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Is pet ownership destroying the lives of Americans?

post #1 of 31
7/18/06 at 10:41am
Thread Starter 
I came across this article while doing research for my term project.

http://www.american-partisan.com/col.../qtr2/0430.htm

All I have to say is: NO!! If you note the update, they received hatemail & vindictive eltters about this article. When you figure there are 77 million cats owned in the U.S. & 65 million dogs...yeah...expect some angry letters!

What do you think? I can understand the allergies & what not, but IMO, if there weren't so many cat/dogs in shelters, some pet owners wouldn't own pets....they are simply trying to do their part to help with overpopulation.
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post #2 of 31
7/18/06 at 11:09am
I think the article is exaggerated and ridiculous. There are very few statistics to back up her claims, and the ones she does have are not put into proper perspective. I can understand the hate mail!
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post #3 of 31
7/18/06 at 11:15am
I think it's safe to say that despite what this woman might think, most pet-owners do not spend thousands of dollars on a new toilet for their dog. Yes, it's true that there are a lot of poor and homeless people that need help, but I'm not sure why she chooses to target pet-owners as wasteful spenders, as opposed to all the other things people spend their money on. She seems to have a bone to pick (no pun intended) with dogs or dog-owners.
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post #4 of 31
7/18/06 at 11:47am
Is there anything like "Dog Haters Anonymous"? I think she needs a referral.
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post #5 of 31
7/18/06 at 12:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mamacat
I think it's safe to say that despite what this woman might think, most pet-owners do not spend thousands of dollars on a new toilet for their dog. Yes, it's true that there are a lot of poor and homeless people that need help, but I'm not sure why she chooses to target pet-owners as wasteful spenders, as opposed to all the other things people spend their money on. She seems to have a bone to pick (no pun intended) with dogs or dog-owners.
I would have to say that most animal lovers I know are also the most compassionate towards their fellow disadvantaged humans as well...
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post #6 of 31
7/18/06 at 12:12pm
Wow. SOMEONE needs a little more oxygen going to her brain. That article is heavily skewed. And the thought that dogs steal mommy/daddy from their kids is just silly. A friend of mine has a rescued great dane and 3 children. If anything, the dog makes them go out more, as it requires excercise and gives the kids another playmate when they're out. The dog is gently with them and not in the least agressive. I'm sure she's not the one fluke case on a planet of billions.

Not all apartment dogs have aggression issues either (and I doubt that "Dogs: the Silent Killer" will be airing on the news anytime soon.)

If find it funny that she assumes that all dog owners spend umpteen billion dollars on their pets and never go on vacation. Sounds like just another "anti-money-going-to-anything-nonhuman-because-they-are-lesser-beings-who-don't -deserve-anything" essay.. What she does not take into consideration is that many animal lovers help humans and animals alike, rather than being only caring about their dog and alienating other humans.
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post #7 of 31
7/18/06 at 1:05pm
Her essay actually strikes me as being satirical. It reminds me of an essay I read by an essay by Jonathan Swift, where he suggested that the Irish eat their poor, so they would no longer be a burden to society.

I can't imagine that anyone has actually done a study to see if owning a dog makes you lazier. I think she was just trying to get a rise out of people, though I don't really see her point. Swift was pointing out a problem that couldn't be ignored anymore by suggesting a radical means of solving it. This woman is perhaps trying to highlight the plight of America's poor by contrasting it with something ridiculous. Or perhaps spread light on the pet industry selling products that aren't beneficial to our pets. Either way, I think it was poorly constructed in it's message.

~Julia
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post #8 of 31
7/18/06 at 1:07pm
Why is it just dogs, anyway? If she really had a valid opinion instead of just hating dogs, wouldn't it be cats, ferrets, iguanas, etc? Dogs aren't the only ones who get vet care or eat food.
And I do know a single married couple who has a dog instead of kids. But. They have a lot of problems in their marriage, and don't want kids. Plus, who is she to say that every married couple needs kids, or that all seniors have to play bridge? If people are doing what they like, then they should be allowed to.

