What separates the REAL pet lovers from the pet owners....

[MajesticCollies]

Does sleeping on your pillow after the dog drooled on it count. Then I'm guilty as a pet lover!

[GreyhoundGirl]

If this is anything to go by, I guess I'm not an animal lover.

[kimlovescats]

I don't think it is fair to say that parties or gift giving makes one a better or worse pet lover / owner.

To me the difference is that a pet "owner" simply throws food and water in the direction of the animal, and doesn't give it attention, or health care!

A pet LOVER provides for ALL of the animals needs ... food, shelter, health care, exercise and ATTENTION!!!

[dogzr#1]

I may not bake my dogs a cake on their birthday or throw them a party, heck, I didn't even celebrate MY birthday! But, I still give them an extra treat and buy them a toy or something. Is it ridiculous to throw them a party etc.? A bit, but I'm sure if I had the resources I would do it too!

On the note of dressing up and getting presents etc., my dogs don't really like to do either. I sometimes dress them up with my clothes just because I think they look cute. They don't seemed to thrilled at it, and that's why I only leave the clothes on for a couple minutes, just enough time to take a couple pictures.
They don't like to open presents much either. We would always give them a present on Christmas but they would always need some help to get it opened first. If we got to Petsmart or something and come back with toys for them, you betcha they get excited! They somehow know it's for them and can tell the difference between regular groceries that we buy.

But, if that's the way you can tell if you are a pet lover...them I'm not one.

[vinjashira]

But, if that's the way you can tell if you are a pet lover...them I'm not one.

I respectfully disagree

I know people throw parties, buy presents, etc because they love their pets and that is fine but it's not what seperates Pet Lovers from Pet Owners.

[popcornbird]

Its kind of funny how so many of you interpreted my post and responded in a not-so-nice way, after knowing me for the past 4-5 years, and knowing how much I love animals.

I did not say throwing parties for pets is ridiculous. I said SOME things people do for pets is ridiculous. What I mean by that is, too much of anything is good for nothing. I also like to get my pets special treats and toys on special days, but I do it more for my happiness (meaning, my happiness to do it on that particular day). Of course it makes them happy to have special treats, and to have new toys to play with, but again, they don't know the occasion, or why that day is special. They just know they're being pampered on that day. The special treats, toys, attention makes the pet happy, but doing it on that 'particular day' makes the human happy. THAT is what I meant.

If I had a cat, our bed would be its bed too. Both my husband and I love sleeping with cats. I'm not into throwing parties for animals. Who would I invite. 'Their' friends? Birds don't get happy when there are too many people over. Many cats get upset with lots of guests too. Dogs? I don't have a dog, but I know they do love attention. Most of my post was referring to what I would, or wouldn't do for my pets. My pets are not dogs. They don't like things dogs would like.

As to pets being children, if you had all read my post more clearly, I said that we like to treat them as babies, and added that I do too. I tell everyone my pets are my babies. I was speaking of reality though. When I have my first child, I will not, by any means, love my pets less. I do, however, draw a line between human children, and pet 'children'. They are different. They're not the same...and no matter what anyone says, they will never be the same. That doesn't mean the lives of animals are less valuable. That just means they are different, have different needs, different wants, different requirements in care. I call my pets my babies, and love them like my babies, but the fact is, when I do have a baby, there will be a big difference between them. A baby is a baby, a dog is a dog, a cat is a cat, a bird is a bird. Its a shame that anyone would consider a pet owner who doesn't give their pets parties, or bake them cakes, any less of a 'pet lover'. As long as you take an animal in, care for it, feed it, provide it with medical attention as needed, play with it, give it attention, you're doing good to the animal. Doing beyond that is a personal choice. Some things are cute. Other things go beyond necessity. If that's what one likes, then so be it. When I have human children, I will be giving them all the love they deserve, spoiling them, etc., but I won't go beyond the limits, as spoiling a kid too much can result in an overly spoiled child. There's a limit to everything.

