You know what really gets me...

[Dougal&Little]

My co-workers think I'm nuts but none of them would dare say "they're just dogs" about Dougal and Dixie, at least to my face LOL!

I know they are dogs and not people, it's the *just* part I take issue with. Dougal is the reason I'm still alive today, I couldn't have made it through my last couple of depression funks without him. I know that I need to treat them like dogs with training and everything. Doesn't stop me talking about them ALL the time, having dozens of pictures everywhere, spending all my money on them and generally loving them up big time!!

Yes they have clothes and expensive brushes and everything their little hearts desire. Especially lots of tasty treats.

[Brandy101b]

I love my doggie but to me shes just a doggie. that does'nt mean I don't love her to death and take wonderful care of her, but she sleeps in a pen and I don't take her with me places like I do my actually kids, I'd rather spend money on my real babies then my dog and I prefer them to her. But that is because I am a young mom of two beautiful daughters and they are still babies themselves. I am sure if I had no kids that Hannah would be my pampered pooch. But for now she is a family pet.
But for those who enjoy gushing over there furbaby good for you, don't let anyone tell you its not okay because it is!

[DENISE517]

I agree with you. I have to defend Parkers topknot and bow often. They say why does he have a bow...He's a boy. I tell them the same thing, I say its a Yorkie thing.. I want to say afterwards, .."and you wouldnt understand." but I dont. I actually posed a thread not too long ago because I want thinking about giving him bangs, but I just couldnt do it.. I love his topknot and bow.

p.s I work with all men and they think I'm crazy for dressing Parker up too. They will say, What are you doing to that poor dog. (it makes me mad, but oh well)

[Nikko's_human]

Maybe I belong in a straitjacket but I like to think of dogs as little furry people. They have needs, wants and emotions just like people. They love us unconditionally, are loyal to the end and are always there for us when we need them. You can't always get that from humans. Whenever I hear people say, "just a dog" it hurts me because we are not "just a human" to our dogs. We are their whole world. I too believe that people who value their pets are usually the most caring and compassionate people you'll ever meet.

[SnowWa]

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

[Aliwags]

OK, here's my 2 cents worth. After working as a cruelty investigator, and running a rescue group for 18 years, I would definately prefer to see people spoil their dogs than the rotten things I've seen. BUT, in my house, the dogs eat from their bowl or go hungry (have never seen one starve himself because he wasn't fed the "right" way), do not beg, and listen to me (ok, mostly listen to me) when I give orders. Dogs are pack animals, and I am the top dog. I squish them with hugs, and coddle them, and spend time with them, but don't let them totally run my life. If it works for you, I am glad you are happy. I also respect the people coming into my house, because everyone doesn't have to like my dogs and cats. If they don't my animals would probably prefer to not be around this weird person anyway. I mean, c'mon. Who could not love a Yorkie??? The St. Bernard though, that I can understand a visitor being hesitant.

Alison

[Rae Rae]

I've always loved my dogs like humans...whats the point in getting a dog if your not going to love it? I mean people who treat there dogs better than there own family...thats a whole different thing, but there is NOTHING wrong w/ treating a dog like part of the family!