What is her solution, anyway. Outlaw pets? I agree, people with pets actually tend to be more compassionate in general, not that other people aren't, but as a trend.

Oh, and, I am scared of dogs, and severely allergic. It is an irrational fear, and yet one I solve simply. I don't rent in buildings that allow dogs! Duh. When visiting a friend with a dog I do pretty well provided I know it isn't mean, they don't have to hide them or anything. And it is much harder to find a building that allows dogs than one that doesn't.

I do not believe her stats on allergies, either. I believe Americans have spent that much money on allergy treatments, because the doc used to say, go take some benadryl and now we have new, expensive, effective treatments for it. But last time I filled my script nobody asked me if it was because I live in a building with a dog!!!
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post #9 of 31
7/18/06 at 1:14pm
I know I would be much more social and productive without my five cats. However, I would probably also die in the next five years due to a heart attack.

It is a choice between a short productive life and a long life that might not be as productive in the short term but will be productive cumulatively.
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post #10 of 31
7/18/06 at 4:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jcat
Is there anything like "Dog Haters Anonymous"? I think she needs a referral.
Haha i second that! Geesh! I don't believe i've ever heard such a rediciulous article in my life! What a complete imbesil. Haha, i hope she had a few nips in her butt on her way home from work by some friendly neighborhood dogs .What kind of hateful woman is she! just because she doesn't like animals doesn't mean she has to make up fake reasons why they are "runining" the lives of Americans. If anything, animals make wonderful companions and friends- and mine certainly don't "force me to stay home," - i enjoy spending time with them. I wouldn't have them if i didn't, and i'm sure the majority of Americans would say the same thing. She needs to take some prozac or do yoga! Crazy woman!
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post #11 of 31
7/18/06 at 4:53pm
that article ticks me off more than you know. People like her should not have animals PERIOD if she wants to think that way and bash dog owners and dogs...you know some people cannot have kids and their pets are their babies and their life and pets may be all what some people have. What a creep! I cannot believe I just read this. I think I will go hug my furbabies now.
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post #12 of 31
7/18/06 at 4:55pm
This woman strikes me as the type that is simply trying to stir the pot, similar to Ann Coulter who said all that ridiculous crap about the September 11th widows. I look at articles like this and laugh! Notice how she has NO real solutions to the problems that are created in the article.
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post #13 of 31
7/18/06 at 5:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by lookingglass
This woman strikes me as the type that is simply trying to stir the pot, similar to Ann Coulter who said all that ridiculous crap about the September 11th widows. I look at articles like this and laugh! Notice how she has NO real solutions to the problems that are created in the article.
I agree. I laughed at it. Here is a woman without a clue - she places herself and her species above everything else on the planet. She gives the human race a bad name.
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post #14 of 31
7/18/06 at 10:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Momofmany
I agree. I laughed at it. Here is a woman without a clue - she places herself and her species above everything else on the planet. She gives the human race a bad name.
exactly
Yes I do spend money on my four legged one s with fur ... I like too
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post #15 of 31
7/19/06 at 7:29am
Some of what she says makes sense, though. Some people have gone overboard with their pampering of dogs, and vets are reporting more neurotic dogs that require treatment. Thank goodness for Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer!!
She does exaggerate, but I have seen people really go overboard with all the "fancy, schmancy" for pooches - I mean - $5.00 for a dog cookie at the local grooming shop??!! But, it ain't my money, and if those people have earned it, they can spend it any ol' way they want, unless they declare bankruptcy.....now that's an issue for another thread...
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post #16 of 31
7/19/06 at 10:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by catsknowme
Some of what she says makes sense, though. Some people have gone overboard with their pampering of dogs, and vets are reporting more neurotic dogs that require treatment. Thank goodness for Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer!!
She does exaggerate, but I have seen people really go overboard with all the "fancy, schmancy" for pooches - I mean - $5.00 for a dog cookie at the local grooming shop??!! But, it ain't my money, and if those people have earned it, they can spend it any ol' way they want, unless they declare bankruptcy.....now that's an issue for another thread...
$5.00 isn't the craziest spending I've seen, but if it's their hard-earned money, whatever. In the same vein as people going nuts spending on pets, you have people on MTV spending in excess of $20,000 for each of their kids' sweet sixteen parties. A bit hard to fathom, but once again, their money and their choice.
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post #17 of 31
7/19/06 at 11:44am
This woman obviously has never owned a dog or any type of pet period. If she did she would realize that dogs force people to go outside. Dogs need to be outside to do their doggie buisness, and need walked daily, giving the dog owners an excuse to exercise, thus improving their health and quality of life. If you have a dog people are often more friendly to you, they are conversation starters. Cats, as sweet as they are do not need walked, but they provide the owner a sence of belonging and being needed. Both animals give us a good laugh when we need it the most. Both cats and dogs have been proven to lower blood pressure, and make people forget their troubles for even a few minutes. Why do you think they bring animals into hospitals and nursing homes. Dogs and cats will listen to you and never betray you and love you regardless of who are what you are.
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post #18 of 31
7/19/06 at 11:51am
Just cause some people have pets and no kids doesn't mean they'd have kids if they didn't have pets! Did that make sense?

