Amazing pet owners. Even they can learn, even tho it took years of adapting, that " walking the dog" is not a code word for having the neighborhood have to clean up the packages left behind by their precious babies!!
11
PETA said it the best:
A pet is a 10-20 year emotional and financial commitment.
They said this around Christmas time when there is a greater tendency for people to give pets as gifts.
A pet is a 10-20 year emotional and financial commitment.
They said this around Christmas time when there is a greater tendency for people to give pets as gifts.
25
Pet ownership is slavery. Many pet owners think that are for animal rights. They are not.
Often they are against meat eating - eating is what is needed for survival. Pet ownership is just self-indulgence. It is slavery for the pleasure of the owner.
Dogs, for instance, are pack animals. They should be with other dogs - not in your house or apartment. You force sterilize them. You keep cats from hunting. Often you declaw them, making them helpless. How can you call yourselves animal lovers.
Often they are against meat eating - eating is what is needed for survival. Pet ownership is just self-indulgence. It is slavery for the pleasure of the owner.
Dogs, for instance, are pack animals. They should be with other dogs - not in your house or apartment. You force sterilize them. You keep cats from hunting. Often you declaw them, making them helpless. How can you call yourselves animal lovers.
15
How many PEOPLE spend their weekdays inside and alone, save for the one or two times a coworker or neighbor drops by for a few minutes to chat briefly? Is it going too far to suggest that these people are suffering?
67
I am my dog's human, not his owner.
35
I think if you live in an apartment in New York City and work all day you probably should not own a dog.
57
Please help your pet maintain a healthy weight.
20
Yes, people are misguided in referring to an animal as a "pet".
They are not pets.
The fact is that the animal has chosen you to be its "staff member" and you are responsible for meeting its every need and whim.
They are not pets.
The fact is that the animal has chosen you to be its "staff member" and you are responsible for meeting its every need and whim.
23
Wonderful article. Thank you.
31
My Granddaughters desperately wanted a dog and two years ago my daughter and son in law bought a dog. Because I spend a lot of time there they did a lot of research and got aGoldenDoodle....she doesn't bother my asthma at all....I can cuddle her and play with her and I have no trouble breathing. I go over every day and stay with her and play with her. We take walks or sit on the porch.....she loves to run around for about twenty minutes and then she's just comes over to me and lays down on my feet and goes to sleep. I take her with me in the car. She loves riding in the car. I can't tell you how this dog has enriched my life. I had never had a pet because of the asthma. At 70 I had my first relationship with a pet. I can't imagine my life without her. We keep her crate time to a minimum.......I look forward to seeing her everyday....I miss her when I go home at night. I think it's sad if dogs have to be alone all day or in crates for hours at a time. Our Doodle is such a social dog.....she loves being with people and meeting people. Two years ago I had no idea what wonderful creatures dogs are. They love us totally unconditionally.....we must love them back the same.
68
Yes, and for god sakes, do not buy dogs or cats at pet stores or from breeders! Millions get put to sleep every year!
60
I would like to see more empathic articles like this in the NYT. Animals, their behaviour and their needs were overlooked for a long time.
76
Puppy mills. Pet stores selling animals. Backyard breeders.
The buying and selling of living creatures for profit is the problem.
The buying and selling of living creatures for profit is the problem.
39
Thank you for bringing up this subject. By all means, far too many pets are not given the care they deserve and too many people, either through ignorance or neglect, cause harm.
But as far as a general principle AGAINST the keeping of animal companions, I would make a case that there is nothing ethically wrong in doing so with animal species such as dogs and cats, that have a long history of close human contact.
As support I will mention this one fact, told to me by my veterinarian. A typical 'feral' cat, living outdoors, will live 3-4 years, whereas a well cared for house cat will typically live 15-20 years.
But as far as a general principle AGAINST the keeping of animal companions, I would make a case that there is nothing ethically wrong in doing so with animal species such as dogs and cats, that have a long history of close human contact.
As support I will mention this one fact, told to me by my veterinarian. A typical 'feral' cat, living outdoors, will live 3-4 years, whereas a well cared for house cat will typically live 15-20 years.
10
Great column.
Eating some animals while "loving" others is a form of slavery, of using animals for humans wants and needs, taking them out of their natural environment. Having that discussion may lead to problem solving in other areas . . . .to think about creatures without putting oneself at the top of the pyramid.
Eating some animals while "loving" others is a form of slavery, of using animals for humans wants and needs, taking them out of their natural environment. Having that discussion may lead to problem solving in other areas . . . .to think about creatures without putting oneself at the top of the pyramid.
2
What do you want to really say here? People are dumb, selfish and don't particularly think too hard about the impact of their actions? I dont know if you live in the greater NYC area, but just spend 20 minutes in a car and you'll see how true that is.
But more to the point, your lament is a result of the continually increasing mechanisation and industrialization of food and just about every manufactured experience from Disney Land to Facebook. How can we treat a "pet" as semi/para/potentially sentient if we cannot even appreciate that in our HUMAN neighbor?
I have had pets my whole life, grew up on a small scale farm, and have always thought people who say animals are dumb are less than animals in their own understanding of the natural world.
But more to the point, your lament is a result of the continually increasing mechanisation and industrialization of food and just about every manufactured experience from Disney Land to Facebook. How can we treat a "pet" as semi/para/potentially sentient if we cannot even appreciate that in our HUMAN neighbor?
I have had pets my whole life, grew up on a small scale farm, and have always thought people who say animals are dumb are less than animals in their own understanding of the natural world.
15
"If we buy fewer dogs and cats from breeders and pet stores, the pet population boom might gradually taper off..."
Wishful thinking.
Wishful thinking.
10
Thank you.
Excellent points that all who care about animals' wellbeing, and not just about indulging our own convenience and cuddle needs, will want to think about.
Excellent points that all who care about animals' wellbeing, and not just about indulging our own convenience and cuddle needs, will want to think about.
13
Only people should be cooped up in cages in high rise apartments and condos!
14
Consider enriching your dog's life with training for fun. My dogs love to learn and earn treats or kibble. If you don't have time for in person classes, there are classes online now in nosework, Treibball, tracking, freestyle, obedience, shaping, core exercise, agility, etc. Or look at YouTube for ideas for dog tricks.
6
How come you don't mention pet birds? Birds are known to pluck out their own feathers due to stresses in their life. You might wonder what stresses if the bird has food and water. But nirds are very social animals. I am the flock leader of my home and each bird has time one and one with me. They also play within their flock. Deny a bird this and you will see anti social behavior.
18
It surprises me that a bioethicist would ever have kept a single gold-fish or a gecko as a pet. I wouldn't think you'd need to b e a bioethicist to realise that's a very inhumane way of keeping these types of animals.
16
The author manages to raise critically important issues while simultaneously demonstrating her own ignorance.Many of the issues she describes as "trends"are yet another symptom of our current culture,in which parents are older children rather than adults.Any thinking adult would appreciate the inappropriateness of small spaces and isolation for critters of any size(even if they look cute or do "hilarious" things),just as well as they would the cruelty of zoos and circuses. With regard to dogs and cats,(particularly dogs),responsible,thinking adults do recognize that selflessness is key and providing socialization,exercise ,a diet specific to the species and the like are key to the health and happiness of their pets.Those of us who remain children most of our lives ,on the other hand,are seduced by advertising,buy pets on a whim,think of them in human terms or as possessions,or, worst of all,consider them primarily as toys and sources of amusement for their own offspring or families.
8
My neighbor's boxer is bored. She bounds out of her doggie door everytime she hears anything including leaves blowing or me trying to enjoy my yard. She barks and barks and barks until I get a migraine. They don't walk her or do anything yet they are retired and healthy so I don't get it.
Boxers are hyper and the dog needs exercise and diversion. Meanwhile, I am a miserable neighbor. The experience has really turned me against any dog owner who allows their dog to be outdoors unsupervised.
I will soon begin timing the barking. Fortunately after three 20 minute sessions the owners are fined. To all of you reading this -- if your dog barks in your yard -- there is a neighbor out there who absolutely despises you, and this experience has turned me into a dog hater.
Boxers are hyper and the dog needs exercise and diversion. Meanwhile, I am a miserable neighbor. The experience has really turned me against any dog owner who allows their dog to be outdoors unsupervised.
I will soon begin timing the barking. Fortunately after three 20 minute sessions the owners are fined. To all of you reading this -- if your dog barks in your yard -- there is a neighbor out there who absolutely despises you, and this experience has turned me into a dog hater.
59
This is too simplistic. Pets and humans benefit from their relationship. Yes, improper care of any animal, including humans, is not a the way to go about it. But you risk starting folks poo pooing pets and looking at others like they do smokers today. Be careful for what you ask.
21
Buying animals from breeders under any circumstances is unethical.
20
A couple suggestions to alleviate pet boredom:
Give access to a window so they can see outside. If your dog is small, put an ottoman with pet stairs leading to it in front of the window.
Buy a treat dispenser with varying levels of difficulty and put their kibble or treats in it.
Leave a radio on either NPR (soothing voices) or classical music while you're away.
If you have one pet, consider getting a companion such as another dog (or cat if it's compatible - and vice versa if your pet's a cat).
Give access to a window so they can see outside. If your dog is small, put an ottoman with pet stairs leading to it in front of the window.
Buy a treat dispenser with varying levels of difficulty and put their kibble or treats in it.
Leave a radio on either NPR (soothing voices) or classical music while you're away.
If you have one pet, consider getting a companion such as another dog (or cat if it's compatible - and vice versa if your pet's a cat).
30
Walk your dog it is good for both of you. I walk mine everyday, I'll let the house work slide a bit and grab a salad from the store just so I can make time to walk my dog for an hour and a half. He deserves that. Moreover my Dr is thrilled every time he checks my heart rate. More than toys or organic dog food a dog loves to go for walks.
28
We're always being told how to treat our spouses and our kids and co-workers. Now, some pet owner comes along to tell us how to be with our pets. Give me a break.
5
While I agree with the authors views on Birds, Gold Fish, Hermit Crabs etc., I don't agree with her comments on Dogs and Cats. Dogs and Cats have uniquely adapted to humans as companion pets. Whether you live in an apartment or in the countryside, there is a dog to fit your need. She is also speaking for the pet shelter industry which sells pets after castrating and mutilating them (My local pet shelter sells its mangy mutts, age and temperament unknown for $ 300 claiming it covers their costs). If you want to get a dog, get one from a breeder, you will get a high quality pure bred pet which at 8-10 weeks age is unlikely to have been mistreated (unless the breeder is puppy mill). The breeders don't charge much more for their pets and you will have better luck getting the dog you will love forever.
5
No one, ever, should be buying pets from breeders or pet stores. Rescue the ones your fellow human have abandoned.
11
After reading "Do Fish Feel Pain?" by Victoria Braithwaite, I couldn't see fishing in the same way ever again. They do. This is a great article. Sadly, not many of us want to say no, not because we're cruel, but because we don't know what an animal needs.
3
People have the terrible habit of turning small pets they've become bored with loose in our parks and streams. It's cruel to the animal and dangerous to the environment. The hamster or canary you 'free' will likely starve or become someone else's lunch.
3
I hear this. I got a rabbit several years ago and I just know I'm not able to provide him what he needs in terms of stimulation or attention. He's a sweetheart and I feel bad, I just was not very rabbit-knowledgeable when I got him. And the shelters are overrun with rabbits, and I'm his third home!
2
Wild dogs live in packs, and they wake up in the morning and start walking. So it figures that suburban domestic dogs don't want to be alone -- at all -- and want to walk -- a lot.
5
I have a dog and I often wonder "who saved whom?"
6
There are some real concerns about making sure pets have proper environment. That really is different from saying we shouldn't keep pets at all. We keep birds; birds are social animals and need a flock. You shouldn't keep a lone parrot. You shouldn't keep birds in small cages. But keeping a pair of finches in a proper flight cage will lead to happy birds.
4
I don't think my dog is lonely, but occasionally she seems stumped by Derrida and cannot abide anything by Rimbaud being read aloud to her while she dines.
14
Buying a bird is the worst, they almost always outlive their owners, who they bond to, like a mate. Don't buy a long lived bird from a breeder, get a rescue. Anything else is animal cruelty.
9
A. When every dog and every cat has a home, then we can worry about their boredom.
B. Dog breeders are frankly evil. Millions of dogs are killed every year for the lack of a good home; we don't need more, just so that silly, poorly educated people can get one that matches their handbags.
B. Dog breeders are frankly evil. Millions of dogs are killed every year for the lack of a good home; we don't need more, just so that silly, poorly educated people can get one that matches their handbags.
9
We'll soon have lots of time to think about this matter. Someone recently said that in future, humans would become robot's pets. That someone was Bill Gates.
5
If your pet will spend most of the time alone (dogs, cats) then don't have them.
8
I've always owned two dogs just for this reason. I have noticed how lonely single dogs are, and I have no question that my dogs "entertain" each other, or at least find the other's presence comforting.
