Annoyed...
 

Hey everyone!! I posted a message awhile back about me being pregnant and I have been hanging out on a pregnancy message board while I get through the scary first trimester.

Well, someone posted a thread about "Pet parents" on the off topic board and how some of their childless friends who compare having a child to having a pet and how they think it's ridiculous.

Here are some of the replies that have me super annoyed.

I agree that you cannot even come close loving a pet compared to loving a child. I personally have never met an animal that I loved.

"The thing that irritates me, and probably shouldn't, are people who spend insane amounts of money on their pets. Not that taking good care of your animal and making sure they are healthy is bad. The one thing that really comes to mind that bothers me are people who cook every meal for their pets. I saw an episode of Rachael Ray where she said that she cooks her dogs dinner and showed some recipe for some dog stew or something. The reason this bothers me is because I have a strong conviction about social responsibility. There are SO many people, specifically children, in American that go without food or clothes or medical care and I think that if you have the money to buy cuts of meat and make your dog stew for dinner, that money might be better spent helping an actual human survive.

I realize that people may not share this opinion but it's what bothers me. Again, not saying that animals don't deserve to be well taken care of. I just think that's crossing the line and those people might have their priorities wrong. (lol according to what I think priorities should be)"

"I can totally see where you are coming from... I could never ever ever love an animal as much as a human being. Actually I can't stand animals so that probably has something to do with it My mom on the other hand has been going through withdrawls this summer because my brother is going off to college (her last, and favorite child ) and she will be all alone. So she bought this little dog, DD1 loves her... I can't stand the dog!!! My mom has bows for her hair, she sleeps wth the dog, just basically anything I would do for DD1 she does for this dog. It is like her new child seeing as all her children are gone. I have never had an inside dog and my children won't either. DH and I believe that IF our children get an animal it will be outside, some think this is horrible and heartless but thats just our opinion. I figure if this dog brings my mom happiness in her time of sorrow and emptynesting then more power to her."

"Um, yes! I do have to admit that this is coming from a non animal lover, but I have even heard animal lovers say that it drives them crazy when people take it overboard. (I think animals are ok. I take it on a case by case basis, really , so I don't hate them or anything.) But I do hate it when ppl put their animals b4 people. Like, "I can't come visit you this weekend, bc I don't have anyone to watch my dog." Or having to interrupt Bible study @ their house bc their dog is in the back room whining bc he isn't getting any attn. Keeping a dog that's a danger to humans really irks me as well. & the amount of $$ some people spend. yikes! I guess if it makes you really happy, then go for it, but when they start putting an animal b4 a real person, that's when it's out of balance IMO. I rather think it's heartless to keep a bigger dog couped up inside all day, especially in a little apt which some ppl do. Dogs were made to have room to roam. Ideally, I would want a ranch or something b4 getting a dog. (I also don't like little dogs AT all.)"

First, why would it bother someone how much money another person spends on their dog? It's THEIR money to do with what they please. There are so many evil dog abusers out there and you are annoyed that someone is treating their pet too good?

Second, why would someone get a pet just to stick it outside? That bothers me so much!! If you aren't fond of animals, that's fine... just don't get the animal to being with!

I'm sure the love I will have for my skin child will be way different than the love for my furbabies but do I understand people treating their pets like children... of course!! Especially those people who can't have children or don't want children.

Sorry for the novel but I needed to rant to people who understand my point of view. I seem to be the minority in my opinion over there.

You are not the only one annoyed. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Oops, this line is supposed to be italicized also...

"I agree that you cannot even come close loving a pet compared to loving a child. I personally have never met an animal that I loved."

It's actually part of the post from the first person I quoted.

I feel sorry for her.

That was my first thought also! Those people are missing out... animals (especially dogs, but I'm biased. LOL) are so amazing!!

How can anyone not love an animal?:rolleyes: I can't even tell you how many different types of animals I have owned. I cried at each and every rainbow bridge, didn't matter if it was a hamster, guinea pig, goldfish, cat . . .I loved every single pet I've ever owned . . .

People like that are just unbelievable. :thumbdown

I say good don't like animals. The more for us lovers to have. Those poor pets that they would get will not be taken care of the way we take care of them.

I do believe they are not living a fully happy life. To not ever love and to not know unconditional love of a pet is truely sad.

And you say these people have children??? Sad

Ummm, these people should know that it IS possible to love both a child AND an animal (or animals). They are the ones missing out.

Maybe those ladies don't have the capacity to love both, but how lucky are you to know there is plenty of room and more!

Well, Krystee, you are certainly not in the minority here:)

Of course I don't spoil my dogs - I just treat them the way they deserved to be treated:):) Some may consider it spoiling them.

I just feel sorry for those poor people who have obviously not experienced the love of a dog.

Agree with everyone above. I feel SORRY for those who have never been loved by a dog. It is the purest, simplest form of love you could ever receive. Jackson has taught me so many things since I brought him home nearly 2 years ago; he has shown me pure love, devotion and loyalty. He's more than a dog, he is my teacher, my companion, my inspiration, and my best friend. A dog won't ever turn his back on you, they will always love you. And to those who can't open their heart up enough for such a love... well I simply feel sorry for them. To me, my life wouldn't be complete without a dog... there's a quote like "Dogs aren't our whole lives but they make our life whole" and it's so true.

