You all do have a point about the abuse - and my siblings and I have gotten help (most of us anyway).

But please don't think I was looking for sympathy! I just wanted everybody to understand that there are often hidden reasons why people do the things they do and think the way they do.

Would it have been my fault if I had continued to believe that animals were simply possessions? After 18 years of having it so forcefully ingrained into me?

And the things other parents do may not be as obvious but they are just as bad. How many children have the same 3 rules for example? LOTS, though the rules may not be spoken. How many children do have to lay in bed worrying about their poor pets out in the cold and damp without good vet care? Well - count the # of houses with dogs tied up outside and that should give you a good idea.

By the time they grow up their hearts have hardened toward animals and they feel the same way!

So if a child (adult or not) of such parents comes into this forum with some of those same beliefs - well - at least they're here where we can teach them to love and respect the animals. I think that's what we're here for and that should be our common goal. We should band together to make the world a better place for animals!