I tell people, "If you're going to have one, you might as well have two." I can't figure out why people don't understand this.
I tell people, "If you're going to have one, you might as well have two." I can't figure out why people don't understand this.
11
Thought provoking piece. Thank you.
I wish the author had mentioned the abominable trend of crate training dogs. I realize there is a continuum of the way people use crate training, but I find the entire practice unnecessary and potentially cruel. It has led millions of people to believe it is okay to leave their dogs locked in a cage for hours and hours everyday. It's not. Adopt a dog appropriate for your living situation and lifestyle, take the time to housebreak your dog without extensive crate training, and don't get a dog if your carpets are more important to you than your best friend. For me, this meant adopting a toy dog who could be puppy pad trained (I live in a high rise), buying a portable rug cleaner, and realizing that no Persian carpet has ever made me as happy as little Goldie.
I wish the author had mentioned the abominable trend of crate training dogs. I realize there is a continuum of the way people use crate training, but I find the entire practice unnecessary and potentially cruel. It has led millions of people to believe it is okay to leave their dogs locked in a cage for hours and hours everyday. It's not. Adopt a dog appropriate for your living situation and lifestyle, take the time to housebreak your dog without extensive crate training, and don't get a dog if your carpets are more important to you than your best friend. For me, this meant adopting a toy dog who could be puppy pad trained (I live in a high rise), buying a portable rug cleaner, and realizing that no Persian carpet has ever made me as happy as little Goldie.
15
"Driven by rising disposable income ... and by evolving attitudes toward animals, the number of pets has grown more rapidly since the mid-1970s ..."
Wha??! Rising? Americans' disposable income has utterly stagnated since the mid-1970s.
Had I not known of Dr. Pierce from her collaboration on the wonderful book "Wild Justice," I'd have stopped right there. Better to focus on those evolving attitudes, methinks.
Wha??! Rising? Americans' disposable income has utterly stagnated since the mid-1970s.
Had I not known of Dr. Pierce from her collaboration on the wonderful book "Wild Justice," I'd have stopped right there. Better to focus on those evolving attitudes, methinks.
12
So so many defensive comments. I really don't get the point of your saying what a great owner you are and how lucky your pets are. The point of this article and to think about the animal you are considering getting and maybe not, especially when it comes to wild "pets". She even writes that dogs are different and cites reasons.
25
If I can stop one heart from breaking
or cool one pain
or help one robin inti her nest again
I shall not live in vain.
Emily Dickinson
or cool one pain
or help one robin inti her nest again
I shall not live in vain.
Emily Dickinson
3
I think about this all the time. For whatever reason, I feel this sense of my cat's emotional state- and the most prevalent emotion is BORED. Since I was the one that consigned him to this indoor life, I really do feel guilty and sad for him when I am away.
I live on a busy street, so letting him roam is not an option - but I did a lot of research and have trained him to walk on a leash. There is not a lot of information out there, but based on the suggestions of one blogger, I purchased a walking 'vest' (highly recommend Kitty Holster) and a retractable leash. We rarely travel too far from home, but he has the time of his life running out the leash and hiding in the thick plants, stalking birds, nibbling on grass.
For those of you who think your cat won't walk on a leash - please research! I made a lot of strides with my cat once I understood that 'walking' a cat is not like walking a dog....you shouldn't expect them to stroll calmly by you on the sidewalk the whole time. That's where the retractable leash becomes essential - the cat gets to dart away under the bushes when he feels nervous, can creep out farther to explore something, etc. We can easily spend an hour just going up and down the street.
Best of all - if you consistently take your cat out once a day, he learns to expect it and wont be as antsy the rest of the day. My cat actually purrs when I put the vest on now!
I live on a busy street, so letting him roam is not an option - but I did a lot of research and have trained him to walk on a leash. There is not a lot of information out there, but based on the suggestions of one blogger, I purchased a walking 'vest' (highly recommend Kitty Holster) and a retractable leash. We rarely travel too far from home, but he has the time of his life running out the leash and hiding in the thick plants, stalking birds, nibbling on grass.
For those of you who think your cat won't walk on a leash - please research! I made a lot of strides with my cat once I understood that 'walking' a cat is not like walking a dog....you shouldn't expect them to stroll calmly by you on the sidewalk the whole time. That's where the retractable leash becomes essential - the cat gets to dart away under the bushes when he feels nervous, can creep out farther to explore something, etc. We can easily spend an hour just going up and down the street.
Best of all - if you consistently take your cat out once a day, he learns to expect it and wont be as antsy the rest of the day. My cat actually purrs when I put the vest on now!
5
THANK YOU for this article.
I grew up with dogs in a house with five children in which someone was always home. Dogs have been my one true and constant source of happiness, liveliness and love. But, having moved out of my childhood home 30 some years ago, I do not have and will refuse to house an animal if it means leaving it alone for the majority of the day.
I agree that one should not feel entitled to these animal's lives. It might be hard to believe, but animals actually exist on their own accord, have their own emotional needs, and are not here only to greet you on your arrival home and sooth your lonely hours.
All this being said, on the day I retire I will rescue two doggies in need - and can't wait to watch what mischief they get up to with their canine buddies in the park.
I grew up with dogs in a house with five children in which someone was always home. Dogs have been my one true and constant source of happiness, liveliness and love. But, having moved out of my childhood home 30 some years ago, I do not have and will refuse to house an animal if it means leaving it alone for the majority of the day.
I agree that one should not feel entitled to these animal's lives. It might be hard to believe, but animals actually exist on their own accord, have their own emotional needs, and are not here only to greet you on your arrival home and sooth your lonely hours.
All this being said, on the day I retire I will rescue two doggies in need - and can't wait to watch what mischief they get up to with their canine buddies in the park.
3
Who of us isn't - as asking a question like this one really proves - so what's wrong if they are too.
Animals essentially spend their whole life doing nothing more than searching for food to survive and building homes and having babies. Take that need away from them and what's left? What are you suggesting? We get our pets iPads, or something, because we all know how happy and less bored those make us all feel.
Animals essentially spend their whole life doing nothing more than searching for food to survive and building homes and having babies. Take that need away from them and what's left? What are you suggesting? We get our pets iPads, or something, because we all know how happy and less bored those make us all feel.
2
Interesting that most of the comments are by cat owners. Where are the dog people?
2
I have always been a dog man.
Still, 3 years ago a cat that roamed the neighborhood, and sort of ate around and had many loving benefactors leaving him food, took a liking to my gal and I. I'd sit out at the end of the driveway and call out. "Mr. B!" and within a minute or 2 he'd come running from some house. I found out that a cat, like a dog, understands the human heart. He'd climb up in my lap like sunrise never mattered. They know love.
He willingly jumped in the car and went from the city with us to the country, and we still let him roam free.
I saw coyotes come down from the hills and ushered him inside. But one night he didn't come in to repeated calls at dusk and we figured the coyotes got him.
Keep them inside and protect them in confinement, or let them make their place in the front yard as is their want to do.
Mr. B lived his life shorter, but freer as I choose to as well if my destiny so makes it.
God I loved that cat.
Still, 3 years ago a cat that roamed the neighborhood, and sort of ate around and had many loving benefactors leaving him food, took a liking to my gal and I. I'd sit out at the end of the driveway and call out. "Mr. B!" and within a minute or 2 he'd come running from some house. I found out that a cat, like a dog, understands the human heart. He'd climb up in my lap like sunrise never mattered. They know love.
He willingly jumped in the car and went from the city with us to the country, and we still let him roam free.
I saw coyotes come down from the hills and ushered him inside. But one night he didn't come in to repeated calls at dusk and we figured the coyotes got him.
Keep them inside and protect them in confinement, or let them make their place in the front yard as is their want to do.
Mr. B lived his life shorter, but freer as I choose to as well if my destiny so makes it.
God I loved that cat.
12
If you are at work all day or travel often, don't get a dog. It's that simple. Dogs are not meant to spend hours alone, even with another dog. Cats can tolerate more time alone but still need attention. Remember that dogs and to a lesser extent cats get sick and the vet bills can be huge. This article tells an important truth about how animals suffer when people don't think things through.
2
I've had dogs and cats as "family" since I was a little boy, along with two human brothers and two human sisters, and now I'm approaching advanced middle-age, with a dog (Bella) and a cat (India); I don't even think of them as pets, and I don't believe that they feel "owned".
My family's second dog (our first was a Boxer named Dutchess) was rescued by my
father from a medical research facility...Butch, was scheduled to be put-down, as his contribution to some pharmaceutical experiment was completed; my family quickly claimed him; he was an amazing family member for a decade, loving and loyal.
My dog prior to Bella was Bowser, a Coonhound/Rottweiler mix that I rescued from a local shelter...he'd been there for four years because he was too big, and too strong, for most people to handle. He was an old dog, but that's O.K. ... the elderly need to be loved as much as the young. The few years we had together were joyous for us both; you really can tell when a dog's happy, it's not rocket science.
I guess I just wanted to the author of this editorial know that some of us are quite cognizant of what we're doing when we commit to caring for a "pet" for the duration of their life.
My family's second dog (our first was a Boxer named Dutchess) was rescued by my
father from a medical research facility...Butch, was scheduled to be put-down, as his contribution to some pharmaceutical experiment was completed; my family quickly claimed him; he was an amazing family member for a decade, loving and loyal.
My dog prior to Bella was Bowser, a Coonhound/Rottweiler mix that I rescued from a local shelter...he'd been there for four years because he was too big, and too strong, for most people to handle. He was an old dog, but that's O.K. ... the elderly need to be loved as much as the young. The few years we had together were joyous for us both; you really can tell when a dog's happy, it's not rocket science.
I guess I just wanted to the author of this editorial know that some of us are quite cognizant of what we're doing when we commit to caring for a "pet" for the duration of their life.
2
Please don't let your cats wander outside,
especially in the fall and spring.
Way too many migrating birds are killed by cats.
Those birds are already struggling with threatened habitats.
It is 6am and my cat is already scratching at the door.
He'll wait for me and the leash.
especially in the fall and spring.
Way too many migrating birds are killed by cats.
Those birds are already struggling with threatened habitats.
It is 6am and my cat is already scratching at the door.
He'll wait for me and the leash.
5
The problem is that people think of these animals as somehow just like us, except in a different skin, and that they're just thrilled to be around us.
They're not, except for maybe the food.
They're not, except for maybe the food.
2
The same can be said of kids and senior citizens locked up in nursing homes. We need to go back to the traditional family structure and stop using pets as a way to fill a void in our lives.
4
There was a movie( I do not recollect its name) In that movie humans are kept in cages and monkeys are watching them.Cats at least are free to roam explore neighborhood & come back whenever they feel but dogs are chained or inside tall compound, are to be taken out for his pee. I have seen a big dog in my neighbor's compound jumping whining at passerbies especially his owners are late due to any reason. He is trained not to pee in compound till his owner takes him out.Why buy a dog if you are not sure about your work schedule?I was offered a dog by a well meaning friend but I told no at my age I cannot give guarantee /commitment to dog that I shall take care of him every minute for next say, 15-20 years.Keeping pet is not to be done on impulse. It is different with cats they choose their homes.come to door say meow you open door find a wet small kitten take pity give her warm milk towel her. She decides that well this is my home. that's all
3
In our senior empty-nester years now, our two little dogs mean the world to us as for companionship and loyalty. Yes, we dote on 'em, feed them only the best, get toys and puzzles to challenge their minds and also have been rewarded back many times over by their warmth and affection.
Short story: Lucy, our little 8 month old Havanese at the time tore the leash handle from my wife's hands one afternoon after spotting several deer in our driveway this last winter up here in the harsh northwoods, and chased them deep into our backwoods in 4 above weather, 4 feet of snow on the ground....and we spent the next 4 hours with friends and neighbors snowshoeing out after her - to no avail. We finally went to bed, my wife near hysterics and I not doing much better. The next morning, there was Lucy in front of our garage...all, shivery and rime covered..but alive! And her leash handle had been chewed off, to boot, because she had gotten snagged out there. How she made it through the night with no coat or protection, with wolves and coyotes out here we'll never know. Miracle girl!
Short story: Lucy, our little 8 month old Havanese at the time tore the leash handle from my wife's hands one afternoon after spotting several deer in our driveway this last winter up here in the harsh northwoods, and chased them deep into our backwoods in 4 above weather, 4 feet of snow on the ground....and we spent the next 4 hours with friends and neighbors snowshoeing out after her - to no avail. We finally went to bed, my wife near hysterics and I not doing much better. The next morning, there was Lucy in front of our garage...all, shivery and rime covered..but alive! And her leash handle had been chewed off, to boot, because she had gotten snagged out there. How she made it through the night with no coat or protection, with wolves and coyotes out here we'll never know. Miracle girl!