Also, my kitties don't keep me from going out with my friends or taking vacations. They are fine on their own at home for a few hours, and if I'm gone overnight, I get a petsitter.
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post #19 of 31
7/19/06 at 10:03pm
People like her have most likely never known the joy that pets bring to your life. Whenever I run across people like that, I think "If they HAD a dog, they might not be so darn grumpy!"

I have a coffee cup with a pic of a Shih Tzu on it (I have a Shih Tzu that I love dearly) and it has a quote, I can't remember who said it, but it says something like
"If you don't have at least one dog, there may not be anything wrong with you, but there could be something wrong with your life."

that's my motto! LOL! I also have trouble trusting someone who doesn't like dogs. I can understand not wanting a dog, not wanting the responsibility, can't afford food and vet, don't have time, etc etc etc., but actually disliking dogs is beyond me. My SIL is so allergic to animals that she'd end up with a trip to the ER if she as much as set foot inside my house, but even she LIKES dogs. She just won't have one! Although I wouldn't have one (or 4!) either if being around them could kill me.
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post #20 of 31
7/20/06 at 8:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by fatkitties
I also have trouble trusting someone who doesn't like dogs. I can understand not wanting a dog, not wanting the responsibility, can't afford food and vet, don't have time, etc etc etc., but actually disliking dogs is beyond me. My SIL is so allergic to animals that she'd end up with a trip to the ER if she as much as set foot inside my house, but even she LIKES dogs. She just won't have one! Although I wouldn't have one (or 4!) either if being around them could kill me.
I agree. Its my general gauge for wanting to get to know someone better.
The only exception is one of my male best friends. He doesn't like animals at all..and we even go so far as to joke that he would only be interested in a relationship with an animal disliker...something along the lines of "must hate pets"....

He grew up in a strict rural community where companion animals were thought of as a dirty nuisance and animals were strictly utilitarian..I think he may be a better person if he took on one animal to love....
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post #21 of 31
7/20/06 at 1:26pm
I am afraid of dogs! Is that different? I totally understand why people like them, and when friends have one I'll play with it and go for walks, I've even dogsitted before. I just wouldn't personally want one.

Would you guys hate me? I'm visibly scared of any dog I don't know well, because my neighbors had a succession of dogs they abused that continually attacked me, and my mom was also when she was little and is just as scared as me. (Long story). So, do you guys dislike people who are scared of them, but can be nice once they trust a particular dog, or just people who plain don't like them for no reason?
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post #22 of 31
7/20/06 at 1:47pm
I think that's a different scenario, Zissou's mom. Its natural that if you have had bad experiences with dogs that you would be wary....

I was bitten by a Chihuahua when I was little and a large loose dominant black dog chased me to school once and jumped on me but the best friend I had at home was my first black lab mix....Its all in our first experiences..

Hopefully you will get to meet and know the good dog ambassadors out there and get over your fears! But yes, I think being scared is different than disliking an animal..
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post #23 of 31
7/20/06 at 2:05pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zissou'sMom
I am afraid of dogs! Is that different? I totally understand why people like them, and when friends have one I'll play with it and go for walks, I've even dogsitted before. I just wouldn't personally want one.

