Quote Originally Posted by popcornbird
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.