Pampering your pets

[workinprogress8]

What should a pets role be in a family. I’ve met many people who treat their pets like children. :bigyikes:

I have pets, and love them, but I don’t treat them like people!

I was just wondering what you opinion on what a pets role (if any) should be in a family.

 

[Finella]

In my opinion, and in my life, pets are to be respected and loved. When we take on a pet, we take on responsibility for one of God’s creations.

I think it really depends on the individual situation as far as pampering goes. To some people, especially the elderly, pets are all they have. So if they want to treat them extra special, so what?

It is one more of those life situations that all come down to balance. If pampering your pet is just a small part of all you do, then I see no problem with it. People spend their time and money on much worse things than a living creature.

Of course, people can get really ridiculous in the name of “pampering”, lol.

Finella

p.s. maybe if you give some specific examples of what you are talking about more people will know how to respond.

 

[Mamamull]

I think one gets from a pet what they put into a pet.

That said, yes, my dogs are major parts of our family. They are not left outside (I am not accusing anyone of this) and ignored most of the time.

I try to have a reasonable pet that doesn’t drive my neighbors crazy with barking. We have trained our dog and use an invisible fence to contain her in our yard.

The dog I have now, is doing her task well. She was purchased to fill the gaping hole in my soul left by the death of our daughter. Rory, (Starbaby’s Aurora) is very astute at knowing when and how to cheer me up.

She repeats every behavior that has gotten a chuckle from me. She can hang out with me or give me something fun to do. I care for her as if she were a child – but then again I may not pamper my kids as much as some folks.

My friends think I treat my dog like a human, in that she is respected as a creature of God’s goodness.

I would say that I would rather see someone going overboard on a pet than see them neglecting the pet. Sure there are better things some people could do, but at least they aren’t doing anything horribly abusive.

 

[TreeHugger]

hi everyone,
just thought i’d share with u some numbers i’ve read in a text at school. The cost of providing basic health care needs to everyone in the world would cost somewhere around $13 billion/yr. Europe and the USA spend something like $27 billion on pets a year. i’ll check these numbers when i go home, but i think i got it right.

 

[Finella]

Mamamull:

I think one gets from a pet what they put into a pet.

That said, yes, my dogs are major parts of our family. .

Well said Mamamull !!!

To me the key is the pet being a part of the family without being equal to or more important than the human members.

I would still like to know what the original poster considers “pampering”.

Some people may accuse me of pampering my pets, but I think I just take really good care of them.

Pets have so much to teach us if we would only stop and learn. I consider my pets to be another gift from God that enriches my life beyond words.

Finella

 

[Sola]

TreeHugger:

hi everyone,
just thought i’d share with u some numbers i’ve read in a text at school. The cost of providing basic health care needs to everyone in the world would cost somewhere around $13 billion/yr. Europe and the USA spend something like $27 billion on pets a year. i’ll check these numbers when i go home, but i think i got it right.

The thing to remember is that for as many pets that are “pampered” and the recipients of coddling and accessories, there are MORE dogs and cats that are homeless, abandoned, or owned but abused and neglected.

So, sure, some of us spend lots of money, even at times ridiculous amounts, on our pets, but that doesn’t mean as a nation that the majority of dogs and cats even have their basic needs met. We continue to have an explosive pet overpopulation problem and no lack of people abusing, dragging, fighting, lighting on fire, starving, etc. their pets.

I think pampering pets is great, if you have the resources (financial and emotional). My dogs are really spoiled and they give me so much joy and pleasure, not to mention make me get some exercise. They are angels and I believe that the Lord who created them uses pets in our lives.

 

[workinprogress8]

Hello everyone.

Thanks for all your responses. I was talking about extreme pampering.
Examples:
Personalized Pillows for each dog
Dog burial in backyard (legal?)
Blankets
More pictures of dogs than grandchildren

Don’t get me wrong, I totally spoil my pets, but just not to that extreme of a level. I just think that the multitude of money spent on animals, would be better spent to support charities and church.