Would you guys hate me? I'm visibly scared of any dog I don't know well, because my neighbors had a succession of dogs they abused that continually attacked me, and my mom was also when she was little and is just as scared as me. (Long story). So, do you guys dislike people who are scared of them, but can be nice once they trust a particular dog, or just people who plain don't like them for no reason?

That is way differne Zissou. I could understand if that woman had an experince like you, but the article makes no sense!?! You are still caring about dogs, you still have contact with dogs, but you have no desire to own one. That's fine. But...you don't go writing an article saying that pet ownership is destoying american's lives, do you?

I will admit I am scared of Chows & Samoyeds. I've had good & bad experinces with both, but am still scared of them. Give me Rott or Pit or Am Staff anyday over a Chow or Samoyed. I have known some people who are unwilling to admit they had a horridying experince with a certain breed of dog & say they don't have a reason, they just don't like dogs. It does irritate me when people say "I just don't like them" & don't have a reason. If you took the time to get to know a dog you never know, you may like them(that wasn't aimed at you Zissou-just at people who don't like dogs & never bother to get to know them).
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post #24 of 31
7/22/06 at 2:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by white cat lover
What do you think? I can understand the allergies & what not, but IMO, if there weren't so many cat/dogs in shelters, some pet owners wouldn't own pets....they are simply trying to do their part to help with overpopulation.
Well we have to endure our neighbours smoke (both ciggies and pot) through the ventilation system. This article is just hateful IMO my neighbours never see my cats and they are still complaining and trying to get us in trouble, can't wait to move in August!
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post #25 of 31
7/22/06 at 7:45am
Whitecatlover and Loveysmummy-
I feel better now! I was just worried because so many people were saying how they could never like someone who doesn't like dogs... I have met some very nice dogs throughout my life, mostly smaller breeds like schnauzers but also a warmerreiner(sp???) and a huge, hairy dog that must have weighed 140 lbs. The ones that attacked me were all chocolate labs (I don't think they were from a real breeder).

Sims2fan your neighbors stink! That's weird that you share ventilation systems. If they complain about your cats just complain about their weed. That usually shuts them up fast, since it's illegal and cats aren't.
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post #26 of 31
7/24/06 at 2:06pm
I think that this woman made some points that I could understand, but a lot that were extreme.

I think that people with pets (or extreme animals lovers mainly) often would take a pet in before a child (just from my own experiences). That being said, humans let animals reproduce when they shouldn't causing over population, so therefore it is the human species responsibility to take care of these animals.

Dogs often are out of control and there are many dog bites, but I don't really blame the animals, I blame the owners. My small cousin was attacked by a husky and her face got mangled. I still like the breed, but the owners should have their dogs leashed or kenneled or fenced in properly.

Oh and you have to remember just because you are a good pet owner doesn't mean that applies to everyone. I know a lot of people who don't walk their dog as often as they should and so forth.

I know many people who spend thousands of trival dollars on their pets, which in my opinion is rediculous. I think as long as they get proper vet care and grooming and food and such then that should be the end of spending and if most pet owners were all that caring about their fellow humans , especially children and animals, then they'd take some of that wasted money and put it towards a good charity that helps humans and then one that helps animals, but like others have said, it is people's hard earned money to do as they please with.
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post #27 of 31
7/26/06 at 10:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by IloveSiamese
I think that people with pets (or extreme animals lovers mainly) often would take a pet in before a child (just from my own experiences). That being said, humans let animals reproduce when they shouldn't causing over population,
I know many people who spend thousands of trival dollars on their pets, which in my opinion is rediculous. I think as long as they get proper vet care and grooming and food and such then that should be the end of spending and if most pet owners were all that caring about their fellow humans , especially children and animals, then they'd take some of that wasted money and put it towards a good charity that helps humans and then one that helps animals, but like others have said, it is people's hard earned money to do as they please with.

this is the one thing that upset me the most- saying that BECAUSE someone spends a lot on a pet, that means they do not care about people