8
Our cat Jasper came into our life as the result of a call from an animal rescue organization that needed to find a home for a young adult male cat whose elderly owner had died. Jasper bonded firmly to me. He is polite to the rest of the family but it is me he sleeps with and my lap that gets jumped on. Sometimes it is like living with a perpetual 2 year old. When he wants attention, he wants it NOW. It is vital to recognize that he is not a toy or an appliance, He has very real feelings and needs. also, he is not a little person. He is a cat. When he does something like "Mark" the hearth rug he is being a normal cat. The solution is to have a hearth rug that is washable. Also, if he does something he shouldn't and you don't correct it IMMEDIATELY, forget about it because cats live in the moment. you can't go back to something he did yesterday because you will only confuse him. The best "discipline" is plenty of affection. If he feels loved and well treated he is unlikely to behave badly. Not every desire of his can be indulged however. He does want to go outside and we live on a busy city street. He'd be road kill. The run of a 10 room house must suffice. He does sometimes dash for the door when it opens. Solution - we screened in the front porch. Now if he gets through the door he still can't get out. Easier and more effective than yelling at him. Always try for solutions that let him be a cat while still accomplishing human objectives
5
Quick Dog comment. I live on a small farm as do most of my neighbors. My dog as a pup was confined to 5 acres by underground fence. Now older she has the "run " of the place. She has a dog door to come and go as she pleases.
Where do I find her ? She is almost always in the house. Now she is a hound dog yet she loves to be in the house, dry, bug free, not to cold and not to hot. Yes she sun baths on the back porch on a pretty day .
My neighbor with 30 acres and small pack of dogs well you'll find his dogs laying about the barn watching whats going on and sometimes going outside.
Yes the puppies love to romp and play but the mature dogs just love to hang out.
Where do I find her ? She is almost always in the house. Now she is a hound dog yet she loves to be in the house, dry, bug free, not to cold and not to hot. Yes she sun baths on the back porch on a pretty day .
My neighbor with 30 acres and small pack of dogs well you'll find his dogs laying about the barn watching whats going on and sometimes going outside.
Yes the puppies love to romp and play but the mature dogs just love to hang out.
8
All dogs need to be walked twice a day for 20-60 minutes a day. Younger dogs more, older and smaller dogs less, less in hot or very cold weather. This is a dog's main passion other then sleeping, eating, and being near the owner.
My stupid neighbors rarely if ever walk thier dogs and use the fenced yard as pet sitters. This has made the dogs frustraded, barking at anything, crazy dogs and all the other neighbors at wits end.
My stupid neighbors rarely if ever walk thier dogs and use the fenced yard as pet sitters. This has made the dogs frustraded, barking at anything, crazy dogs and all the other neighbors at wits end.
7
Dogs and cats matched with the right homes make wonderful pets. As you say, they have been in close contact with humans for thousands of years, and have adapted to be our companions.
Our Labrador Retriever is a perfect example- a breed developed for duck hunting to sit patiently beside their owner in a boat until it's time to do something they love- jump in the water and retrieve the bird. Molly loves nothing better hanging out with us, and her daily game of fetch with her favorite toy. It's a silly, joyful game of running down the hall to retrieve her rubber pig. She's figured out how to make it oink as she runs with it. Afterwards she collapses happily under our feet for a nap. We are retired, home most of the time, and live in a wooded area with trails for walks with Molly. Part of the year, our seasonal creek has water for her to splash in.
Dogs are naturally pack animals, and not meant to live a lonely life confined all day in crates, apartments, or backyards while their owners spend long hours away. All puppies are adorable, but before you bring one into your life, make sure you can give it the time and love it needs.
Our Labrador Retriever is a perfect example- a breed developed for duck hunting to sit patiently beside their owner in a boat until it's time to do something they love- jump in the water and retrieve the bird. Molly loves nothing better hanging out with us, and her daily game of fetch with her favorite toy. It's a silly, joyful game of running down the hall to retrieve her rubber pig. She's figured out how to make it oink as she runs with it. Afterwards she collapses happily under our feet for a nap. We are retired, home most of the time, and live in a wooded area with trails for walks with Molly. Part of the year, our seasonal creek has water for her to splash in.
Dogs are naturally pack animals, and not meant to live a lonely life confined all day in crates, apartments, or backyards while their owners spend long hours away. All puppies are adorable, but before you bring one into your life, make sure you can give it the time and love it needs.
7
Anyone who thinks dogs want more than belly rubs and a couch to nap on all day hasn't met mine. Long walks? They refuse. Hanging out in the yard, even if I'm out there with them? Nope. Trips to the park for new smells? Meh. Ten minutes and they're trotting back to the car. I've never met two more lazy creatures. I have always worried about providing my dogs the best possible living and exercise environment and natural food, and have even made some life choices based on what I believe would be best for them. But the two I have now? They look at me like I'm crazy if I want to do more than sit like a lump with them. The only time they move faster than snails is when my husband or I make a move for the kitchen. Then they're underfoot, looking for a handout, which they usually get. They are both pit bull-type dogs, rescued from frightening situations, so maybe they're just happy to have a couch and an easy life. They're napping on top of me right now, one of them snoring so loudly I'm afraid she'll wake the neighbors. We've been up for two hours and they still haven't managed to make it to the back door to go out.
15
I grew up on a farm in rural Michigan. We always had from five to ten Barn cats that hung around during milking time. Some neighboring farms had many more. These cats were invariably female. The males roamed from farm to farm breeding. They always got milk but hunted small rodents and birds. I don't know whether they did more harm than good but they basically supported themselves. Oh, and by the way you did not "pet" these animals. We did have dogs and "so-called" house cats that were "tame". The dogs ran pretty well free, and contributed to the house as "hunting" dogs. I don't know the harm they may have done but they all appeared "satisfied".
8
I have the incredibly good fortune of being able to have our dog with me just about every day when I work. I'm self employed and spend most days driving to and from meetings. Our dog, a white German Shepherd, can't wait to jump in the car with me, stand on the armrests and stick his head out the windows, seeing and smelling all the sights and sounds of the outside world. In addition to clearly giving him a fuller, richer life, he's actually helped ME appreciate the world we share...trees, birds, sunny days, rainy days, windy days...all the things we humans sometimes take for granted. I have an abundant appreciation for other pet owners who don't have the same opportunity to share their days with a beloved pet in the way I am able, but encourage everyone to do the best they can to make their lives as full and rich as possible. It's the least we can do as responsible "pet" parents.
8
You are right on about this. We have to ask ourselves "what do these pets need?" and "can we give it to them?" before we take them on. We must realize that just because we haven't taken the time to understand them, that there is nothing to understand
Many years ago my husband and I brought a kitten home to live with us in an apartment. Because we didn't know better, we had him declawed. A couple of years later we moved to a house and realized we could easily let our cat roam the neighborhood. But he had been declawed. What to do? He wanted so badly to go outside that we gave in and opened the back door. Well, for the rest of his life that cat did just fine. In fact, I once saw him in a tree. I wasn't crazy about the occasional dead mouse he laid at my feet, but otherwise, there were no problems. Now I'm back in an apartment and would love to have a cat, but I just can't do that to another living creature. Cats need to be outside.
1
I would love to have a dog, but I don't want a lap dog, I'd want to be out with it everyday but as of now am not able to do so and there is nobody else in the house who can either so I have refrained from getting one. I figure it wouldn't be fair to the dog.
1
Reading this on Mother's Day reminds me of something my mom said when I was a young girl that made quite an impression on me. My mother just adored birds and did everything she could to attract them to our yard. She planted shrubs to feed them and bought them a bird bath. One of the reasons she loved spring so much was the return of the birdsong in the yard. I asked her why we didn't keep a pet bird in the house if she loved them so much? She replied gently but firmly that she loved them far too much to ever cage them. Wise woman. I miss you mom!
4
We adopted 3 kittens, brothers, from the same litter, rescued from a kill shelter. They are happy, healthy and couldn't be more loving companions for each other and our family. You should see them groom each other, cuddled up with a human, in the evening. They purr and purr. They sneak outside occasionally but come right back, eager to see us again. Hard to discern any "cruelty" in the wonderful life we are giving these guys!! And we are so fortunate to have them.
3
I wonder, did we domesticate dogs or did they domesticate us? They're a bunch of welfare queens, laying around all day to have their every existential need met by their doting owners, who then take them out for a walk, trailing behind them with plastic bags in which to scoop their poop when they go wherever they like, not even as well-trained as human three-year olds.
Except that it seems dogs sold their souls in the bargain. They get to sit on their butts doing nothing all day, but well, they also have to sit on their butts doing nothing all day, waiting in their crate in an apartment in the city for their overworked, overstressed owner to return.
We claim to love dogs but most people don't even know what dogs are like because they never let their dogs be dogs.
Except that it seems dogs sold their souls in the bargain. They get to sit on their butts doing nothing all day, but well, they also have to sit on their butts doing nothing all day, waiting in their crate in an apartment in the city for their overworked, overstressed owner to return.
We claim to love dogs but most people don't even know what dogs are like because they never let their dogs be dogs.
1
A big step toward reducing the number of concern of bored, frustrated pets would be to stop purchasing animals from pet stores, and to focus, strictly, on getting animals from shelters. Every purchase of a cute animal at a pet store leaves one sentient being in a shelter.
3
All animals, not only our companion animals, are as Ms. Pierce correctly states, living, breathing, feeling creatures. Each species has it's own purpose and desire to survive and live. Nature did not make their purpose to used as humans see fit for food, clothing, entertainment or experimentation.
The idea that humans are supreme must be replaced with the understanding that we are, as the rest of life on earth, a part of Nature.
“We need another and a wiser and perhaps a more mystical concept of animals. Remote from universal nature and living by complicated artifice, man in civilization surveys the creature through the glass of his knowledge and sees thereby a feather magnified and the whole image in distortion. We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate for having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein do we err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours, they move finished and complete, gifted with the extension of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings: they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth.”
― Henry Beston, The Outermost House: A Year of Life On The Great Beach of Cape Cod
Because of this understanding, I am vegan.
The idea that humans are supreme must be replaced with the understanding that we are, as the rest of life on earth, a part of Nature.
“We need another and a wiser and perhaps a more mystical concept of animals. Remote from universal nature and living by complicated artifice, man in civilization surveys the creature through the glass of his knowledge and sees thereby a feather magnified and the whole image in distortion. We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate for having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein do we err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours, they move finished and complete, gifted with the extension of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings: they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth.”
― Henry Beston, The Outermost House: A Year of Life On The Great Beach of Cape Cod
Because of this understanding, I am vegan.
2
As a city dweller I can tell you that the the most detrimental quality of life issue in our neighborhood is dog feces, dog urine and dog slobber in elevators, hallways, ect... Pet owners are blind to this and thus don't see it as an issue at all but it is an incredible imposition on others. As I leave for work in the morning the dominant odor is dog urine - it is vile and unsanitary. Owning a pet is an entirely selfish endeavor. It imposes on your neighbors and as the author pointed out, its likely not even good for the animals except for the few hours a day that most owners manage to grace them with their presence. I used to have a dog when I lived in a house with a yard in the midwest and it gave me great joy and I am quite sure my dog had a good life 24 hours a day. I agree with the author that a dog sitting in an apartment all day is just not fair - again, having a pet is a selfish endeavor.
7
Well put Jessica. I have had many similar thoughts myself on this issue. Have had pets for years, and did have a Gecko too, and read about their stress one day, after the two family Geckos had passed, and realized that I had seen that clawing on the glass many times, and thankfully my hubby, a former Boy Scout, would take the geckos out of the aquarium and let them run around the house, and this helped them immensely. We could see them interact with the house environment, and when we eventually would put them back in the aquarium, the glass scrapping wouldn't occur. Same thing with our cat. We had a wonderful cat, who passed away last year, and we both realized he was alone way too much, so we had cat sitters when we left and we played with him and loved him dearly. When he passed, due to cancer, last year, two stray cats showed up at our door, and we now have them. I will say they are happier than our beloved cat, for they have each other, and don't just rely on their human companions for care and interaction. So, i would add that caveat to a wonderful article: have pets in pairs so they can have a companion of their own species. That will ease their stress when the humans go to work and leave them. Thank you for an insightful article Jessica.
5
I will admit my interest in what the author had to say ended when she expressed her belief that pet stores only sold habitats that were animal appropriate. It's hard to be that naive without coming off as disingenuous.
Maybe I'm being obtuse but does anyone really believe that keeping any pet other than a cat or dog is just plain cruel? When the NYT had a video special on parakeets and how awesome they are, I was appalled as I I knew it would motivate the unthinking to go out and acquire one. How can any person justify clipping the wings of a bird, caging them (for a bird, even a house is a cage), and generally subjecting them to a life of isolation? Then again, I do eat chicken.
Maybe I'm being obtuse but does anyone really believe that keeping any pet other than a cat or dog is just plain cruel? When the NYT had a video special on parakeets and how awesome they are, I was appalled as I I knew it would motivate the unthinking to go out and acquire one. How can any person justify clipping the wings of a bird, caging them (for a bird, even a house is a cage), and generally subjecting them to a life of isolation? Then again, I do eat chicken.
