If you have pets - do you consider them as "something you own" or "part of the family"? And why?

Answer 1

My little dog is part of my family. She is my baby and I treat her as such. I have always felt a connection to animals and I volunteer time at our local animal shelter.

Dogs love unconditionally. I can fuss at my dog about something like tearing up a kleenex and she will jump right back into my lap showing me that she still loves me.

Answer 2

I guess I kind of think of my cat as belonging to me, but not own. I consider her part of the family and my friend. She's a very friendly and affectionate cat. She often sits with me at the computer or sleeps on the bed. She sleeps on my bed at night. I take her for a walks down the garden. She is very special. Also she talks to the rest of the family and spends time with them. They have personalities and emotions to. It's hard to describe really.

Answer 3

Legally, I own my pet. I paid for his shots and took him from a rescue shelter. There is a microchip in his hip with my address on it. But he is treated as one of the family. Right now he is asleep on the couch. Earlier I found him sleeping on my bed. He is very well behaved, so he can do what he pleases. He rides with me most places I go and we pretty much hang out like friends. We are both laid back observers of the world.

Answer 4

Our dog is a member of our family, but she's not treated the same way as a human child would be (even though we joke about our kids being "four-footed and furry"...). Why? Because she's more than an object or a possession - she's an individual with a personality and needs.

Answer 5

Part of the family! This view would also annoy my other (human) family members because I would keep my parrots in the living room so they could feel like their were part of a "flock" and also take them on vacations with me. I do not believe in "owning" any other living thing. I always see my pets as my companions and friends.

In fact I call birds my "feathered friends". :-)

Answer 6

I have had many pets among the years, and besides fish, had Cats/Dogs/Horses, and very much so care for them as a Family member. Easy to get attached to and have feelings and thoughts just like us, of course not in interpretable form such as human language.

Answer 7

I consider them a part of my family. They have characters and personalities and are able to communicate their needs and even some emotions. When you have a faithful dog or cat for 17 years who has done nothing but given you joy and friendship, relying on you for all their needs, you can't help but feel like they are family. To me, they are like one of the kids.

Answer 8

My furry friends are very much a part of the family.My dog,for example,is one of the most loyal animals I've ever seen.She cuddles up to us at night,found a missing dog,and is the best sheep herder in existence.My cat is quite arrogant,but if you are sick,she will stay close to you all day.My ducks always waddle around,and they just take life at a slow pace.My birds are always singing,and they are constantly happy.

Answer 9

I have birds. Birds are unlike other pets. Dogs and cats, well, they are friendly. Birds aren't, at least mine aren't! They are not really tame, and even though I've had my parakeets three years, they still get all upset when I clean their cages...which I do every single morning!

I love my birds and take good care of my birds. But it isn't the same as when I used to have a cat. I felt more of a connection to it. My birds are just pretty lovely things that I am grateful to have, for as long as I do.

Oh, and I have a canary too, in another cage, who sings so beautifully. He's actually less freaky when I clean his cage than the parakeets!

Answer 10

My dog and cats are part of my family. That doesn't mean I don't *get* that they are a dog or cats, in the same way that if a family member was blind or developmentally challenged, I would see myself as responsible for them as well -- they are what they are, and my life is immensely better for them.