Taking pet ownership too far

DH and I talk about our future labrador retrievers when we own a house. He jokes about him dressing them up in clothes and booties for when it's cold out and I joke about setting up an agility course in our backyard so they don't get bored.

Someone we know overheard this and said with much disdain, "You're not going to be one of those people who treat their dogs like humans, are you?"

We're not having children, so why not treat them as well as we can? That's what I say.

Where do you think the line is drawn between loving & enjoying your pet and going off the deep end?

Re: Taking pet ownership too far

My dogs are my children. I didnt bring them into our home for show. They are a part of our family, and I treat them like family.

I dont think there is ANY deep end. People are entitled to do whatever they want.

Re: Taking pet ownership too far

Re: Taking pet ownership too far

i don't see ANYTHING wrong with treating your dogs with love and affection..

whether you have kids or not..Dogs are animals that want and need love like any other animal on the earth

I hate people who criticize pet owners


to each their own

Re: Taking pet ownership too far

Re: Taking pet ownership too far

I'm not a pet person, but the only point where I think people go too far is when they put their pet's needs over their children's. Otherwise, to each his own. I may not completely understand people who are so attached to their pets, but I have friends who don't like children...tis what makes the world go round!

Re: Taking pet ownership too far

Re: Taking pet ownership too far

I can't wait to be a dog owner. There are 3 yellow labs that live on my block and the owners are nice enough to stop and let me play with them when they walk their dogs.

So, another question if you don't mind... Have you ever had a birthday party for your pet and invited other pets over for it? I knew someone at an old job who did that and people laughed at her. But the pictures of all the dogs with their party hats on was priceless.

Re: Taking pet ownership too far

Posted by greenfreak

I can't wait to be a dog owner. There are 3 yellow labs that live on my block and the owners are nice enough to stop and let me play with them when they walk their dogs.

So, another question if you don't mind... Have you ever had a birthday party for your pet and invited other pets over for it? I knew someone at an old job who did that and people laughed at her. But the pictures of all the dogs with their party hats on was priceless.

Re: Taking pet ownership too far

Ummm, I go NUTS for Dino and Louie's birthdays. Cake, cupcakes, party hats, presents, you name it.

They know, they are very smart.

To go off on another tangent, here is a story about WHY I love my babies so much.

When I walk into my house, they are waiting for me, with licks, and hugs. They sleep right next to DH and I, and I sometimes wake up with their faces right on our pillows.

They need US. They are like children. They cant feed themselves, bring them to the Dr when they feel sick. We go for walks, play in the backyard, play fetch INSIDE the house. If I cry, they know I am sad, and sit at my side.

I love my dogs with ALL of my heart. They are part of me, and I can't imagine my life without them, and when I do think of life without them, it brings me to tears.

Re: Taking pet ownership too far

Where else can you get such unconditional, simple love than from dogs and children?

I can't wait for that. I'm almost looking forward to it more than the house.

Re: Taking pet ownership too far