I pamper my pets with love, as opposed to expensive pillows. I give them little Christmas treats, and a variety of everday treats. I have no problem with that, but I think that you can go overboard.

Finella- I hope this answers your question. If you or anyone else needs any clarifications, just ask.

 

[FairyMagdelaine]

I don’t criticize anyone for loving a pet.

 

[Sola]

work(name removed by moderator)rogress8:

Hello everyone.

Thanks for all your responses. I was talking about extreme pampering.
Examples:
Personalized Pillows for each dog
Dog burial in backyard (legal?)
Blankets
More pictures of dogs than grandchildren

Hmmm, my dogs each have their own beds and blankets! And I keep blankets on the couches for 2 of them because, being thin-skinned Whippets, they get cold easily and they love to cuddle up.

One dog always sleeeps on the bed with us, another one usually comes up in the morning. The big dog stays on her nice bed on the floor.

Two dogs that we have had have died and we had both cremated and I have their ashes.

90% of any roll of film in our house is devoted to dog pictures. They’re just so cute!

I just ordered winter coats for the two Whippets as well. Our other dog is also short-haired but she’s a little thicker and not as susceptible.

I don’t care if anyone thinks I go too far.

For people who think that “that the multitude of money spent on animals, would be better spent to support charities and church” (not just you, work(name removed by moderator)rogress), that’s why there are many people in the world, so that different people can focus on different needs. And, most animal welfare organizations are charities.

 

[Linda_H]

work(name removed by moderator)rogress8:

Hello everyone.

Thanks for all your responses. I was talking about extreme pampering.
Examples:
Personalized Pillows for each dog
Dog burial in backyard (legal?)
Blankets
More pictures of dogs than grandchildren

Don’t get me wrong, I totally spoil my pets, but just not to that extreme of a level. I just think that the multitude of money spent on animals, would be better spent to support charities and church.

I pamper my pets with love, as opposed to expensive pillows. I give them little Christmas treats, and a variety of everday treats. I have no problem with that, but I think that you can go overboard.

Finella- I hope this answers your question. If you or anyone else needs any clarifications, just ask.

“Dog burial in backyard” as opposed to what, tossing them in a dumpster? Unless local law precludes it, it would be my choice.
Linda H.

 

[Finella]

work(name removed by moderator)rogress8:

Hello everyone.

Thanks for all your responses. I was talking about extreme pampering.
Examples:
Personalized Pillows for each dog
Dog burial in backyard (legal?)
Blankets
More pictures of dogs than grandchildren

Don’t get me wrong, I totally spoil my pets, but just not to that extreme of a level. I just think that the multitude of money spent on animals, would be better spent to support charities and church.

I pamper my pets with love, as opposed to expensive pillows. I give them little Christmas treats, and a variety of everday treats. I have no problem with that, but I think that you can go overboard.

Finella- I hope this answers your question. If you or anyone else needs any clarifications, just ask.

Thanks for clarifying that work(name removed by moderator)rogress.

I personally don’t see any of your examples as extreme. I’ve seen shows on tv about people who pamper their pets to the extreme!!! I’m talking puppy pedicures and spa treatments… diamond encrusted collars…expensive treats (equivalent of caviar to people) etc.

The dog burials in the backyard example would really depend on where you live and if it is legal. If you could ever see yourself moving in the future I would not want to leave my pets remains behind…plus, imagine the scare you would give the new owners if they decided to dig a new garden!!!

I would opt for cremation. Our vet works with a wonderful reputable company for this service. You can be sure that the ashes you get are really from your pet, and only your pet.

I see your point about the money being better spent on charities and the Church. But we can’t say for sure how much anyone else already does give to charities/Church. That’s where balance comes in.

I agree with the other posters who say they would rather see a pet pampered than abused or ignored. Just pay a visit to any animal shelter to see the results of pets who aren’t cared for.