2
You had me nodding in agreement until this part: "If we buy fewer dogs and cats from breeders and pet stores, the pet population boom might gradually taper off, and the numbers of abandoned animals in shelters should start to decline as well." Animal rescue is creating a business of breeding and shipping animals just as sure as pet stores are. Many of our rescues are coming from Mexico and Asia now. The supply is endless and if it weren't profitable for someone we wouldn't see pit bull mixes outnumbering poodles and spaniels in the burbs. And all those pit bull mixes - their owners work too. The trend toward "rescue only" started with admirable intent, but it is time to reassess it. In the meantime, guilt-tripping those who would go to a responsible breeder for a friendly purebred with small jaws is really missing your own point, since small breeders usually screen potential owners and seek out those who will be home for the pet.
11
We who rescue abused animals know many problems result from unintended ignorance because research has far outpaced the public's knowledge of and interest in non-human animal behavior. Cruel treatment stems from the absence of empathy described by Simon Baron-Cohen in "The Science of Evil." Of course, human beings often treat other humans as property or as objects to be victimized, whether it's at home or on the battlefield. Pet care could be improved if our schools, religious institutions and publishers chose to regularly inform children and adults of the physical and emotional needs pets (and all animals require. Veterinarians should be better animal-rights advocates, take time to better-inform pet owners and report suspected animal mistreatment. Our laws, too, must catch up with the growing knowledge of animal emotional and physical behavior. Unfortunately, the human defect of cruelty coupled with ignorance is here to stay. When I recently drove 40 miles to report a case of mistreatment, the law officer to whom I wanted to make the report declined to accept it, angrily claiming that a dog owner could to anything he wanted to his dog, and that I should"stop meddling." Fearing lawsuits or loss of business, many veterinarians will avoid reporting possible abuse. The commentary by Jessica Pierce deserves wide circulation as a clearly written place to begin advancing an understanding of the needs of the friends we choose to call "pets."
Doug Giebel
Big Sandy, Montana
Doug Giebel
Big Sandy, Montana
3
We have a cat named Jack, who is well beloved, playful, emotionally rich, in fine physical condition and with a magnificent garden and neighborhood in which to play King of the Jungle. And yet, he still despairs when we leave him alone when we travel. We used to have a pet sitter come by to take care of his physical needs while he was confined for his protection, but that wasn't enough. He actually got severe stress-related kitty acne on his chin from his feelings of abandonment, and would spray my most valued possessions when we left, or upon our return, like my expensive mycological library!
WE finally found a pet sitter whom Jack really likes, enough so that he can be outside during the day when we leave town, and will come to her call. When we took our first long overseas trip last month, she actually stayed in our house.
No more kitty acne or spraying or tucking himself between the bedding of our bed, letting his hang hang down low over the side, for days at a time!
Both my husband and I are retired, and our kitty is well loved and happy. He misses us when we are gone, though. That's life, I guess. I think that if you asked him, he would say that life is good! Certainly his bright eyed, spirited enjoyment of life, his playful nature and his boundless affection all speak to this. He is almost ten years old and still plays like a kitten.
WE finally found a pet sitter whom Jack really likes, enough so that he can be outside during the day when we leave town, and will come to her call. When we took our first long overseas trip last month, she actually stayed in our house.
No more kitty acne or spraying or tucking himself between the bedding of our bed, letting his hang hang down low over the side, for days at a time!
Both my husband and I are retired, and our kitty is well loved and happy. He misses us when we are gone, though. That's life, I guess. I think that if you asked him, he would say that life is good! Certainly his bright eyed, spirited enjoyment of life, his playful nature and his boundless affection all speak to this. He is almost ten years old and still plays like a kitten.
When I was young, dogs seemed to have a better life because they were free to roam the neighborhood all day, checking things out, meeting up with other dogs, playing with the kids, returning home for mealtimes, taken in the car for errands because windows were kept open when cars were parked, and even welcomed in many stores. Of course, there was regularly heard the shriek of car tires and the yelping of an injured animal too. Women then began working outside the home, houses became empty all day, dogs had to be kept tied up, and leash laws were instituted. The changes in quality of life for a dog has been gradual but significant. Not sure how any of it could be reversed.
4
"I assumed, during the days of my pet-buying frenzy, that pet stores would sell only tanks and cages that provided appropriate housing for the animals they sell."
While I know assumptions like this one are common, I also find them baffling. We live in a nation that prioritizes profit above all else. If it's legal, and it's profitable, according to our nation's conventional wisdom, it's A-OK; there is no source of restraint. Combine that attitude with a strong hostility to government regulation for health and safety, and the reality is you cannot make this type assumption about almost any product.
Companies will sell whatever they are allowed to sell, and our government has very little oversight. It's up to us to take the care, do our research, and be responsible for our own choices.
While I know assumptions like this one are common, I also find them baffling. We live in a nation that prioritizes profit above all else. If it's legal, and it's profitable, according to our nation's conventional wisdom, it's A-OK; there is no source of restraint. Combine that attitude with a strong hostility to government regulation for health and safety, and the reality is you cannot make this type assumption about almost any product.
Companies will sell whatever they are allowed to sell, and our government has very little oversight. It's up to us to take the care, do our research, and be responsible for our own choices.
3
How ironic it is to recognize this "well-meaning" captivity on behalf of animals while we impose it on our own kids! Now their behaviors are modified to sit motionless behind screens! In recent years I've noticed more and more young people can't see objects at a small distance -- the image projected on the screen in a classroom -- but prefer to squint into the small screen in their hands. We are all creatures built for movement! What on earth are we doing to ourselves -- and the animals whose natural habitats are being destroyed by our impulse toward "conveniences" that destroy our physical capabilities?
1
Birds in cages should be banned. Period. There is nothing humane about confining a flying animal to an area so small it can't even exercise its most basic instinct. It is much crueler than simply buying a bird and killing it on the spot.
4
The role of pets in American society?
Imagine if a law were seriously considered to outlaw pets in American society, or if a science fiction scenario were to occur whereby all pets or even just cats and dogs were to perish by a disease or something (implausible true, but follow along). The full sickness of American society would probably become evident. All those lonely people howling for company, all the sadists with no animals to quietly torture at home, no more human lording it over the beasts and so on...We can imagine people burying themselves in their computers even more or just throwing open the door and going over to a neighbor's house on any pretext...
Or imagine a society which for three months of the year outlaws on penalty of death all drugs and alcohol (ALL drugs legal and illegal), then the next three months switches to outlawing all contact with animals--any animals, then the next three months switches to no computer activity, and the last three months switches to all citizens with strictly regulated food diet...Just watch all the people careening from this, essentially, addiction to that!
People are just so hooked on this and that, junkies addicted to this and that, vicious if deprived...Human ape which hardly knows what to do with itself. People say humans are distinguished from the rest of animals by language skills but people hardly know how to hold a conversation let alone read and write...
More like addicts gripped by this and that vice.
Imagine if a law were seriously considered to outlaw pets in American society, or if a science fiction scenario were to occur whereby all pets or even just cats and dogs were to perish by a disease or something (implausible true, but follow along). The full sickness of American society would probably become evident. All those lonely people howling for company, all the sadists with no animals to quietly torture at home, no more human lording it over the beasts and so on...We can imagine people burying themselves in their computers even more or just throwing open the door and going over to a neighbor's house on any pretext...
Or imagine a society which for three months of the year outlaws on penalty of death all drugs and alcohol (ALL drugs legal and illegal), then the next three months switches to outlawing all contact with animals--any animals, then the next three months switches to no computer activity, and the last three months switches to all citizens with strictly regulated food diet...Just watch all the people careening from this, essentially, addiction to that!
People are just so hooked on this and that, junkies addicted to this and that, vicious if deprived...Human ape which hardly knows what to do with itself. People say humans are distinguished from the rest of animals by language skills but people hardly know how to hold a conversation let alone read and write...
More like addicts gripped by this and that vice.
2
I have 2 shelter pets - a pitbull mix and an abused rat terrier (who was so traumatized that it took her weeks before she'd allow any of us near her without cowering or barking). These were both hard to place dogs. I take them for one long walk a day and give them lots of attention. However, they are alone a lot of the time (this is why I got the second dog). I refuse to feel bad about it. Their lives were infinitely worse (and may have been ended) before my family adopted them.
45
This article commits the same sins it accuses of others. It uses an all-too-familiar plea that anthropomorphizes our pets to tug the heartstrings while at the same time denouncing the HUMAN environments in which they live. It's become a standard ploy that fails to sufficiently address important distinctions in less manipulative ways.
The evolutionary paths of so-called exotics bear little resemblance to those taken by domesticated species over millennia. Yes, animals have the capacity to feel pain - that's actually a good thing; confining animals in unnatural environments - not so much. But the natural environment for domesticated cats and dogs is the human home in all its variety. And here it depends largely on breeding.
For example, the Chihuahua was not plucked out of the wild and bred to herd sheep; the Saint Bernard was not bred to burrow underground for game. A Midtown Manhattan studio is a horrible place for a Great Dane but not all that bad for a Yorkshire Terrier. Dogs and cats were bred within specific human environments for specific human purposes. Bearded dragons and leopard geckos have not followed such long-term, human-engineered evolutionary paths.
So the next time you see that ASCPA ad of suffering cats and dogs with Sarah McLachlan singing in the background, by all means think about their plight. But also ask yourself why that emotional ploy is any more or less manipulative than a scene of frolicking puppies playing with children on a sunny, summer day.
The evolutionary paths of so-called exotics bear little resemblance to those taken by domesticated species over millennia. Yes, animals have the capacity to feel pain - that's actually a good thing; confining animals in unnatural environments - not so much. But the natural environment for domesticated cats and dogs is the human home in all its variety. And here it depends largely on breeding.
For example, the Chihuahua was not plucked out of the wild and bred to herd sheep; the Saint Bernard was not bred to burrow underground for game. A Midtown Manhattan studio is a horrible place for a Great Dane but not all that bad for a Yorkshire Terrier. Dogs and cats were bred within specific human environments for specific human purposes. Bearded dragons and leopard geckos have not followed such long-term, human-engineered evolutionary paths.
So the next time you see that ASCPA ad of suffering cats and dogs with Sarah McLachlan singing in the background, by all means think about their plight. But also ask yourself why that emotional ploy is any more or less manipulative than a scene of frolicking puppies playing with children on a sunny, summer day.
28
Sometimes a naively irresponsible pet owner is just plain lucky!
My first cat, Joey, was obviously abandoned, found living under a porch, filthy and very in need of care. He loved having a home but also loved to go out most days and was very dog-like, staying by me and coming when called.
My friend and I loved car trips and Joey usually went with. We always took a tent and camped out. Joey was fine, usually riding on a lap. Here is the naive part: wherever we camped Joey would go out every night and as far as I know didn't go far. By the time we three stopped traveling Joey had been to or through 38 states and to Canada three times. And was a wonderful companion for many more years.
My first cat, Joey, was obviously abandoned, found living under a porch, filthy and very in need of care. He loved having a home but also loved to go out most days and was very dog-like, staying by me and coming when called.
My friend and I loved car trips and Joey usually went with. We always took a tent and camped out. Joey was fine, usually riding on a lap. Here is the naive part: wherever we camped Joey would go out every night and as far as I know didn't go far. By the time we three stopped traveling Joey had been to or through 38 states and to Canada three times. And was a wonderful companion for many more years.
15
Beautifully said, and poignant. Solitary confinement is one of the worst possible punishments for prisoners. And our 'pets' are both prisoners and solitary.
3
@Hgwymn
Yes, but there are some dogs and cats that prefer to be the only pet in a home.
Yes, but there are some dogs and cats that prefer to be the only pet in a home.
2
As Ms. Pierce, the bioethicist author of this article suggests, I am stepping into my two dogs' paws. Here's what they have to say to her: "We have a safe home with a backyard that we can access whenever we want through a doggie door. We get the best, most nutritious food and treats our human friend can find at a reasonable price. He gives us medical care, both preventive and as needed. Our dental bills are more than his even though he brushes our teeth daily. He's home all day with us, giving us plenty of attention, and he makes it a point to take us to to the park or to visit our dog friends almost daily. He also fosters rescue dogs until loving homes can be found for them. You don't know how good we have it. Why are you trying to make him feel guilty for being our friend?"
17
Perhaps it would be better to worry about all the people who need help. Our society is animal sick, in other words sick with people whose lives are wrapped around animals and not people. Walk through the parks any day, any morning and see it. And given the ravages of the animal food industry, I would think the feelings of a pet snake might be a little down the totem pole when it comes top animal welfare. This article was so ridiculous but it fits the times.
5
@Dan
We are capable of caring about and resolving multiple issues at the same time. Some are inter-related; focusing on the cruelty of factory farms raises consciousness of how we treat our own pets.
We're all better off if we consider the consequences of our actions on ALL living beings.
