This phenomenon crosses all boundries- old spinsters, gay couples, young selfish women, lonely men. It's unreal. People treat their pets like children: clothes, hats, spas, daycare, totes and carriers, hotels, (no joke), language, motivation, summer camps! The dog has become a replacement for a child especially among young selfish types who don't want the sacrifices that a child demands. Yet, they talk about their pet, carry photos of their pet as if it were their spawn. Then you have all the celebrity bimbos with their freakish miniture dogs stuffed in thousand dollar handbags. This society has reached terrifying decadence. I'm not religious, I hate religion, but the culture of death is present in this trend. Is there a psychological explanation for this?
Let me add I saw this quesiton elsewhere, but would love to see the reaction from this crowd.
2006-09-09 08:02:37 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Other - Family & Relationships
as I must addlib...I am HAPPY these nuts do not have kids of their own, probably make some really messed up adults. However, think the over extravagance should not be accepted in society.
2006-09-09 08:10:50 · update #1
Yes I have. I have even overheard two different conversations in which it was claimed that the life of the dog and the life of a child were just as important. I have had dogs and have four sons. It was the least intelligent remark I've heard anyone utter.
2006-09-09 08:08:29 · answer #1 · answered by Otis F 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
People who treat their pets as their children - the dressing, hotels, spas, special foods, etc - this has been going on for years, but has just become more avant garde since some celebrities are more open about it. It is becoming more widespread lately as it used to be just poodles, chihuahuas, pekinese and similar dogs. Now people who have other breeds or mixed breeds are joining in. At work (a university) there are at least 1/4 of the people that do this to some extent. I don't do that with my dog, but I do have a picture of her with my daughter on my desk - I think it is a cool picture. Treating a pet like people is not really selfish though. Just think what torture a poor child would go through if they did that to their pets... I consider it that they would drive a child insane with attention if the animals get that treatment. Let them lavish their money on a pet if they choose, as after all it is their money and their choice. Sometimes a person can not handle the responsibility of a child either, and a pet is the best they can do. Or perhaps they have no desire for a child - or can not have one for various reasons. Also, a child can grow up to be wonderful - or the opposite and be a terror to anyone around. At least with a pet, one knows what to expect down the road more or less. A pet will also greet you at the door with no complaints, just a lot of tail wagging to say you were missed. Some people need this assurance, and don't find it as much with their friends and family, so they cherish it - hence the attention and love they pour out for that adoring pet. The person is less lonely and it gives them a benefit that they might not have otherwise. I figure if that is the way they want to be, it does not bother me any, as long as I am not expected to join in with the pet phenomenon as you call it. I will admit that my pets get talked to and petted lots, and have sent one to a kennel that boasted of doggy camp - it was an exercise regimen of walking and training while we were gone for a week. It was great as she came back healthy and happy and we knew she received her exercise instead of being cooped up in a kennel all day. I would not do that other stuff though.
2006-09-09 15:20:22 · answer #2 · answered by still learning at 56 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's nothing new. Their have always been people who adored their pets and treated them like children. The only difference is , is that more people have spendable income now and fewer, if any, children now. The rich almost always pampered their animals. Except, instead of Louis Vuitton bags to carry them in, the servants did it.
A few of Elizabeth Taylor's husbands said they were always second to her current lap dogs. For years, she would have her dogs replaced with a 'twin' before they got old and feeble, that way she could always have a young 'Precious' and never see an aged or sick dog.
We have always had decadence, the difference is the publicity and tabloids.
I call my son's wolf-husky mixes my grand dogs, love them much, don't spoil my old dog much, just some steak once in a while, a warm place by the fire, and lots of attention.
2006-09-09 15:15:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I don't see it as scary at all. I think people go a little far with doing all the things you said but, it's their money to do with what they want. What IS scary, are the people having kids who don't want them and mistreat them. Maybe the people you talk about aren't selfish at all. Maybe they love dogs and don't want to bring a child into the world when they don't want one. I have children and love them, I also have a dog and love it too. The best of both worlds. :) And there's nothing freakish about small dogs. If a person lives in a small home it would be selfish to get a big dog who needs more exersize. Let people live their own lives and stop being so opinionated and judgemental. And you hate religion? You hate a lot don't you? I'm sorry for you.
2006-09-09 15:14:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I'll proudly admit that I love my pet as if I would a child. No, I don't put clothes on her, nor do I send her to any pet spas or hotels, but she does have health insurance, which is wise for any responsible pet owner to have.
I guess my question to you would be why do you care, anyway? Are these type of pet owners ruining the ozone layer, or putting a financial burden onto society???? I mean, who cares? Having a pet is a choice I've made because it's the right choice for me. It has nothing to do with being selfish . I honestly don't want to have children. I've known it since I was 16 years old. I don't want to give birth to a child and raise it for 18+ years. Period. I do, however want a pet, and I have one. She is the light of my life, and I love her to pieces
How about your next post addressing a real issue, like parents who have children and then leave them for society to raise? Now that is something worth having a discussion about.
2006-09-09 15:17:39 · answer #5 · answered by Taffi 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
hi minx! been awhile... I happen to be one of those people who puts clothes on my dog. I even make most of them myself. She's a little dog, and is a variety of a breed that doesn't have a lot of body hair..so I feel somewhat justified in putting her in clothes. When we go for a walk, I carry her most of the way because the gravel and rough asphalt hurts her little paws. I have an almost grown daughter, but taking care of tipsy sorta like a little child is probably helping me get over the hurt of not being able to have more children. I have a lot of maternal instinct and nurturing left.
2006-09-09 16:28:25 · answer #6 · answered by pink_polar_bear_66 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So what is your point? You think people who are not prepared for the responsibility of children should have them anyway? If they prefer to fuss over an animal that's their business. It does seem like a waste when there are so many destitute orphans in the world would love the decadent, extravagence the the west pours into animals. The world is unfair.
2006-09-09 15:06:22 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
My mother never gave us kids much affection when we were little
she wasnt mean to us just a liitle cold no hugs no kisses when went to school ex. ex. I know boo hoo for us...but what is wierd
she always loved her little dog, spoiles it, baby talks to it,
as a parent now shower my kids with affection even now when they are teenagers at least once a day I give huggs tell them I love them and we never had a dog
2006-09-09 15:14:07 · answer #8 · answered by Richie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do you care? I think it's great that people care about their animals. You should be more worried about the people that DO have children and treat them like crap! Also, who are you to decide how a pet owner treats his/her pet. It's better to treat them like little kings and queens rather than just having a dog or cat that you feed and never pay attention to.
You definitely have too much time on your hands if this is the sort of thing you are worried about.
2006-09-09 15:06:51 · answer #9 · answered by LB 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
I would give to every man that threat a pet like a person, a picture of an African child needing food.
2006-09-09 15:04:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