Karen----Would being respectful not includebeing careful of the lterms we use when discussing something controversial? Yes, we all love our pets, more than we realize sometimes, but does that make us shallow to the point of excluding friends, relatives, family, etc from that love?
The term "veggie salad" to me was one of the most offensive descriptions of a loved one afflicted to that state be it from birth, accident or whatever else?
Who is to say that no member of this forum did not have a child, relative, friend, neighbour, etc in such a state? Reading this offensive use of words would be heartbreaking not to mention disrespectful to anyone having to live through a horrible ordeal such as this.

I have to wonder at someone not being able to extend the same love they have for a pet to a human being.