We are capable of caring about and resolving multiple issues at the same time. Some are inter-related; focusing on the cruelty of factory farms raises consciousness of how we treat our own pets.
We're all better off if we consider the consequences of our actions on ALL living beings.
7
You are unnecessarily inflicting guilt on pet owners who invariably care more about their pets than almost anything. Could my 5 (yes 5!? we were a soft heart for dogs who needed a home) dogs have a better life somewhere else? Maybe. I don't take them for a run every day but a lot of days. We have a fenced yard with doggie doors, two full baskets of toys, beds all over the house, they are fed well twice a day, get treats and are showered with unbelievable love and affection by my husband and I. My 2 doxies sleep in bed with me and the other with my husband, my lab on her own bed by my bed. We have 3 acres and lots of areas that they can sniff and explore off leash when I take them for runs and walks. We have taken all 5 in our motorhome for 3 month trips to see our son in New Orleans (and we were all fine and relatively happy-they just want to be with us, love going for a ride, and did great in our motorhome. If they didn't do well, we wouldn't do it! We ended up taking 3 long trips with all 5 of our dogs). My son has a cat who was a rescue and that cat is definitely in a better place than he was when my son rescued him from a shelter full of cats and kittens looking for a home and love and affection. And you really think that if we stopped loving and having pets that the number of dogs and cats from breeders and pet stores (and shelters) would decrease???? I hardly think so. Give a break to those of us who love our pets, who have given them a home, with love and affection.
7
I first submitted this in 2013 but it's on topic and demonstrates that my dog Scout, a Kelpie of high intelligence and fully aware of just what he wants, is by no means ignored, or spoiled, for that matter.
'Twas 20 past 3
and the dog had to pee
so I got up and put on my pants,
he whined and he pined
I dared not decline
or risk his looking at me quite askance
I turned on the light
and we walked down a flight
and probably stepped on some ants,
I opened the gate
and scratched my pate
and watched as the dog did his dance.
He sniffed and he turned
as my cigarette burned
til he found the right spot to relieve,
then he lifted his leg
then again, one more peg
and he smiled, or so I believe.
'twas a long steady stream
and as if in a dream
I just stood and stared at a star,
and when he was done
having all that dog fun
he wanted to ride in the car.
"No, let's go back to bed!"
I wearily said
as we walked up the stairs to the house,
his tail was a-wag
did he want to play tag?
or pretend that his toy was a mouse?
I took off my clothes
and went back to bed
he had water and laid by the door,
I tossed and I turned
another cigarette burned
as I listened to him snore on the floor.
'Twas 20 past 3
and the dog had to pee
so I got up and put on my pants,
he whined and he pined
I dared not decline
or risk his looking at me quite askance
I turned on the light
and we walked down a flight
and probably stepped on some ants,
I opened the gate
and scratched my pate
and watched as the dog did his dance.
He sniffed and he turned
as my cigarette burned
til he found the right spot to relieve,
then he lifted his leg
then again, one more peg
and he smiled, or so I believe.
'twas a long steady stream
and as if in a dream
I just stood and stared at a star,
and when he was done
having all that dog fun
he wanted to ride in the car.
"No, let's go back to bed!"
I wearily said
as we walked up the stairs to the house,
his tail was a-wag
did he want to play tag?
or pretend that his toy was a mouse?
I took off my clothes
and went back to bed
he had water and laid by the door,
I tossed and I turned
another cigarette burned
as I listened to him snore on the floor.
5
Our third Golden, this one a rescue, has totally benefited from our reduced work hours and now "retirement"- he's got us wrapped around his paws (and his schedule). He's hardly been alone for more than three to four hours since he's been part of our pack. And when we're traveling, he's now playing with fellow dogs in doggie day care all day. So no worries about him!
I'm totally understanding the point of this piece, however. I'm thinking about that considering the other creatures with whom we share our households needs to be thoughtfully evaluated. Our furry fellow lives a charmed life, but he fell into our pack by choice, and at a good time.
He wouldn't have been so happy out in our previous big fenced-backyard as our previous two Goldens were.
I'm totally understanding the point of this piece, however. I'm thinking about that considering the other creatures with whom we share our households needs to be thoughtfully evaluated. Our furry fellow lives a charmed life, but he fell into our pack by choice, and at a good time.
He wouldn't have been so happy out in our previous big fenced-backyard as our previous two Goldens were.
7
Keeping a dog (even a small dog) cooped up in a small apartment for 22 out of 24 hours a day is cruel and unusual punishment, and such "owners" should be ashamed of themselves for being so selfish. NYC should ban pet dogs unless the owner can prove that it was a true rescue. I would bet that the majority of dogs in NYC are purchased from breeders.
2
Some good points made here. I see people walking around with little dogs peeking out of their purses and want to ask them (the people) how they would like to be carried around in a tote at someone else's whim. I love my dog and my family tries to do right by her. No pet owner is perfect, but I thank the author for making me think about how to care for her better and make her life fun.
3
Funny thing - a couple of days ago I pulled Mr.P's fish pole from the toy box after a winter of disuse. I use the laser pen, and he gets plenty of attention, but he seemed so happy to enjoy his old toy - jumping and batting to catch his 'prey' - it was obvious that he had missed that particular activity.
I wish I could spend even more time with him than I do, but he is pampered, and he knows he has a good home. From showing up at my back door several years ago, he quickly advanced to the house "Chief Morale Officer". I'm lucky to have him, and he returns every kindness ten-fold.
I wish I could spend even more time with him than I do, but he is pampered, and he knows he has a good home. From showing up at my back door several years ago, he quickly advanced to the house "Chief Morale Officer". I'm lucky to have him, and he returns every kindness ten-fold.
10
I have a parrot who is in mating mode. We have been mates for 25 years. He gets the best of everything. He's never in his cage. All my furniture is eaten, but anyway, he has been very aggressive lately, and I know he feels emotional pain because I must keep him in his cage for longer periods each day. It kills me, but what can I do? I also have a cat. He bullies Alice. I have to intervene. I work from home, so my pets are rarely alone. They talk all the time. They want things all the time. And it's my job... etc etc.
1
"How many spend their weekdays inside and alone, while their owners are at work, save for the one or two times a dog walker or neighbor drops by for a few minutes to feed them and take them out briefly? Is it going too far to suggest that these dogs are suffering?"
If you've ever been to a dog shelter where dozens of dogs are kept in small and cramped cages and runs, where their howling and barking are deafening, and their depression and anxiety are obvious, you would not lament the loneliness of dogs in homes where they are loved. As someone who is retired and does some dog walking I can attest to the fact that these dogs are far better off. Most owners once the dog is successfully house trained leave the dogs to have free rein to the entire house. They seem very content and their internal clock tells them when their owners will return to joyous greetings from their owners. Now instead of spending their evenings on cold concrete floors or thin mats, these same dogs have comfy beds or share their owners own bedrooms. As far as a couple minute walks goes, most dog walking companies in our area commit to a 20 to 25 minute walk for the pets which give them ample exercise and bathroom relief before that welcome turn of the knob.
If you've ever been to a dog shelter where dozens of dogs are kept in small and cramped cages and runs, where their howling and barking are deafening, and their depression and anxiety are obvious, you would not lament the loneliness of dogs in homes where they are loved. As someone who is retired and does some dog walking I can attest to the fact that these dogs are far better off. Most owners once the dog is successfully house trained leave the dogs to have free rein to the entire house. They seem very content and their internal clock tells them when their owners will return to joyous greetings from their owners. Now instead of spending their evenings on cold concrete floors or thin mats, these same dogs have comfy beds or share their owners own bedrooms. As far as a couple minute walks goes, most dog walking companies in our area commit to a 20 to 25 minute walk for the pets which give them ample exercise and bathroom relief before that welcome turn of the knob.
17
Never bought a dog. They just seem to come to me. After my last two dogs died of old age, I was going nuts and began to stuff my pockets with dog treats as I went for a run or a walk. I began going into dog's yards and freeing them from short chains or filling their water bowls. Like many people I was addicted to dogs. Then one night I told myself that I have to stop bothering the neighborhood dogs, that if I kept going onto other peoples property I might get shot. And so I remember saying to myself: Time to give up the dogs. If the Almighty wants me to have a dog he/she/it will send one. The next afternoon as I was dining I caught a glimpse of blond furry thing slipping under my front gate and dashing into my driveway. I immediately thought that it was one of the cats that had taken over my yard since my old dogs died. Which was fine, so I put a water bowl in front of my window so I could watch the cats. So when I got up to check the cat's water bowl, I opened the front screen door and before I could say Shazam! the blond furry thing had raced into the living room and bounded onto the big leather couch, tongue hanging, smiling as if to say: "So what's for lunch?" With not a shy bone in her body, this little 10-week old rascal puppy had answered my prayer to the Almighty. And four years later, we are bonded. My thanks to the mystical spirits out there.
52
Glory to God! My two wonderful parents came to me pretty much the same way. Angels from God!
1
I married a guy with a cat. It was a bromance before I entered the picture. Now it's a ménage à trois, as I have fallen hopelessly and helplessly in love with him (the cat). I have become the cliché of the crazy cat lady, and I can't help myself.
I would never have chosen to live with a cat, having grown up with a parade of dogs and one mean cat who had been thrust upon my parents and who was probably an Al Queda combatant (to this day, we are convinced he was trying to kill us). But I somehow ended up with a cat who snuggles (when he feels like it), who greets me at the door every day when I come home from work, and whose company I prefer to that of most people.
Is he happy chez nous? He seems to be, but he's a cat (so we can't tell). We sit in front of our laptops, reading up on "what cats really want," and he rolls his eyes at us and says "just give me treats." He chases the laser, and I feel guilty that he never catches it. He demands more laser. My thumb aches, but I persevere. We give him his daily heart meds, concealed in his treats, because when his vet found a heart murmur and suggested an echocardiogram, we did not even ask how much it would cost.
One night I caught him updating his Facebook profile, and he was writing: "looking forward to their going out for the evening so I can have a little peace and quiet around here."
Do we know what we're doing? No. Do we love him? Yes. Does he love us? Who knows. We do our best; he doesn't even try; and everyone wins.
I would never have chosen to live with a cat, having grown up with a parade of dogs and one mean cat who had been thrust upon my parents and who was probably an Al Queda combatant (to this day, we are convinced he was trying to kill us). But I somehow ended up with a cat who snuggles (when he feels like it), who greets me at the door every day when I come home from work, and whose company I prefer to that of most people.
Is he happy chez nous? He seems to be, but he's a cat (so we can't tell). We sit in front of our laptops, reading up on "what cats really want," and he rolls his eyes at us and says "just give me treats." He chases the laser, and I feel guilty that he never catches it. He demands more laser. My thumb aches, but I persevere. We give him his daily heart meds, concealed in his treats, because when his vet found a heart murmur and suggested an echocardiogram, we did not even ask how much it would cost.
One night I caught him updating his Facebook profile, and he was writing: "looking forward to their going out for the evening so I can have a little peace and quiet around here."
Do we know what we're doing? No. Do we love him? Yes. Does he love us? Who knows. We do our best; he doesn't even try; and everyone wins.
59
Great post
6
Excellent article, although really nothing new that we have not known for many years. Pets are animals, as such, living organisms that require certain basic conditions to thrive and feel well. As plants need a certain environment, animals too (and humans as well, also animals).
To put it blunt:
Animals need Space, Dedication Time, Food, Medical Attention and for sure you need money. Different animals, different requirements. Think of a Zoo (I mean the ones with adequate environment), different animals...
If you do not have time to drive your car, nor space to park it, nor money for gas, no mechanic to repair it, would you buy or own a car?
Common sense sometimes helps a lot, but that is another topic I would like to read more about...
Excellent article!!!
To put it blunt:
Animals need Space, Dedication Time, Food, Medical Attention and for sure you need money. Different animals, different requirements. Think of a Zoo (I mean the ones with adequate environment), different animals...
If you do not have time to drive your car, nor space to park it, nor money for gas, no mechanic to repair it, would you buy or own a car?
Common sense sometimes helps a lot, but that is another topic I would like to read more about...
Excellent article!!!
9
Thank you for this article and wisdom. We've come a long way since the days we pinned fair-bought chameleons to our sweaters, but not far enough. We should rescue animals not buy them and ban the sale of exotic pets. I've seen all the reasons first hand.
9
The locked up-pets alone all day are victims of Stockholm syndrome.
I live in a condo building that permits pets; I'm retired, so home during the day a lot; I can hear the dogs howling and baying out of loneliness and it is very distressing to me; I know those dogs are delighted and happy again when their captors return after work, but the days are very long, and the walks the dogs are taken out on are brief and to the point...a place to do their business and a bag to scoop it in. Even the ten-minute walk makes them happy; The wild tail-wagging, dancing, prancing and excitement at 6.30 (or later) when their captors return, is in stark contrast to their locked-up days. Clearly this is the Stockholm syndrome, understood in 1973. It angers me that people get pets - and then treat them this way. They are not allowed to do this with their children....And it is very painful to hear unhappy animals alone for hours and hours and hours. I'd like to see some legislation. People should get their pets walked twice a day or more. "Controlled deprivation" is right.
