I think it's a bit silly to get all worked up over what term one person uses versus another towards their dogs. Personally of the two, I'd think of myself as guardian more than "owner." I am my car's owner or my computer's owner. I take care of them, but I do not love them nor they me. If I neglect caring for them only I pay the consequences, not them.

Because I might use guardian or even "furmom" or 'parent' doesn't mean in any way I'm more likely to spoil them than if I called myself owner. Should parents call themselves something different to their children so they won't be as likely to spoil them? Well, kids are already suing their parents nowdays.

Guardian implies one who is in charge and responsible for another's life and well being. To me that seems to fit the situation of human and pet pretty aptly.

On the other hand I'm not going to care or get worked up if a book uses owner or if someone else refers to me as my dogs' owner either. People are way too caught up in what is "PC" and what sounds and looks good.

I also totally disagree with the article stating that guardianship implies equality. Parents are considered guardians to their children, elderly people with dementia have guardians who must make decisions for them because they are unable to anymore. When did guardianship come to mean equality? To me "friend" means equality. When I was in school and about to go on a field trip, I had to have my guardian's signature on the form before I could go. That doesn't sound like equality to me, that sounds like a guardian decides what is best for me and gives or does not give permission.