding animals). I truly believe that animals bring comfort, fun, companionship etc.. and I believe in loving, caring and protecting them too.. but, draw the line with allowing them to "rule" me or my house. I am agreement with Cesar Millan in many things he teaches..and pretty much can apply it to whatever animal that interacts with me.

Why? Dogs are animals, and they respond to calm-assertive leadership—not emotional arguments or negotiations. If you have a dog in your life, it is important to understand how to allow her to live in a balanced way and achieve a healthy state of mind.

Dogs have found themselves in an odd predicament by living with humans. In the wild, dogs don’t need humans to achieve balance. They have a pack leader, work for food, and travel with the pack. But when we bring them into our world, we need to help them achieve balance by fulfilling their needs as nature intended them to be.

How does this work? Through my fulfillment formula: exercise, then discipline, and finally, affection. As the human pack leader, you must set rules, boundaries, and limitations and always project a calm-assertive energy.

Here .. some Good Reading for you

http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/tips/retrain_balance.php

[Caladan 19]

I don't understand what Jenn and others are talking about when they talk about putting animals before people. When does that decision ever need to be made? I mean, if you're on a sinking boat with a person and a dog with two life jackets, and you choose to save the dog, that's not quite right, but luckily most of us will never be in that position.

Some people see it as choosing an animal over a person if they keep a cat that a child is allergic to. Hello, the kid can take pills. If I don't see that as a reason to give away a pet, then I'm not going to find that many other ones.

The major problem, IMO, is not respecting animal life enough.

Well, you're right that it's a situation that would not likely occur.

I would never dream of keeping a pet that a child is allergic to. I think that's just ridiculous personally - to make a child take medicines in order for you to keep your pet. That's exactly the type of thing I'm talking about.

I also have a hard time with paying large sums of money for surgery for pets. True, I haven't been in this situation, but I think I would have a hard time paying thousands of dollars for my animal's surgery while thinking about the *children* who are wanting in this world.

From what I've read, I think I would consider myself a "speciesist" or "anthropocentrist", I guess.

I'm with you on that, Jenn. For me, it's a deep visceral reaction to people who, to my mind, confuse being a steward of a pet with being its parent. I have a cat, I really love dogs especially, but when our family dog bit my mother (not badly) and developed aggressive tendencies there was absolutely no question that the animal was no longer safe. Some surgeries I think are fine, but many seem to prolong the animal's suffering.

(Shorter me: you can't euthanize a child.)

I am mildly allergic to my cat, and as an adult I think the trade-off of having a pleasant, energetic pet around is worth it, but if I have a kid who allergic to my cat, I will find the cat another home.

[GabiandVi 34]

For me, it's a deep visceral reaction to people who, to my mind, confuse being a steward of a pet with being its parent.

I've heard so many people express exactly that sentiment. I had a cat, too, whom I loved a great deal. I probably would have spent a lot of money on surgery or medical treatment for the cat if it had been necessary. He's been gone now for a couple of months and I was devastated when he disappeared. I understand the deep feelings some people have for their pets. But to see PETS vs. KIDS written anywhere makes me cluck my teeth and roll my eyes. People who think that they love their pets as much as a child have either never had kids or are like the father of that one poster - seriously mixed up. I'm not referring to anyone who has posted here. I've read a lot of humorous comments such as, "why did I ever have kids?" etc. that I might make myself. But off of this post I've heard people seriously suggest that their pet to them was the same as so-and-so's child to so-and-so.

[Alex+R 0]

I almost got my cat a $3,000-dollar surgery last week. Luckily he didn't need it. But it seems obvious to me that it was worth doing. I wasn't going to spend it on starving children. My cats are part of my family and I treat them as such. If I had a child and the cat and child both needed surgery, I'd spend the money on the child. But I'd probably borrow money to get the cat surgery too.

I don't see why anyone has a problem with people who see their pets as more valuable than you may. Live and let live.