I live in a condo building that permits pets; I'm retired, so home during the day a lot; I can hear the dogs howling and baying out of loneliness and it is very distressing to me; I know those dogs are delighted and happy again when their captors return after work, but the days are very long, and the walks the dogs are taken out on are brief and to the point...a place to do their business and a bag to scoop it in. Even the ten-minute walk makes them happy; The wild tail-wagging, dancing, prancing and excitement at 6.30 (or later) when their captors return, is in stark contrast to their locked-up days. Clearly this is the Stockholm syndrome, understood in 1973. It angers me that people get pets - and then treat them this way. They are not allowed to do this with their children....And it is very painful to hear unhappy animals alone for hours and hours and hours. I'd like to see some legislation. People should get their pets walked twice a day or more. "Controlled deprivation" is right.
26
Some commenters, empathizing with the cat's wild nature, have argued for letting pet cats roam freely outdoors. I know how they feel, but I keep my cats inside. Yes, it sometimes feels cruel to keep them imprisoned. Nevertheless, responsible cat keepers must recognize not only the risks to their beloved pets' lives from larger predators, cars and other outdoor hazards, but the extraordinarily high toll their cats take on smaller wild creatures.
As reported in Smithsonian magazine (http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/feral-cats-kill-billions-of..., a peer-reviewed study published in 2013 estimated that in the contiguous United States alone, feral and free-roaming domestic cats kill 1.4 billion to 3.7 billion birds and 6.9 billion to 20.7 billion small mammals each year, along with somewhat smaller numbers of reptiles and amphibians. Feral cats accounted for more of the toll than free-roaming pets, but not by much. Two-thirds of the birds killed were native species. These estimates, especially for birds, far exceed any previous figures for cat killings, and also exceed all other direct sources of anthropogenic bird deaths, such as cars, buildings and communication towers.
So please: if you love your cats, keep them inside. Not only will you keep them safe, but you'll help to preserve the rich diversity of life on Earth, the common heritage we "cat people" share with all others.
As reported in Smithsonian magazine (http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/feral-cats-kill-billions-of..., a peer-reviewed study published in 2013 estimated that in the contiguous United States alone, feral and free-roaming domestic cats kill 1.4 billion to 3.7 billion birds and 6.9 billion to 20.7 billion small mammals each year, along with somewhat smaller numbers of reptiles and amphibians. Feral cats accounted for more of the toll than free-roaming pets, but not by much. Two-thirds of the birds killed were native species. These estimates, especially for birds, far exceed any previous figures for cat killings, and also exceed all other direct sources of anthropogenic bird deaths, such as cars, buildings and communication towers.
So please: if you love your cats, keep them inside. Not only will you keep them safe, but you'll help to preserve the rich diversity of life on Earth, the common heritage we "cat people" share with all others.
42
Doubtful. Lots of people have pets but are not qualified to care for them. In our neighbor's case, they have two dogs who get tied up at 10 minute times out back then live inside and are never walked. They also have 7 kids who have zero manners. I'm sensing a pattern here
11
Anthropomorphizing an animal is not just stupid. It's a sin. Clueless pet owners think of their dogs and cats as human members of their family, but dogs and cats don't want to be treated as people. They have other needs. They need to hunt, to run, to find their place in a hierarchy of their peers. They need natural light and the full range of sounds, sights, and smells found outdoors. Sometimes they need to be aggressive, even vicious. They need their own sleep schedules, which do not mirror those of humans. They aren't little people dressed up in fur, and it is wicked and cruel to treat them as if they were.
People who say they love animals don't. What they really love is a projection of themselves.
People who say they love animals don't. What they really love is a projection of themselves.
4
This editorial is long on recriminations and short on advice. I read eagerly, hoping to encounter some advice on how I could provide a better life for my pet (a Boston Terrier). All I found was the implication that I should take him for more walks, and that maybe I should have adopted a pound puppy instead of seeking out a dog recommended for homes with small children.
Not that that worked out very well. We tried to be responsible and ethical when we sought out our Bilbo. But he's troubled. During one of our early attempts at socialization, he bit a younger puppy--maybe three months old--hard on the nose; we (and the puppy's owners) were worried he might have damaged an eye. He didn't, but he sure traumatized the poor little pup. After that and a couple of similar episodes--realizing that we had a problem dog on our hands--we gave up on socialization. The result: He's impossible around other dogs (except for my in-laws Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon), and he's not to be trusted around people. (He escaped into the lobby of our building a few months back and bit a neighbor on the hand.)
So now we walk him regularly, but we're always trying to dodge other dogs, which isn't easy in NYC. And whenever we have company over, we hide him in a back room, where he yelps and cries and eventually goes to sleep (which can't be helping to improve his psychological state).
So, please stop lecturing me about how I (we) should be (a) better pet owner and just tell me (us) how.
Not that that worked out very well. We tried to be responsible and ethical when we sought out our Bilbo. But he's troubled. During one of our early attempts at socialization, he bit a younger puppy--maybe three months old--hard on the nose; we (and the puppy's owners) were worried he might have damaged an eye. He didn't, but he sure traumatized the poor little pup. After that and a couple of similar episodes--realizing that we had a problem dog on our hands--we gave up on socialization. The result: He's impossible around other dogs (except for my in-laws Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon), and he's not to be trusted around people. (He escaped into the lobby of our building a few months back and bit a neighbor on the hand.)
So now we walk him regularly, but we're always trying to dodge other dogs, which isn't easy in NYC. And whenever we have company over, we hide him in a back room, where he yelps and cries and eventually goes to sleep (which can't be helping to improve his psychological state).
So, please stop lecturing me about how I (we) should be (a) better pet owner and just tell me (us) how.
3
@Jim Austin
Continuing down this road does your dog no favors. Find a good behaviorist and commit to working through your dog's issues. Ask your veterinarian, the local Humane Society, and Boston Terrier rescues for recommendations. Once his biting is under control, he will likely benefit from training classes in which your family should participate as well.
Continuing down this road does your dog no favors. Find a good behaviorist and commit to working through your dog's issues. Ask your veterinarian, the local Humane Society, and Boston Terrier rescues for recommendations. Once his biting is under control, he will likely benefit from training classes in which your family should participate as well.
4
Have you worked with a trainer/behaviorist to help find ways to care for your dog? Or, if you're open to it, I know some holistic vets treat anxiety and aggression in dogs too. He seems like he would need some specialized and hands on help.
It's great that you are dedicated to caring for him in spite of his difficulties, and I hope you can find someone to help you and help him.
It's great that you are dedicated to caring for him in spite of his difficulties, and I hope you can find someone to help you and help him.
3
My dogs have always been happier with a fellow canine at home, but given their different lifespans that has not always been possible. My current only dog gets several long walks a day with family and goes to daycare once or twice a week where the staff spend time playing with the dogs and where the dogs get rest in between playtime. He is a happy as a clam, so to speak.
We've had other animals over the years, all taken out regularly for play and all long-lived: a ten year old leopard gecko, a twelve year old dwarf rabbit, and various guinea pigs. She's right about the fish - I've had gold fish for years, always two or three in a ten gallon tank, and they too have thrived for ten to 15 years.
If animals are social in the wild, they probably will do best with lots of socialization at home. If they're solitary in the wild, they probably aren't as lonely as this author thinks.
We've had other animals over the years, all taken out regularly for play and all long-lived: a ten year old leopard gecko, a twelve year old dwarf rabbit, and various guinea pigs. She's right about the fish - I've had gold fish for years, always two or three in a ten gallon tank, and they too have thrived for ten to 15 years.
If animals are social in the wild, they probably will do best with lots of socialization at home. If they're solitary in the wild, they probably aren't as lonely as this author thinks.
4
I longed for a dog for years after my last one died, but this article expresses exactly why I didn't get one until I retired and could spend time with him, go for walks with him, play games with him,and give him doggie play dates. I do think Homer (a rescue, so named because he found a home) is happy. I believe I enrich his life and I know he enriches mine.
3
I love dogs and look forward to adopting two from shelters when I retire. I live in an empty nest home with a back yard but I am holding out a few more years. My grandchildren are my "pets" for now!
If I do adopt before retirement (and I may very well cave in soon), I will most definitely take them to doggie care while I am work and they will wear doggie seat belts in the car and learn to use my treadmill.
If I do adopt before retirement (and I may very well cave in soon), I will most definitely take them to doggie care while I am work and they will wear doggie seat belts in the car and learn to use my treadmill.
4
My cat was found on the street at a young age. He was groomed, so he was either deposited on the street by his owner or escaped. In any case, when I would leave he run up behind me and leap on my leg trying to stop me from leaving. It broke my heart and showed how much he needed companionship.
So I adopted my neighbor's cat and never was my formerly solo cat clutching on my leg. Relieved my guilt and gave him a companion.
So I adopted my neighbor's cat and never was my formerly solo cat clutching on my leg. Relieved my guilt and gave him a companion.
3
My husband and I have three cats. We live in a small apartment, work at home and are here most of the time. Yet when I go out for several hours--and he's still here--the cats are still very happy to see me come home, come to the door, ask for pats, etc. Other than the many hours they sleep, their appetite for love seems unending. I'm sure if they could go outside and if they weren't fixed, they have "lives of their own" as the cats of my childhood did. But as it is, I feel responsible to give them at least a good portion of the attention they desire, even when they climb on the keyboard or bite my toes.
5
When people see me with my (rescue mutt) dog and say that they want a dog too, I tell them not to even think about it unless they have most of every day free to keep the dog company, busy, and socialized with other dogs. Unless you are busy keeping your dog busy all day, or paying someone else to do so, your dog has a limited existence. They deserve better.
But of course if you want to reduce non-human animal suffering, the best thing to do by very, very far, is not to eat them or their bodily excretions (dairy, eggs). Nothing else even comes remotely close.
But of course if you want to reduce non-human animal suffering, the best thing to do by very, very far, is not to eat them or their bodily excretions (dairy, eggs). Nothing else even comes remotely close.
5
They are not toys and I cringe whenever Disney comes out with a movie with a cute animal in it. Invariably the shelters are filled with the animals that spoiled brats insist their parents buy them.
Animal breeding should be heavily regulated or prohibited.
I will not shop in a pet food store (this means you PetSmart and Petco) that sells animals and I spend at least $100 a week on pet food.
Animal breeding should be heavily regulated or prohibited.
I will not shop in a pet food store (this means you PetSmart and Petco) that sells animals and I spend at least $100 a week on pet food.
3
Dogs like company. I would encourage anyone who has one dog to consider getting another. The additional work and expense of a second dog are marginal but well worth it. When your dog has a companion, s/he is much less likely to suffer loneliness or boredom when the family's human members leave the house.
4
I believe I'm (was) a responsible dog owner. My black lab Sam went for a run with me every morning and he had a walk at nite. However he spent most of the day, while I was at work, alone. Did my dog "suffer" as Ms. Pierce seems to suggest?
4
My cats are less lonely and bored because there are two of them, and they sleep together, eat together, romp together, and have the most fun chasing each other up and down the stairs. Going down, one will be the chaser and the other the chasee, and immediately upon landing at the bottom, their roles are reversed and the chasee becomes the chaser. To top it off I work from home so they see me a lot, and almost universally sleep or hang out in the room I am in at any one time. I have raised cats in pairs for 30 years, and would never have it any other way.
6
I have long felt this way about our relationship with pets. I have an indoor cat that I felt increasingly as though I was denying him a fundamental part of his nature by not letting him outside. However, there are things one can do to make life more interesting. We found a shop that makes cat window patios (which fit in the window like an air conditioner) called a Kitty Peeper, and he uses it constantly, allowing him to feel as though he's outside. (Google "kitty peeper" to find them). Knowing he has something to keep him stimulated while I'm at work has given me piece of mind, and he absolutely loves it. Thanks for the great article.
5
Not sure what solutions I heard. Feel bad about leaving my dog inside house all day while I work, but what other option do I have. Will walk him before work and after work and hang with him when I am home. For all practical purposes, that is all I can do. That is more attention than many humans get.
6
How about a companion dog or cat?
Put his kibble or treats in a treat ball (or other dispenser) to occupy him while you're away. Some of them have adjustable difficulty levels.
Put his kibble or treats in a treat ball (or other dispenser) to occupy him while you're away. Some of them have adjustable difficulty levels.
1
I am lucky enough to live near a wooded park where my dogs can run off leash and swim in a couple of woodland ponds. Most dogs never get that chance, in a age where dogs are restricted and neighbors call the police at the mere sight of a loose dog. What is wrong with these people? Dogs need to run around a bit.
Even worse is the indiscriminate use of invisible fence systems. My neighbor stuck his pup out there, because she was just a toy for his kids to play with and then condemned her to spend the next 6 years of her life alone being shocked into captivity on 300 sq feet of lawn. Not surprisingly a nice dog turned into a barking psychotic menace. Dogs must be family.