That being said, I have the full right to stand by my opinion. I love animals to the point that many people think I'm crazy over them, but I will never go to the extent of comparing them with children. You can't compare apples with oranges.

[vinjashira]

I don't think it is fair to say that parties or gift giving makes one a better or worse pet lover / owner.

To me the difference is that a pet "owner" simply throws food and water in the direction of the animal, and doesn't give it attention, or health care!

A pet LOVER provides for ALL of the animals needs ... food, shelter, health care, exercise and ATTENTION!!!

you said it a lot better - I can not agree with you more

[Zippy]

My pets are my babies.I give them b-day presents and a special dinner but they are spolied all year long but I do love to honor the day they were born andcame into my life and changed it forever for the better.

[shais_mom]

Its kind of funny how so many of you interpreted my post and responded in a not-so-nice way, after knowing me for the past 4-5 years, and knowing how much I love animals.

I did not say throwing parties for pets is ridiculous. I said SOME things people do for pets is ridiculous. What I mean by that is, too much of anything is good for nothing. I also like to get my pets special treats and toys on special days, but I do it more for my happiness (meaning, my happiness to do it on that particular day). Of course it makes them happy to have special treats, and to have new toys to play with, but again, they don't know the occasion, or why that day is special. They just know they're being pampered on that day. The special treats, toys, attention makes the pet happy, but doing it on that 'particular day' makes the human happy. THAT is what I meant.

If I had a cat, our bed would be its bed too. Both my husband and I love sleeping with cats. I'm not into throwing parties for animals. Who would I invite. 'Their' friends? Birds don't get happy when there are too many people over. Many cats get upset with lots of guests too. Dogs? I don't have a dog, but I know they do love attention. Most of my post was referring to what I would, or wouldn't do for my pets. My pets are not dogs. They don't like things dogs would like.

As to pets being children, if you had all read my post more clearly, I said that we like to treat them as babies, and added that I do too. I tell everyone my pets are my babies. I was speaking of reality though. When I have my first child, I will not, by any means, love my pets less. I do, however, draw a line between human children, and pet 'children'. They are different. They're not the same...and no matter what anyone says, they will never be the same. That doesn't mean the lives of animals are less valuable. That just means they are different, have different needs, different wants, different requirements in care. I call my pets my babies, and love them like my babies, but the fact is, when I do have a baby, there will be a big difference between them. A baby is a baby, a dog is a dog, a cat is a cat, a bird is a bird. Its a shame that anyone would consider a pet owner who doesn't give their pets parties, or bake them cakes, any less of a 'pet lover'. As long as you take an animal in, care for it, feed it, provide it with medical attention as needed, play with it, give it attention, you're doing good to the animal. Doing beyond that is a personal choice. Some things are cute. Other things go beyond necessity. If that's what one likes, then so be it. When I have human children, I will be giving them all the love they deserve, spoiling them, etc., but I won't go beyond the limits, as spoiling a kid too much can result in an overly spoiled child. There's a limit to everything.

That being said, I have the full right to stand by my opinion. I love animals to the point that many people think I'm crazy over them, but I will never go to the extent of comparing them with children. You can't compare apples with oranges.

I am quite glad that you clarified yourself Pops- I was worried that getting married had changed you or something like you weren't one of us anymore!!

For those of you who said - If this is the standard then I am not an animal lover I think you also intepretated it wrong. NO ONE is saying how you love your animals is right or wrong. I consider myself a HUGE animal lover. Do I love birds? Not as pets - I like to look at them yes (eagles, hawks, hummingbirds, cardinals etc) but they just aren't for me. Do I love reptiles and Rodents? No to that also - that doesn't make me a bad person nor less of an animal lover - I don't think.

