Dogs are among the most wonderful things in the world - and mine have always been wonderful loving members of my family.
I wouldn't for the world call my dog "my child" or think of it as a "human baby." My dog are dogs --- and they are loved, cherished, and treated like the wonderful pets they are.
The most wonderful thing about dogs is that they are dogs. And they have the wonderful traits that dogs have. They are loyal companions, often our best friends, and much much more.
I knew a woman who had a poodle. She named the poodle after her aunt - "Betsy." The poodle was her daughter and it's babies were her grandchildren. They only had one litter because having grandchildren was too hard on Betsy. She went school shopping for clothes and made special shopping trips for the other seasons as well . (Her poodle had more clothes than most of the children in the neighborhood.) She had a bedroom of her own - with her own bed and lots of toys. Of course, she got special food and all of her favorite people food. They ate together every night. They went traveling together and were never apart. Until --- the lady passed away.
Now the little poodle (6 years old) is at a relative's house with three little children. It has become a "dog" and spends it's time running around inside and outside playing with the children and does all the things that dog's do. It has learned a lot of new skills, is much more socialized, has lost some weight, and is living "the good life." It doesn't wear clothes very often anymore, doesn't have its own room (and most of the toys that it never played with went to the Good Will) It sleeps at the foot of the bed with the children. They didn't intend to change its name - but the children soon started calling it "Pouchie." They all think "Pouchie" is the most wonderful, fun, loving little dog in the world. And, believe me, Pouchie is one happy little dog.
***** Thinking that dogs are people is just a mind game that some people play. You really know that dogs aren't people...don't you? You just pretend that they are and treat them like they are.
I know my dog is a dog and treat him like the wonderful little pet he is. And, I have to admit that he's just as spoiled as anyone else's dog. He's just too cute!
Carol Jean |