Now like you said, I do understand some people simply aren't dog/animal people. That is fine. I am not a cat person but that doesn't mean I would go around saying people are so stupid for spending money on their cats, or even having a cat, gosh they just get in the way, etc, etc.... just as I would never say to someone "EW! You wanna have a kid?! Ugh, smelly diapers, puking, crying, pooping!!" Lol. And to the person who said Like, "I can't come visit you this weekend, bc I don't have anyone to watch my dog."... how many times do people use that excuse with their kids? "I don't have a babysitter so I can't go!" What is the difference?

I get annoyed anytime someone criticizes how I spend MY money or time under the premise that I should spend it XYZ instead. :thumbdown I work hard for what I have and believe it's my decision to spend my money or my free time as I see fit or want to....not according to someoen else's standards of what is socially responsible.

You are not alone! That really got my blood boiling too. :mad:

Who are they to say how my hard earned money should be spent?

I think it is horrible to get a dog with the intent to keep it tied up in the backyard. I get that not everyone loves animals, so just don't get one! I'll never understand why that is such a hard concept. It makes me sad to think what that dog's life would be like. :(

People can find a way to criticize other people for anything. I mean I can understand someone saying I really don't like untrained dogs, but I can't understand someone saying I really hate it when others give their dogs the best of everything and love them as part of the family. Gosh, what an awful thing to do! :rolleyes:

I think people are just jealous of people who spend $$ on their pets. Look at the bashing Paris Hilton got for her "dog house" --- (bash Hilton for other things, I'll give you that) !!! If I had her money, my dogs would have a "dog house" like that too...and few other things too...maybe that diamond leash and collar set!!! (and yes, I would give to the needy people also, just fantasizing about the fun dog stuff I would buy)
Kendra

Wow, those were pretty awful. I also cannot imagine getting a pet just to stay outside all day....waiting for his people to come show him a few minutes of affection! Even my best friend's HUGE Great Dane lives inside.

I do feel bad that they will never know the unconditional love of a dog though. I can't imagine not wanting to completely spoil my Levi after he gives me one of those looks of complete devotion and trust. Sweetest thing ever.

I have a son and he is 10. We recently had to let our 16 year old lab go. about 4 weeks ago we got a new additon to our family, an english mastiff.

as i was wandering around alone at petsmart...only there to pick up cat food...

i picked up a pacifier shaped kong, a bouncy ball, and realized:

OMG!

I was totally spoiling my furry kids just like I do the other people in my life that I love unendingly. my animals are my babies!!

I mean, i always SORT OF knew it. but this time I admitted it to myself.

so just know that one person will never own an animal that they can mistreat. they can be alone and empty nesting when their children move out and we can be happy and covered in loving kisses because we put peanut butter in a kong, unflavored yogurt in a bowl, threw that slobbery nasty whatever JUST ONE MORE TIME!! and rubbed the softest warmest tummy to ever exist.

we wish you well unhappy-future-lady!! now get offa our lawn!

The only thing I have to say is "Its MY money to do what I CHOOSE with!" Its not my fault that people have kids who cannot take care of them or feed them correctly or give them proper shelter, clothes or education. I chose not to have kids... so I can take my money and spoil my dogs if that is how I want to spend MY hard earned cash! :P

This makes me mad because I tell you what... I pay taxes for schools and teachers and town run sports for KIDS and I don't have kids. So YES I do pay part of my paycheck to take care of other people's kids. I don't have a problem with that... so why would someone have a problem with how I spend my own personal take home income? bbaaahhhh

**rant done** :)

Maybe some of 'those' people need to strive to treat their children as well as we treat our pets.

I absolutly agree with what you've said. And, don't forget how important our yorkies are to we who are empty nesters. It's a joy and a privilge to be owned by a yorkie;)

" Or having to interrupt Bible study @ their house bc their dog is in the back room whining bc he isn't getting any attn." (from Krystee's post)

The one thing that really just makes me laugh is watching and listening to the "Christians" who persistently proclaim their faith and beliefs, yet have no intention of following through in applying them to their own behavior!?

Why is it no one blinks an eye if you throw down $3000 for a wide screen TV . . but looks askance if you mention your dog might need an expensive surgery???

very good point!!!

[QUOTE=Krystee;3275106[I]My mom on the other hand has been going through withdrawls this summer because my brother is going off to college (her last, and favorite child ) and she will be all alone. So she bought this little dog, DD1 loves her... I can't stand the dog!!! My mom has bows for her hair, she sleeps wth the dog, just basically anything I would do for DD1 she does for this dog. It is like her new child seeing as all her children are gone. I have never had an inside dog and my children won't either. DH and I believe that IF our children get an animal it will be outside, some think this is horrible and heartless but thats just our opinion. I figure if this dog brings my mom happiness in her time of sorrow and emptynesting then more power to her."

QUOTE]
[/I]

Ok...this part got me. I feel sorry for the mom and do hope this little dog brings her happiness. I was a stay at home mom for many years and loved it, but now my baby is 25 and on his way out sometime this year. I just got my little dog. I've never had a little dog. Somehow Copper fills that nurturing spot that some of us have. I realize he is a dog, but he has brought me so much joy in the past 7 months. I do spend money on him, but I'm reasonable and as long as my husband doesn't mind, who cares what I spend?

I also believe an inside dog gets more love and affection than one who stays out back 24/7. I've now had both. The dog that is allowed inside becomes a part of your family home. Love my little yorkie!!

You can love a child and your furbabies! I love my son unconditionally and I do my furbabies too. I spoil all of them and it is my money, I'll do with it what I want. If she don't like dogs then fine, but she should bash her mom for being lonely and getting a pet to keep her company. She needs to go to a therapist cause I think she has really big problems! Sounds like she wasn't loved enough as a child! GRRR....that makes me mad!