Finally, my dogs are always happiest when they have a companion and so we always have two. Both from dog shelters. Dogs need a friend.
My neighbors somethimes ask me how I train my dogs so well, to stay in the yard, never bark and come when called. I used to say that I didn't really do anything, but now I am concious of the lack of good dogmanship out there and I try and give a short answer. Most of the time it seems people really aren't all that interested. They have Iphones to fiddle with and kids soccer games to film and no time for training or nurturing of dogs.
Even worse is the indiscriminate use of invisible fence systems. My neighbor stuck his pup out there, because she was just a toy for his kids to play with and then condemned her to spend the next 6 years of her life alone being shocked into captivity on 300 sq feet of lawn. Not surprisingly a nice dog turned into a barking psychotic menace. Dogs must be family.
Finally, my dogs are always happiest when they have a companion and so we always have two. Both from dog shelters. Dogs need a friend.
My neighbors somethimes ask me how I train my dogs so well, to stay in the yard, never bark and come when called. I used to say that I didn't really do anything, but now I am concious of the lack of good dogmanship out there and I try and give a short answer. Most of the time it seems people really aren't all that interested. They have Iphones to fiddle with and kids soccer games to film and no time for training or nurturing of dogs.
11
Agreed...except free running dogs become victims of cars, thieves, and predators.
5
I don't really worry about how lonely and bored my dog and cat are while I'm at work. They love each other and hang out together. A lovely young woman comes for a 30 minute walk and visit (complete with treats for all) every weekday afternoon.
I'm more worried about unethical breeders and puppy mills producing dogs with inherent health problems, bred in horrific conditions. Let's talk about the humans who buy these dogs at "pet stores" and all the things that are wrong with that.
I'm more worried about unethical breeders and puppy mills producing dogs with inherent health problems, bred in horrific conditions. Let's talk about the humans who buy these dogs at "pet stores" and all the things that are wrong with that.
14
For five long and very depressing years, I worked at a high-kill county animal shelter. There are a few residents - and their animals - I'll never forget. For example: the couple who surrendered their dog because they'd purchased new furniture and the dog no longer matched. The woman whose Yorkie was hit by a car, languishing in her driveway with a broken back, who said, "Well, some things are meant to happen." And all those folks who dumped their sick and senior pets at my feet, writing "Can't take care of" under "Reason for surrender" on the shelter's intake papers.
When I slipped on wet cat litter at work, severely injuring my back, and was promptly fired after filing for worker's comp, it was a blessing. No more dreaded "kitten seasons" for me, those awful weeks in July and August when we'd euthanize 20 or 30 adorable babies because their "owners" were too cheap or uncaring to spay their mothers and there simply weren't enough homes for all of them. No more wandering through the kennels on those sad Mondays, counting the black X's on cage cards, looking at those poor souls who would get the needle the next morning. Many of the strays had been picked up with collars on. They belonged to somebody, clearly, just somebody who didn't care enough to look for them. No wonder we all self-medicated with alcohol or drugs after work.
They are not toys, they are not temporary, they're your responsibility.
When I slipped on wet cat litter at work, severely injuring my back, and was promptly fired after filing for worker's comp, it was a blessing. No more dreaded "kitten seasons" for me, those awful weeks in July and August when we'd euthanize 20 or 30 adorable babies because their "owners" were too cheap or uncaring to spay their mothers and there simply weren't enough homes for all of them. No more wandering through the kennels on those sad Mondays, counting the black X's on cage cards, looking at those poor souls who would get the needle the next morning. Many of the strays had been picked up with collars on. They belonged to somebody, clearly, just somebody who didn't care enough to look for them. No wonder we all self-medicated with alcohol or drugs after work.
They are not toys, they are not temporary, they're your responsibility.
158
I agree with the concern expressed here. I have two cats, who are deeply loved, receive great affection, and are very well cared for, but they are restricted to the home, and I can tell how frustrated they are. (I gave up on letting one roam after her second injury and learning about cats killing birds). The younger one had never been indoor/outdoor. but he's full of energy and want to be out in the world.
Worse yet - much - is seeing big, young dogs being left alone all day... I've witnessed close up three cases of this in recent months from a friend who dog sits. The dogs are desperate to get out and run, but instead are cooped up at home. Painful to watch.
Worse yet - much - is seeing big, young dogs being left alone all day... I've witnessed close up three cases of this in recent months from a friend who dog sits. The dogs are desperate to get out and run, but instead are cooped up at home. Painful to watch.
34
As I write, Pepi the 80 lb lab is sprawled out on the soft-seating, all four paws in the air, snoring after his morning trot and chow. Ruff life. Agree on the importance of company but when we tried to introduce a lovely dingo dog "Tee," the grand stand-off ensued with one dog on the sofa in the living room, the other on a futon in a back room, both looking very annoyed and relieved to go back to only dog status at the end of the day. Birds at the outdoor feeder are delightful pets, and, the feeder brings visiting turkey, squirrel, chipmunk, and bear.
4
My heart goes out especially to cats who, perennially mislabeled as loners, are perhaps the most misunderstood of all pets. Despite the popularity of kittens as fun entertainment, our culture's tragic ignorance of cat behavior leads to an almost willful irresponsibility when it comes to their care. How many times have you heard a cat owner tell you their cat can be left at home for days with just a heaping food bowl and lots of water? Then there are those who get bored with their cats when they stop playing like kittens, leading to the cat losing the much-needed attention of its owner or, in the case of particularly ignorant owners, physical abandonment (rationalized by, "cats can fend for themselves")(no they can't). And there's a special place in hell for veterinarians who declaw cats, certainly one of the cruelest procedures they unaccountably continue to perform, instead of helping improve cat owners' understanding the needs of, and appropriate care options for the trusting animal whose well being they are both responsible for.
12
This paper has reported on dog owners in close quarters like New York City who refuse to clean up after their pets, including allowing them to go to the bathroom in apartment hallways and elevators. Many of us have also lived in apartments or condos next to dog owners whose dogs literally bark non-stop for 6-8 hours a day when the dog owner is not home, having "learned" that by barking the owner will come back to give them attention. Many of these people are otherwise wonderful neighbors and loving dog owners (when present) & simply not cognizant of the pain they are causing.
I've often thought it should be a legal requirement that people must live on a minimum of 1 acre to own any kind of medium to larger sized dog. It would also not hurt to legally require proof that an owner works from home if the dog is not going to doggie daycare. I say this as someone who truly loves dogs; grew up with them (in the country); and as an adult has chosen not to have a dog because of living in urban environments.
I've often thought it should be a legal requirement that people must live on a minimum of 1 acre to own any kind of medium to larger sized dog. It would also not hurt to legally require proof that an owner works from home if the dog is not going to doggie daycare. I say this as someone who truly loves dogs; grew up with them (in the country); and as an adult has chosen not to have a dog because of living in urban environments.
4
Absolutely agree. All he recent books I've read on animal cognition reveal that our "pets" are individuals with their own set of emotions and thoughts, and should be treated as such. We have always had either dogs or cats, and I stress the plural. They have been very good at keeping each other company and playing together, whether physically or with their "toys". They have always been happy... you can tell by the way they carry themselves, interact with people, and enjoy each other. Our companions in the home require our attention, the difference in behavior and attitude is worth the time and energy.
2
Since I learned that the money Americans spend on pet food every year is enough money to save every endangered species on Earth I've become completely repulsed at the idea of "owning a pet" (slavery light?).
We will let half of the species on Earth die by 2050 (recent research suggests this is the end result of current human behavior) so we can have a cute and cuddly of our own.
Disgusting.
We will let half of the species on Earth die by 2050 (recent research suggests this is the end result of current human behavior) so we can have a cute and cuddly of our own.
Disgusting.
2
Not to toot my own horn, but I have to roll my eyes when I read or hear the following: "Scientists studying animal cognition and emotion are continually peeling back the mysteries of animal minds, revealing an incredible and often surprising richness in the thoughts and feelings of other creatures."
Any good animal owner/lover - as I am - has long known and told other disbelieving people that animals share a range of emotions and intelligence that would rival most modern day human beings.
I didn't need a scientist to tell me about the rich life of my dog and cat. I see and experience it on a day to day basis because I live with and love them.
Of course, when I talk about the depth of animals' being to most people, they just scoff, and then go back to staring at their little itsy-bitsy cell phone screens.
The truth is, humans are no more intelligent than anything else, but they think that they are, which is what makes them so especially dangerous.
As an animal lover, I can honestly say I don't like people.
Now, excuse me while I go spend time with my animals, while the rest of you read this article that has to tell you about the rich lives of animals.
Any good animal owner/lover - as I am - has long known and told other disbelieving people that animals share a range of emotions and intelligence that would rival most modern day human beings.
I didn't need a scientist to tell me about the rich life of my dog and cat. I see and experience it on a day to day basis because I live with and love them.
Of course, when I talk about the depth of animals' being to most people, they just scoff, and then go back to staring at their little itsy-bitsy cell phone screens.
The truth is, humans are no more intelligent than anything else, but they think that they are, which is what makes them so especially dangerous.
As an animal lover, I can honestly say I don't like people.
Now, excuse me while I go spend time with my animals, while the rest of you read this article that has to tell you about the rich lives of animals.
4
As a mostly empty nester, I am conflicted about pets. Enormous financial and medical resources are devoted to them while children starve and die of curable disease in other parts of the world and in the USA too. An unrelated question: why do cats like to sleep with their humans? In my case it is a huge, cowardly Maine Coon cat. Before we got him, he had been abused. It took a long time before he trusted us. Nobody else. Our other cat has a very different personality. She has never met a stranger, that is, a person she considered a stranger.
3
We are pet lovers - I may have married Ellie Mae Clampet - but we talk about our pets and their well-being all the time. Ours are primarily rescues, and long ago we left the fishes, birds and reptiles alone. We reasoned that cats and dogs were adapted to life with humans, and most importantly that the pet industry was grossly lacking in ethics regarding not just care, but also the environmental damage that results from animals being taken from their natural habitat. We were deeply concerned about places like the Everglades and it's population of pythons, for example, but also about the Macaws and just about any other soecies you can think of.
Our three dogs and a cat are all rescues. And I can attest with certainty thay they are all very happy and healthy. Our biggest 'issue' with them is the frequency with which we let them in and out - it's whenever they want - so we all ture of getting to to open the door; total first world problem. When we go on trips we take them all to our mother's place where they get the same attention and TLC until we return.
Our pets are the exception, though, and we are fortunate to be in a situation where we can do this. In a family or home where pets are considered 'sub human', or merely a 'collectible', those animals fare much worse. We should all take stock of this in consideration of our impact on the environment. It's not just waste and resources we must consider.
Our three dogs and a cat are all rescues. And I can attest with certainty thay they are all very happy and healthy. Our biggest 'issue' with them is the frequency with which we let them in and out - it's whenever they want - so we all ture of getting to to open the door; total first world problem. When we go on trips we take them all to our mother's place where they get the same attention and TLC until we return.
Our pets are the exception, though, and we are fortunate to be in a situation where we can do this. In a family or home where pets are considered 'sub human', or merely a 'collectible', those animals fare much worse. We should all take stock of this in consideration of our impact on the environment. It's not just waste and resources we must consider.
1
It would be interesting to know if the author eats vegan. Does she wear leather shoes? Does she purchase wood furniture? Home construction, diet, clothing, transportation: All of it impacts animal populations.
This is a fascinating article, filled with worthy ideas. In my opinion, this could be the subject of a book: How does our behavior affect other species around the world? Fish farms are notoriously filthy. Brazil is eradicating its rainforests to produce beef. We cut down cyprus forests to produce wood chips for our gardens, which destroys wild animal environments.
We do a lot to harm animals' lives, mostly outside the world of the pet. Hopefully this new trend in pet care and animal awareness will translate into meaningful policy for preserving animal kingdoms, even when they are part of the food supply.
This is a fascinating article, filled with worthy ideas. In my opinion, this could be the subject of a book: How does our behavior affect other species around the world? Fish farms are notoriously filthy. Brazil is eradicating its rainforests to produce beef. We cut down cyprus forests to produce wood chips for our gardens, which destroys wild animal environments.
We do a lot to harm animals' lives, mostly outside the world of the pet. Hopefully this new trend in pet care and animal awareness will translate into meaningful policy for preserving animal kingdoms, even when they are part of the food supply.
3
My spouse and I are not keepers for Daisy, Delilah, and Samson the cats who share our home. In 56 years of marriage, and before as children we had the blessing of having cats and dogs as members of the family. All of our companions joined us from shelters and the side of the road. They receive good food, and excellent medical care. They live in a house with us in which they are clearly part of the family loved and loving.