I think each family has their own idea of just how and where their pet fits in. The people who have personalized puppy pillows may see some of your actions as extreme… to each his own.

Oh, and just to address the issue of more pics of pets than grandchildren… alot of times the pets are just more easily accessible for photos.

Finella

 

[SeekerJen]

work(name removed by moderator)rogress8:

Thanks for all your responses. I was talking about extreme pampering.
Examples:
Personalized Pillows for each dog
Dog burial in backyard (legal?)
Blankets
More pictures of dogs than grandchildren

I’m not sure how “burial in backyard” amounts to “extreme” pampering. We’re talking placing your beloved pet and companion in a box, spending a small amount of time to dig a hole, placing said box in hole, and filling it in- as opposed to tossing your deceased pet out with the weekly trash.

Our cats don’t have personalized stuff, but they do have cat beds (for when they aren’t sleeping on our bed). We have some photos of them, but hey, we don’t have kids yet, and our cats do funny things.

Hey, people might think we pamper our cats simply because we keep them indoors to keep them healthy and away from speeding traffic. That’s their business, not mine.

 

[renee1258]

Pets shouldn’t wear clothes.

Pampering is when it has more to do with the owner then it has to do with the love and caring of the pet. I have indoor cats, they are loved. They do have toys. They must need toys or else it is my furniture that get’s killed.

But the cats do not have a Chirstmas Stocking or get wrapped gifts at Christmas. I might do this for the sake of my young children, who would enjoy wrapping a gift up for the cats though. But I’m doing that for my kids, not the cats.

 

[lizziebeth730]

Well, it kinda depends on where the pet is living.

My dog and my car, are my babies. Tek (named for Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek [signs you love your sports team too much when you name a pet after a team member]), is a little prince. He’s a cairn terrier, and he has a warm coat, but winters here in Boston, with the windchill can get to 50 below.*** I*** don’t want to be out there in that weather, I can’t imagine Tek does either, so he gets a jacket to keep him warm, and he tends to get pieces of rock salt in between his footpads, so he gets little boots. ( This also prevents me from having to mop the floors of little footprints 3 times a day). He has a personalized dog bed, lots of chew toys, a carrier, he gets good treats (because they help to clean his teeth and dog breath is really gross), he gets fed people food that I deem acceptable ( Mostly cheese and peanut butter when he needs to take pills). If I’m going for a car ride to someplace I can take a dog, he comes with me. He’s got a several leashes and collars as well as a really awesome water/food bowl set, and the constantly refilling dog bowl (so the water doesn’t get all funkylike)

The other roommates were all very anti little dog, but now I come home, and there’s Tek sitting on the couching barking at the TV when the boys are watching sports or playing video games. Or curled up with them in their rooms watching TV.

He takes away a lot of stress in my life. When I’m sad he knows it, and lets me pet him and gives me kisses. When I’m feeling down in the dumps he’ll do something so stupid I’ll laugh, he gets me out of bed to walk him, he gives dirty looks that make me laugh too. He adds a lot to my life, so why shouldn’t I spoil him?

As for the car… it’s my first brand new car, and I’ll be paying for it for the next 6 years so I take good care of that inside (so I don’t die) and outside (so in 2009 I’m not driving a rust mobile)

 

[renee1258]

That makes sense. It defintely falls into doing it for the dog’s well being, not for yourself.

 

[Sola]

renee1258:

Pets shouldn’t wear clothes.

Sometimes, though, they should. In the cases of my Whippets, or like lizziebeth pointed out, sometimes it is not superfluous or any kind of fashion statement, but for practical, healthy reasons (just good, basic ownership).

Pampering is when it has more to do with the owner then it has to do with the love and caring of the pet.

That is a good point - who is getting the joy out of the pampering? Dogs should still get to be just dogs, running in the mud, sniffing butts, chasing squirrels, the occasional hump, the occasional eating of a dead thing.