OR that the money they spend on their pets would be BETTER spent on people

ok, now lets all go to the mansions of the wealthy and tell them how much they must hate people because they spend all their money on themselves (most do, any way) and furthermore, who hire high priced lawyers to shelter much of their riches from taxes-

taxes that pay for programs for needy people, homeless people etc etc

if we are going to gang up on someone for not caring about other people, lets go for where the money really IS- with the ever growing number of wealthy people who are not only robbing the poor but are making the lives of hard working americans even tougher, as they try to make up for the lost revenue that has been basically stolen by those who can afford to do so, legally.



oh yeh, those horrible dog owners "spoiling" their pets, OMG give me a break!!

and as for the claim that people are gettign pets instead of having children

has she not heard about the over population of this planet?

she is ignorant and arrogant and really, now that i think of it, too stupid to waste any time on...

so now that i have wasted the last five minutes of my life, i am going to go pet my kitties and then order them a water fountain, i think they'd like that

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post #28 of 31
7/27/06 at 8:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by catnapt
this is the one thing that upset me the most- saying that BECAUSE someone spends a lot on a pet, that means they do not care about people

OR that the money they spend on their pets would be BETTER spent on people

ok, now lets all go to the mansions of the wealthy and tell them how much they must hate people because they spend all their money on themselves (most do, any way) and furthermore, who hire high priced lawyers to shelter much of their riches from taxes-

taxes that pay for programs for needy people, homeless people etc etc

if we are going to gang up on someone for not caring about other people, lets go for where the money really IS- with the ever growing number of wealthy people who are not only robbing the poor but are making the lives of hard working americans even tougher, as they try to make up for the lost revenue that has been basically stolen by those who can afford to do so, legally.



oh yeh, those horrible dog owners "spoiling" their pets, OMG give me a break!!

and as for the claim that people are gettign pets instead of having children

has she not heard about the over population of this planet?

she is ignorant and arrogant and really, now that i think of it, too stupid to waste any time on...

so now that i have wasted the last five minutes of my life, i am going to go pet my kitties and then order them a water fountain, i think they'd like that
I think you chose to ignore choice parts of what I was saying. I said is humans responsiblity to care for these animals, as well as our fellow humankind.

I just think that the majority of society is selfish is all and they either choose one or the other or none at all and that's what I don't like and like I said, the extreme animal lovers that I know personally either can't stand most other people or kids and seriously would save an animal before a child, man or woman.

I am planning and dedicated to becoming a foster mom to kids and cats in the future, when I'm done my education and have the finances to do so.
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post #29 of 31
7/27/06 at 9:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by IloveSiamese
the extreme animal lovers that I know personally either can't stand most other people or kids and seriously would save an animal before a child, man or woman.

You cannot honestly say that, as you've most likely never seen one or more extreme animal lovers in a position in which they had to choose whether or not to save the life of a human being. There's a difference between disliking the company of most people and harboring coldhearted hatred for them. The people who would not do it most likely would be that way whether or not they loved animals.
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post #30 of 31
7/27/06 at 11:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by IloveSiamese
I think you chose to ignore choice parts of what I was saying. I said is humans responsiblity to care for these animals, as well as our fellow humankind.

I just think that the majority of society is selfish is all and they either choose one or the other or none at all and that's what I don't like and like I said, the extreme animal lovers that I know personally either can't stand most other people or kids and seriously would save an animal before a child, man or woman.

I am planning and dedicated to becoming a foster mom to kids and cats in the future, when I'm done my education and have the finances to do so.

i was not replying to you, IloveSiamese, i was just commenting on that part of the debate.
my point was, why single out dog lovers, as opposed to, say people who love to fish?? or play golf, or anything else that involved spending money on something some one finds personally rewarding, fun or satisfying?

why single out any segment of the population and imply that THEY need to give up THEIR hobbies, their interests, or anything else that they "selfishly" spend money on,

to help those less fortunate

and if they don't

then they therefore must hate people??


its utter nonsense.

she is trying to compare apples and oranges here, and has concluded with NO BASIS in fact, that all of the apples are rotten!!!!!!!!!


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