9 years ago my doctor said I could never have children. So, I figured, since I couldn't make my own babies, I'd raise a dog. Since the day I brought her home, I've treated her like a child. In my eyes, she IS my child. Everyone I know says I'm nuts. What do you think?
2006-11-29 17:34:51 · 14 answers · asked by Tammy C 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I think that is fantastic!
My Snoopy is just like my own child...
...they thrive off the attention and nothing is better than that lil puppy dog face thank you.
Awww
2006-11-29 18:05:20 · answer #1 · answered by Kridwen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that you're nuts at all. It seems that you used the dog as a coping mechanism to deal with the fact that you would be unable to have children of your own. Some people in your situation may choose to adopt a child most don't and a pet could be a good alternative. Plus I know people who have children and dogs and treat their pet this way so I don't think you re nuts.
2006-11-29 17:39:03 · answer #2 · answered by pintoguinness37 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd say about 1/2 of the people I know treat their pets like they are their children. The bond of love between a dog and it's parent is a strong one on both sides so I don't think there's anything wrong with having four legged "babies".
Before I had my kids, my pets were very much my babies. I suspect that when both my boys are gone, my dog and cat will help fill the void and have a bigger part of my life again.
2006-11-29 17:40:31 · answer #3 · answered by Canadian_mom 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course you're not nuts. Unless you're enrolling her in human schools or something....
We all have our own ways of making a family. For some it's a spouse/partner and biological or adopted kids, for some it's foster kids, for some it's a close group of friends or roommates, for some it's companion animals, for some it's just being alone. Unless your relationship with your dog is detrimentally affecting your health, job, etc., it's not really a problem.
Of course you have to accommodate your friends to some extent--e.g. if someone is allergic to your dog, you should leave your dog at home when with that person. But there are plenty of others out there who treat their companion animals like family!
2006-11-29 17:43:09 · answer #4 · answered by PennyPoodle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope. I treat my dogs and cat like members of the family, and I'm not nuts.
I mean, think about it. African Grey parrots have about the mental capacity of a 5-year-old child. Do you treat your 5-year-old like a human being? Of course. Our dogs may not be *quite* that smart, but I'd say they're more intelligent than a newborn baby, right? Why shouldn't you treat them like family?
I do draw the line at things like bringing them everywhere and seating them at the table. They ARE still dogs. It's not appropriate to seat a newborn at the table and hand them a plate of Hamburger Helper, either ... it's not what they need.
It's fine for you to think of her as your child. She probably thinks she is, too! I know my youngest dog behaves as if I'm her mother, and my cat really thinks I AM. I bottle-fed her when she was rejected my her real momma. So why wouldn't she think she's my family?
When (if) I do have kids, maybe the animals will become less important. Maybe not. But they'll still be part of my family. I'll still have pictures of them, buy the best food I can afford for them, etc.
2006-11-29 18:14:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The dogs in my home are just as important as the human children. They have pictures on the wall, right with my kids photos. We love them very much and wouldn't want to be without them. You are not nuts for loving you animal so much. Wish more people actually did.
2006-11-29 17:48:34 · answer #6 · answered by Shadow's Melon 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your not nuts. Other people see their dogs as their soul mates. I'm crazy myself because I'm sure I'll feel that way about mine when I get her. I could never open to a human like I can to my dogs. They're so awesome, love them so much!
2006-11-29 18:33:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't want kids, so my dog is totally my baby!! All my friends and family think I'm nuts too, so you're not alone. I don't care what they think though. My dog is everything to me.
2006-11-29 20:27:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no..i don't think that you are nuts...i treat my dog like she is my child....you have to take care of the dog like you do with children...they need love,food and shelter...and you are doing the same with your dog...that is your child...don't listen to anyone.your fine..:)
2006-11-30 03:38:25 · answer #9 · answered by tigger4tracy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I don't think ur nut...Ur a loving person who has alot of loves for animals.
2006-11-29 17:43:22 · answer #10 · answered by Infinite 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