Sometimes, when Penny is next to me on the sofa I'm startled with the knowledge that SHE'S AN ANIMAL. Just like deer, racoons, wolves, rabbits, etc. We have this 'animal' living in the house with us, sleeping with us, eating with us, being as much a part of our lives as any human could ever be.
I mean...and I think I'm saying it badly...that I never think of her as 'an animal'. She's Our Penny. Not a child, not a human, not an equal but certainly not 'an animal' either.
She's so much more than that. What? A friend, a companion, a jokester, a playmate? But definitely not 'an animal'.
I can't say I ever forget my two are animals (especially when they're wrestling around acting like wildebeests) but they definitely are so much more to me. They are my family, my buddies.. they're goofy and make me laugh, and are always there to help me through rough days. They will never just be a couple of "animals" to me..
I remember they are not human but I don't think of them as animals either. Like others have said, our pets have always been family members first and formeost. Without words they counsel, they support and they love unconditionally--I wish some humans were more like my "animals".
I think I know what you are saying. Mine are family... I don't think of them as dogs.. or even children.. It is like they are Rusty and Penny.. their own beings.. Now I am saying it badly, ha ha.. Just a dog makes me want to punch someone.. They are loving, family members a lot more loyal some some 2 legged ones I have had dealings with.
I would talk to my kids, reminding them, that Lucky is an animal capable of biting when irritated when they do "stupid" stuff like suddenly hugging his neck and sticking their face into his jaw. Their typical response....awwww Lucky won't bite me....he loves me.
So then I say...he's a dog...an animal...he certainly is capable of biting you. He loves you only when you aren't irritating him to death......
So, I guess here, Lucky is an animal that is our family member if that makes any sense.
What!?!?!?!? They are four legged furry Hoomins?? ******! I was duped. No seriously I know all my furbabies are animals I just prefer the humanized thoughts of them. *snickers*
I never refer to mine as animals, and very rarely do I call them dogs. They are the "girls", and they are definitely my best friends, companions, and the joy of my every day life. Don't know what I would do without them.
Hey, humans are just animals too, and honestly, most of the time I'd rather hang around with a Raccoon than a lot of people! Imagine how I feel about my pup!
I "humanize" the boy way too much & have (one-sided) conversations, expect that he understands things, etc. but it keeps me sane. (I think...)
My hackles rose when I read "do you forget "It" ....." If I hate to use "it" in reference to my "boys" and a couple of "girls" I guess I won't say I forget they're animals, but they are too important to me to consider them less than human.
And I talk to all of them all the time!
I know some people just don't understand, but I get a feeling that most people on this forum get it all too well.
I know what you mean. I've have similar thoughts cross my mind. I know they are animals, but they have such animated personalities that I can relate to, that it's easy to forget they are more than a common animal!
I didn't mean to offend you Marlene, or your mom. You seem very mature and responsible to me!How old are you?
My daughter's boyfriend has two dogs, one is half wolf/half shepherd and the other is a pitbull. This is an accident waiting to happen in my opinion. They had one dog, could barely afford her (she hasn't been spayed and she is one) and then he had to get this pitbull puppy, no matter how many objections my daughter made. Now he (the boyfriend) has major medical problems and medical bills. I have many issues with this situation but I stay out of it. I don't even think the puppy has had all her puppy shots. I just pray my daughter will come to her senses about this idiot. My DH and I can't believe she is with this guy.
It is so weird that you would start this thread. Yesterday, I was snuggling with Brady, and I started to think about that monkey in Conn. All the sudden, I looked at Brady, and thought - "Oh, my, he is an animal too. Capable of doing harm with his teeth if he wanted." That thought just sort of scared me for a moment.
I feel our pets though are a whole different realm then people or other animals. One can't compare the love that they have for there pets to people, not that one is greater than the other - just different.
My daughter is in kindergarten, and I have been noticing a common theme in every single paper - story or drawing she does - they talk about Brady or have a picture of an orange dog!!! I don't see any pictures of her sisters.
It is so weird that you would start this thread. Yesterday, I was snuggling with Brady, and I started to think about that monkey in Conn. All the sudden, I looked at Brady, and thought - "Oh, my, he is an animal too. Capable of doing harm with his teeth if he wanted." That thought just sort of scared me for a moment.
I think the big difference here is our dogs are DOMESTICATED.... a chimp is a WILD ANIMAL. I don't understand why these people continue to bring wild animals in their homes and expect they will just adapt to human companions and be normal and safe... stupid stupid stupid.
We're animals too, different species, and look how much harm we do! I know more kids killed in Iraq by other humans, than I do bitten by dogs, or other animals.
I forget all the time! Lucy and Jax just don't seem like "animals" to me. As a matter of fact, I actually feel guilty that I am beginning to make them sleep on the floor instead of the bed. I mean really GUILTY. It's going to be tough!
I was pretty sure I'd have a lot of company in this.
Our Penny...all our furkids, really...have everything they need to survive without us. They can chase down prey, kill it, rip it apart to eat it. They can establish a pack or become a member of one. Just like the coyotes I hear in the distance sometimes. And yet...
Penny asks so little of us. Some food and some water. She accepts the shelter and is used to it. She like the warm house in the winter, cool in the summer, dry when it's raining. A pretty good den.
In return we get so much devotion and affection. I know it's bad to have her reach out and 'paw' me, but I kind of like it when she says "pet me,mom". So I do. And I love how protective she is of us. Just this morning she sounded the alarm because a piece of KILLER NEWSPAPER was stuck on a shrub at the back of the yard. We need that protection because ya never know.
I don't think she knows we're people. I think SHE thinks we're really funny looking, dumb dogs.
From everything I've heard since the chimp story, they are the least animal you'd want around.
I think 'exotics' belong in their natural habitat where they're not exotic at all. Just part of the neighborhood.
They said the lady had lost her daughter or something and needed something to love...apparently she still have a husband. He probably would have liked just a pie or some cupcakes. Too bad she didn't get a Golden or one of those little 'puntables' that like to be dressed up.
Animals? Yes but don't tell them, they would be crushed!
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