The other roommates were all very anti little dog, but now I come home, and there’s Tek sitting on the couching barking at the TV when the boys are watching sports or playing video games. Or curled up with them in their rooms watching TV.

lizziebeth, isn’t it funny how dogs just seem to worm their way into the hearts of the unsuspecting?

 

[pennyh]

I think sometimes society views “extreme” pet owners as nuts. Medially speaking for those who are alone, pets can be that persons entire life, much like our children mean to us. I don’t compare the two as I have children and animals, so there is no comparison, however for someone who has no family especially, the pet becomes very special. The elderly who have pets tend to be happier and not feel so alone.

 

[catsrus]

My pets, 3 cats, (at the moment) 1 dog, are my children with fur. I don’t go to extremes, whatever that may be, but they are the center of my husband’s and my home life. They don’t throw tantrums, tell me “you don’t understand me!”, slam doors yelling, “I hate you!”, or have to bailed out at 2 in the morning. They stay with us when we’re sick, love us when we’re grumpy, and wouldn’t leave us if we (God forbid!) went through a windshield and were disfigured. The kids are all raised and on their own but now we have these “children” who need us and give us unconditional love. I do believe that pets are a gift and will continue to adopt them as long as I am able to care for them.

As a side note, due to the extreme expense of cremation ($300.00) at our vet, I have always brought our cats home and buried them. Since the dog weighs 80 LBS, I guess I’d better start saving now for when he goes to that big frisbee field in the sky.

 

[Jeane]

At the end of the day, my cats are all I have to come home to. I don’t have a husband, significant other, or children, but I do have cats and if I want to lavish attention on them, I will.

I do wrap small gifts for my cats at Christmas because, otherwise, I wouldn’t have any gifts to wrap. They go nuts trying to get it unwrapped and then spend most of the time chasing the wrapping paper around.

With my pets, I’ll probably have them cremated. All of my childhood pets were buried on my parents’ farm, near a tree. None of the grave markers are still standing, but I put a statue of St. Francis there a few years ago to mark the spot.

 

[JCPhoenix]

Sola:

Hmmm, my dogs each have their own beds and blankets! And I keep blankets on the couches for 2 of them because, being thin-skinned Whippets, they get cold easily and they love to cuddle up.

One dog always sleeeps on the bed with us, another one usually comes up in the morning. The big dog stays on her nice bed on the floor.

Two dogs that we have had have died and we had both cremated and I have their ashes.

90% of any roll of film in our house is devoted to dog pictures. They’re just so cute!

I just ordered winter coats for the two Whippets as well. Our other dog is also short-haired but she’s a little thicker and not as susceptible.

I don’t care if anyone thinks I go too far.

For people who think that “that the multitude of money spent on animals, would be better spent to support charities and church” (not just you, work(name removed by moderator)rogress), that’s why there are many people in the world, so that different people can focus on different needs. And, most animal welfare organizations are charities.

I don’t think you’re really"pampering" your dogs. I have a greyhound and as it gets very cold here in MN, he HAS to wear a coat, and possibly boots when we go for walks. It’s my first few months with him so so far I have only a fleece jacket with a detachable snood that cost me $24 total. I feed my 2 dogs high quality food to keep them healthy and messes minimal, and the greyhound has a few dog beds around…or old comforters retired as his dog beds! He wears another fleece at night as I keep the house cool and so far have not turned my heat on…and as I don’t have a family most of my photos are of my dogs!

But I agree with one poster who pointed out the diamond crusted collars, spa treatments, etc. This is ridiculous and frivolous. If I had this kind of money and wanted to spend it on dogs, I’d donate it to shelters or rescues for their expenses.

Thin skinned/no fat dogs like whippets, greyhounds, etc., need those extra things in some areas of the country…although I have to admit I do feel a little guilty buying the items. But to do so is right and will save you vet bills and your dogs’ health.