[Twisterdog]

I said SOME things people do for pets is ridiculous. What I mean by that is, too much of anything is good for nothing. I also like to get my pets special treats and toys on special days, but I do it more for my happiness (meaning, my happiness to do it on that particular day). Of course it makes them happy to have special treats, and to have new toys to play with, but again, they don't know the occasion, or why that day is special. They just know they're being pampered on that day. The special treats, toys, attention makes the pet happy, but doing it on that 'particular day' makes the human happy. THAT is what I meant.

If I had a cat, our bed would be its bed too. Both my husband and I love sleeping with cats. I'm not into throwing parties for animals. Who would I invite. 'Their' friends? Birds don't get happy when there are too many people over. Many cats get upset with lots of guests too. Dogs? I don't have a dog, but I know they do love attention. Most of my post was referring to what I would, or wouldn't do for my pets. My pets are not dogs. They don't like things dogs would like.

As to pets being children, if you had all read my post more clearly, I said that we like to treat them as babies, and added that I do too. I tell everyone my pets are my babies. I was speaking of reality though. When I have my first child, I will not, by any means, love my pets less. I do, however, draw a line between human children, and pet 'children'. They are different. They're not the same...and no matter what anyone says, they will never be the same. That doesn't mean the lives of animals are less valuable. That just means they are different, have different needs, different wants, different requirements in care. I call my pets my babies, and love them like my babies, but the fact is, when I do have a baby, there will be a big difference between them. A baby is a baby, a dog is a dog, a cat is a cat, a bird is a bird. Its a shame that anyone would consider a pet owner who doesn't give their pets parties, or bake them cakes, any less of a 'pet lover'. As long as you take an animal in, care for it, feed it, provide it with medical attention as needed, play with it, give it attention, you're doing good to the animal. Doing beyond that is a personal choice. Some things are cute. Other things go beyond necessity. If that's what one likes, then so be it. When I have human children, I will be giving them all the love they deserve, spoiling them, etc., but I won't go beyond the limits, as spoiling a kid too much can result in an overly spoiled child. There's a limit to everything.

That being said, I have the full right to stand by my opinion. I love animals to the point that many people think I'm crazy over them, but I will never go to the extent of comparing them with children. You can't compare apples with oranges.

Well said, Popcornbird. I agree completely. I, too, love my pets very much. But my dog is not my child. It's my dog. My friend, my companion - yes. My child - no.

I think it's just great if someone has the time and money to throw their dog a party. I also think it's just fine if you don't. I have no idea when my dog's birthdays are, nor do I really care. They get treated well 365 days per year. I do well to remember my family's birthdays sometimes!

I think if you like to sleep with your pet, that's great. I also think it is just fine if your pet has its own bed on the floor. Personally, the thought of sleeping in dog hair just completely grosses me. My dogs sleep in their own bed. I prefer to sleep only with my husband, thanks.

So, do I not love my pets? Am I "just a pet owner"? I think not.

[k9krazee]

This thread seriously made me laugh. Nobody should have to justify whether they're 'pet owners' or 'pet lovers'..

Anybody on this forum is obviously a pet lover, why else would you spend time on a pet related site???

[caseysmom]

PCB, I think everyone is entitled to their own opinion on this. As long as the pet is cared for and loved we all have different ways of showing our love. I don't think you really meant to call anyone ridiculous. Its hard on internet forums...heck its hard in person sometimes to convey our feelings.

I have seen so many mistreated animals that I am so thankful for anyone who loves and takes care of their animals, and if they want to have a party more power to them.

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

GUILTY .....

My pets get a special meal and treats on their birthday, a new toy, and tons of kissies! Sometimes I organize a "virtual" party : that of course is only fun for ME, but nothing wrong with that, he he
I also put a present under the X-mas tree for my cats !

I know, I am catcrazy

[pitc9]

This thread seriously made me laugh. Nobody should have to justify whether their 'pet owners' or 'pet lovers'..

Anybody on this forum is obviously a pet lover, why else would you spend time on a pet related site???

EXACTLY!!!!!!