For me, there has always been a big disconnect btwn myself and "just-a-dog" type people.

I have always felt, in my gut/soul/heart/brain, that all creatures should be treasured. I am not one who thinks humans are superior or more important than dogs or animals. If anything, I have FAR more respect for animals than for most humans.

Please don't crucify me for saying that, it's just MY gut/soul/heart - no one elses, okay?

me tooooo wylie's mom :thumbup: :thumbup:

I love this thread! My mom always tells me that. And it's always when I get worried about leaving Izzy home alone too long. I get paranoid about going out at night on the weekdays since Izzy is home all day by herself except lunchtime for an hour. She is not just a dog...she's my baby!!

My current boyfriend think I am nut. We accept that I am nut and he doesn't have to be like me. He grow up with larger breed of dogs so his mentality is "dog is just a dog, they stay outside, no dress, and etc." So when we start dating, he was not sure why I am nuts. He thinks Momiji is cute but still she is just a dog to him. It has been difficult but hope our relationship will survive!!! I really like him a lot!!!
Good luck Ashley for finding the right person for Teddy and you!!
BTW, where are you in N. California???
Teddy and Momiji's birthday is 5 days apart!!!

Kana & Momiji

What dog? I don't see any dog around here? Oh -- you mean that little kid over there with all the fur? Why, that's my little boy, sir! What do you mean he has a hair problem?

:lol tears:lol tears:lol tears

I dressed up my baby Chloe up the other day (bought her some new clothes and it was little chili outside) and my neigbhor said she bet Chloe didn't like to have clothes on (they think dogs without clothes on are more comfortable for them and more nature that way). Do you think so?????

mocha is only comfortable in clothes SHE thinks looks good on her. who cares what mommy thinks, it's all about what she wants. i've put hoodies on her that did not look girly (but still cute), and she would go nuts and try to take them off. however, in a dress or a pretty shirt, she'll walk around like she owns the floor. she's a girly girl. :)

Just caught this post. Have to share, my 94 yr old mother came to live with me 1 1/2 years ago. Now, anybody that visits is told about how wonderful and "just like kids" my two yorkies are and how they practically talk they are so smart, on and on and on. Of course, she is right, my babies are special and are treated that way.

This describes exactly how my husband and I feel about our little ones. Our lives revolve around our babies. We had big outdoor dogs for years. They were treated very well and had their own house (8 x 12 carpeted shed) Now we have wonderful family members in our little ones.

They share their home and bedroom with us! I really don't know what we would do without them.

I do treat Ryoko as JUST A DOG becuase that is what he is. I treat him how all owners should treat thier dogs anything less is not humane. I took the time to train him, actually take him to a vet for check ups. feed him twice a day and be socialble with him and play with him. This is how all dogs should be treated.

Now many people here go above and beyond that here. Yes you refer to them as furkids but they are not kids, they are just dogs. I always TREAT ryoko like he was my son, but that is because I respect him for what he is and understand that he has come to depend on me for what he needs. With that in mind I think we all are the definition of what the phrase just a dog means and should mean and more. Yes they are like our children, like part of the family, but not quite our chilldren persay, but we do give them respect and more love than they could have ever dreamed of and that is what makes this site.
The question should be why dont more people at least treat dogs or ""just a dog" with the minimum care that is expected? if they did no one would ever be offended by someone saying that your pet is just a dog nor would there be any confusion.

I hear what you're saying, but the word "just" means, in this and similar contexts, "less than" - and I don't believe in "less than". So, I personally could never use "just" even if just came to mean "good care" as you describe it above. I think we're on the same page in terms of "care", but I don't like the context of "just" as in "just a dog", "just a child", "just a xyz" - know what I mean? :) :D :)

Great Thread!!
 

I agree with everything posted...they are my babies and I do treat them as such. My husband and I hardly ever go out of town, actually we haven't been anywhere this year so far because we can't take all five of our babies with us, so we just stay home with our babies. Although they do not sleep in the bed with us anymore they have their own room with a sofa, pet beds, and kennels (with out the doors), so they can pick and choose wherever they want to sleep. My husband says our babies will probably out live us, since we feed them better than we feed ourselves, and we are only 39. :D