If you know me personally, you know that I am not an "animal person." I figure it is about time I defend -- more like explain myself. I don't know what it is, but there is something in my genetic make up that does not allow me to ooh and awww over pets like some people do, whether that is dogs, cats, birds, pigs, etc. I don't dislike animals. I would never hurt one and I do get sad when I see the Sarah MacLaughlin ASPCA commercial, but then I get annoyed because that "Arms of the Angel" song that plays throughout the commercial reminds me of that annoying movie City of Angels, which reminds me of Nicolas Cage. I also think baby animals are adorable, however, that does not mean I enjoy looking at photos of other people's pets. I only need to see two maybe three photos of pets. The first one is when the pet is a baby, then when the pet is older and the third is when the pet is doing something spectacular like attempting to play a piano or flush the toilet (also that is the only time I find people's pet videos interesting). I try to like animals because I worry that my lack of gushy affection towards animals means I am capable of being a serial killer. I may not love animals but I do detest people who equivocate their pets to people-- particularly children. Pets are not children.
Perhaps my feelings towards pets can be explained by my childhood. Growing up, my family had a dog named Trixie. I'm not sure of her breed but she looked like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with slightly smaller ears. She was a cute dog and died at the age of 14. She was very sick and I actually saw her die and to my surprise, cried. I was never that close to Trixie because she was really more my brother's pet. It took me a long time to get used to her because I was terrified of dogs. When I lived in the Philippines there was this dog that terrorized my neighborhood—or maybe it terrorized me and I've been sort of afraid of dogs since.* Trixie was the first dog I petted and held. I was eight-years-old.
*I am more afraid of cats than dogs. I actually kind of like dogs now. Cats stare at you emotionless so they look like they are plotting to kill you.
Dude...I hope this post isn't directed towards SD! JK! I could not agree with you more that pets are not children. I cannot relate to how people feel that way, but if I were to get a pet, I do think I'd do the same thing. So I can't really judge. I do think it's funny that after a couple has a baby their first 'child' gets swept to the side...or should I say...they start treating their 'child' like a normal pet.
ReplyDeleteI am not a pet owner because pets die. I was so sad after my dwarf hamsters died and I only had them for 2 years max! I could not imagine losing a pet after 14 years. :-(
HA! of course this isn't directed towards SD. The other day I saw a lady "walking" her dog in a one of those dog carriages that look like baby carriages. Come on.. that is an insult to the dog! Dogs want to be free to run and walk!!
ReplyDeleteAmber it is sad losing a pet that is also another reason why I wouldn't want another one, plus I wouldn't be able to take care of a pet that well. I don't want to be home at a certain time to walk and feed a pet, so it wouldn't be fair to that animal.
I think you kind of like dogs now because of Ollie. He will eventually win you over, but only if he stays in his fence while you visit.
ReplyDeleteI am a dog person. But I totally understand people who are not into pets. I hope I'm not one of those annoying people that you detest. I admit that I do get gushy about my dog, but I try to limit that to only other dog people.
That said...
CATS ARE EVIL.
I want a kitten than when its a cat, commits sucicide. Then I can get a new kitten and not feel badly for killing hte one before it. I would like a never ending supply of kittens who never grow old, which is why I am moving closer to the freeway.
ReplyDelete