1
As the owner of a bearded dragon (bought from a pet store which one should never do just like cats of dogs--they are inbred and can be sickly, small and live shortened lives which was told to me by a dragon breeder) I feel bad for my dragon. I live in NC and these animals long ago were taken from the Australian Outback--nothing like the climate of the American South. We take our dragon out every day and in the summer let her roam our large screened in porch which she loves. When it is cold and she cannot go outside which would be damaging to her health, she paces back and forth in front of a large window near of porch claws at the glass, stands up on her hind legs and looks out. It's sad bc these reptiles run through the desert for hundreds of miles in the wild. Not only that, they have been bread into all kinds of vibrant colors and there is quite the demand for these reptiles which to purchase from a breeder is an expensive investment. The NYT has recently reported on reptile intelligence and bearded dragon human like sleep patterns. It's sad that we breed them and keep them cooped up. We enjoy our dragon a lot but it was meant to be in expansive spaces in the wild.
3
A dog, like a child, can only be happy once they are understood. This need runs far deeper than play, treats, exercise and attention. I suggest dog owners make this their fundamental practice and the rest will follow naturally.
1
I lived in Alpine, Texas for four months where there was a very active shelter pet association that posted flyers around town with cute dogs and cats that needed homes. I walked for transportation and passed by many back yards where dogs who never went on walks, as far as I could tell, would go beserk barking and running along the fence whenever I walked by. (This is one of the worst forms of noise pollution in any town!) I couldn't help thinking that those poor bored-crazy dogs would have been better off had they been euthanized.
2
This article hits the mark, especially regarding dogs. In my community, you can tell when the dog-owning neighbors arrive home from work by the desperate, ceaseless barking of the dogs released to the solitary confinements of their backyards. Ignored by their owners who have apparently become bored with them, they are cooped up in their homes all day without companionship or exercise.
Too many people buy them from pet stores because it is fashionable or the "thing to do", but are too uneducated or too lazy to care for them properly. Dogs are social animals and need to interact constantly with their owners or other dogs. I feel very sorry for these animals.
Too many people buy them from pet stores because it is fashionable or the "thing to do", but are too uneducated or too lazy to care for them properly. Dogs are social animals and need to interact constantly with their owners or other dogs. I feel very sorry for these animals.
4
I agree with much of this article, especially what pertains to solitary confinement for fish and reptiles. Birds should have been mentioned, too. But I hope it doesn't dissuade people from adopting a cat or dog. As a rescuer trying to find homes for cats, I often hear "I can't have a pet, I'm not home enough." But spending the day by itself, even some night hours, is fine, and preferable to life on the streets or worse. I once felt guilty for leaving my dogs and cat during the day, then I started working at home and realized how much time they spend sleeping.
2
I relate best to birds and have always seen to it that mine have large cages free flight time, a variety of foods and company. As I am nearing 70, I am now enjoying my last pair of canaries. I got the male from a local breeder who has 40 at most for sale and even brings them to to prospective owners to check on conditions; if he has doubts, he takes his bird back home. The female, a canary / European goldfinch mix from a commercial breeder, was treated roughly. It took nearly a year to gain her trust, but now those two birds are wonderful companions. Sure, keeping them healthy and well-cared for is a lot of work, but if you want a pet - any pet - that is exactly what it deserves. Many people see a "cute" creature and just have to have it, not knowing the first thing about what this small life needs, or give in to their children's whining for one (I think with horror of the tiny chicks, dyed in all colours, that are to be seen in American shop windows, and given as "gifts."
All I can say is that all pet birds and animals deserve respect, loving homes that give them the conditions they need to have long and happy lives. You are responsible for them as much as you are for a family member.
All I can say is that all pet birds and animals deserve respect, loving homes that give them the conditions they need to have long and happy lives. You are responsible for them as much as you are for a family member.
6
Regarding the supposed cruelty of and ensuing guilt engendered by leaving dogs home alone all day while the owner is at work, what is the option? Most people can't afford dog walkers or doggie daycare and and at least to the extent that the dog is a rescue, home alone is a heck of a lot better than no home at all.
Regarding the boredom of being home alone all day, I do lots of dog-sitting and in my experience, the dogs spend the vast majority of the day sleeping. I suppose if I were more high-energy, the dogs would respond accordingly, but as it is, I read a lot and they sleep a lot; we get along just fine.
Regarding the boredom of being home alone all day, I do lots of dog-sitting and in my experience, the dogs spend the vast majority of the day sleeping. I suppose if I were more high-energy, the dogs would respond accordingly, but as it is, I read a lot and they sleep a lot; we get along just fine.
4
Today is my siamese cat, Sushi's birthday. She lived a well loved 21 years 12 days. She was a wonderful, talkative companion. Everywhere we went she went, San Francisco, New York, Washington DC, Hilton Head, Pittsburgh, Kentucky, all over Alaska etc. Airplanes, no problem as she stared done the TSA agent wanding her with a "whatever" look. She loved the heat so we built her a screened gazebo for the summer. For the winter she rejected her heated cat bed for a heated lap blanket. I must have 8 of them. She rejected this big fish hideaway I made for her even though I put catnip in it. She loved the roaring fire in the fireplace and ordered my husband to built one as she stayed in bed until the blower turned on. She was an indoor cat with a stroller and I will never forget the Pacific Heights people excitedly exclaiming "it's a cat" as we strolled to get dried bonita treats. For meals, fancy feast flaked fish only. She carried her 55 stuffed toys and one braided ribbon, some as big as she, to her food dish. She sat on our laps until 10pm, left us and we heard her announce "bedtime" as she took her third of the bed with her head next to ours. As she aged we moved furniture and added things to make her life easier and carefully monitored her health and happiness and she honored us with being with us when she died painlessly. I think we all knew each other very well and now you have a tiny glimpse of her.
88
Agree that many should not own a "pet" but it varies from family to family. We have always had at least 2 dogs and 2 cats, the cats come from shelters as kittens and the dogs from breeders of known quality. In winter, it is usual to see both cats and both dogs in a pile following the sunlight coming through the windows. Our dogs have always been hunting bird dogs that are full family members and team players that put food in our freezer every year and are our best friends the rest of the year. It is a human/dog partnership that goes back much farther than the pet industry. For our nearest neighbors, it is herding dogs that actually herd cattle on the ranch. For others, their dogs are their security monitors who let you know someone is on the property. We know a few true "pet" owners but out here in rural flyover country, most dogs are working animals doing what they were meant to do when they first became domesticated and almost all of them are living in the house with their owners when not working.
12
We do not have pets. Not for the lack of demands from my husband and the boys, or the strange look I get from people when I tell them I love animals, I don't need to own one.
Now it's spring again, it's easier. I show them the animals outside, all the birds, baby squirrels under the bird feeder, the baby rabbits eating the dandelions, the deers resting in the grass, (we have a quite a big yard).
And I tell them always, "Look, you would not be able to see them all the time like this if we had cats or dogs." England has seen their bird population drop dramatically over the years because of all the cats chasing them.
My kids love animals and now understand they would much rather see them in the wild like this, outside not in cages.
Beside who would look after the dog when everyone is at school or work?.
As for exotic pets, I don't understand why people would want to own them. They probably do not know how what happens to most animals that are trafficked from far away places and how most of them die in transit.
Look, I perfectly understand why some people would have a cat or a dog, they can be priceless companions.
In the mean time our backyard will stay a mini sanctuary.
Now it's spring again, it's easier. I show them the animals outside, all the birds, baby squirrels under the bird feeder, the baby rabbits eating the dandelions, the deers resting in the grass, (we have a quite a big yard).
And I tell them always, "Look, you would not be able to see them all the time like this if we had cats or dogs." England has seen their bird population drop dramatically over the years because of all the cats chasing them.
My kids love animals and now understand they would much rather see them in the wild like this, outside not in cages.
Beside who would look after the dog when everyone is at school or work?.
As for exotic pets, I don't understand why people would want to own them. They probably do not know how what happens to most animals that are trafficked from far away places and how most of them die in transit.
Look, I perfectly understand why some people would have a cat or a dog, they can be priceless companions.
In the mean time our backyard will stay a mini sanctuary.
12
The attention, love, compassion and attention given to a pet is always retuned three fold. People that love their pets are my kind of people; they have compassion and a good heart. My cats are my substitute kids. I wouldn't change a thing!
10
Then you are my kind of person. However, I never would think of telling my pets' vet that I am their "mommy." I really love my pair of canaries and the vet has them listed as "1 pr canaries: female: Daphne du Maurier, 1 male: Mikey Golden." They are wonderful companions, we communicate by means of whistles, but they live their own bird lives.
Russianbluemom, give your kiddies a loving petting from me!
Russianbluemom, give your kiddies a loving petting from me!
1
When my lab is really happy she jumps up and down repeatedly. That is guaranteed to happen twice a day when her food bowl is filled and each time the leash comes out to go outside. Her favorite foray is to the park where she scavenges for food. Any stranger who feeds her gets top treatment. Fetching a ball from a body of water is another top activity. When lying around she likes being acknowledged rather than ignored. She hates being left alone and communicates that with an angry bark. As for the routine hours of the day, when I am engaged and she is not, I assume she's bored. In every day, there are hours of nothing. She's not interested in house toys anymore. She lacks a constant companion. She may be bored to death. But I figure that's part of the bargain. Dogs gravitated toward people for easy food and shelter. Hours of down time come with that bargain. If that overrides the perks, that's her fault. She shouldn't have left the pack of wolves she grew up with.
6
She did not leave a pack of wolves nor was she ever supposed to be a pet. She was created, by humans, fairly recently, as a hunting dog. Hunting dogs were absolutely not supposed to spend hours alone, locked inside.
Dogs have been companions to humans for a very long time, but the overwhelming majority were never pets. They were service dogs, working dogs, hunting dogs. They were active, spent little time inside, and spent more time with other dogs and animals than with humans. They did not «bargain» food and shelter for boredom, but for work.
Dogs have been companions to humans for a very long time, but the overwhelming majority were never pets. They were service dogs, working dogs, hunting dogs. They were active, spent little time inside, and spent more time with other dogs and animals than with humans. They did not «bargain» food and shelter for boredom, but for work.
3
Perhaps another dog companion will alleviate some of her boredom, or even a cat (if she's cat friendly).
I've found my dogs are more contented living with a canine friend.
I've found my dogs are more contented living with a canine friend.
2
Our superior than thou attitude toward every other living sentient being obviously comes from being on top of the Kingdom. Our failure to respect and value other sentient beings is our failure as humans.
12
Humans on top of the kingdom? Yeah, sure. Serious science, is finding out more and more how much sentience and emotion so-called lower animals have. The old idea of animals as mindless automatons has been disproved many times over. I'd suggest reading Frans de Waal: Are we smart enough to know how smart animals are? This book is not the cutesy-Disney kind, but describes research on animal perceptions, intelligence and that in a very accessible way. Anyone reading that will hopefully develop a whole different attitude towards our fellow beings. Anthropocentrism as propagated by Christianity has been the single most destructive element toinfluence us.
2
Articles like this are a major contributor to animals languishing in shelters and "rescues" cough, hoarders who are waiting on a "perfect" home. Humans don't get perfect homes! If an animals basic needs are provided for they are doing better than some portions of the human population. That's good enough.
14
I spend my days sitting at a desk solving inane problems so somebody somewhere can make more money. I do not get enough sleep and basically never get a vacation. I worry about money and how I will live once my employer notices how old I am.
My dog is probably as bored as the author suggests. His only entertainment is walking, barking and entering me to throw a toy to the far side of the room.
If the author is serious about the ethics of creatures living in the mind numbing constraints of the modern age, I think she should start with me. Nobody ever tosses a toy anywhere for me.
My dog is probably as bored as the author suggests. His only entertainment is walking, barking and entering me to throw a toy to the far side of the room.
If the author is serious about the ethics of creatures living in the mind numbing constraints of the modern age, I think she should start with me. Nobody ever tosses a toy anywhere for me.
126
I empathize with your comment, however, a search on the NYT will result in numerous opinions and articles that address your concerns. There is enough capacity on the internet to address both human and animal woes.
1
I agree with the sentiment of this column. What I want is to know those things that make for better and more ethical treatment of pets. I think many owners would gladly make small changes, or even big ones, to give their pet a more meaningful life.
We have two cats, brothers from the same litter, and they play together. We play with them, too, and they are very important in our lives. I do read about care for cats, and we studied ASPCA and other websites before we got our cats. Still, I'm sure there's much room for improvement, and I look forward to hearing better advice regarding caring for our pets.
We have two cats, brothers from the same litter, and they play together. We play with them, too, and they are very important in our lives. I do read about care for cats, and we studied ASPCA and other websites before we got our cats. Still, I'm sure there's much room for improvement, and I look forward to hearing better advice regarding caring for our pets.
16
How could we have ever thought that any animal doesn't feel pain? Isn't pain a signal that is needed so, for example, if you touch something that can damage you, you back away? We are never-endingly self-centered, thinking that only white people or only humans feel pain, physical and emotional. As time goes on, we always seem to find that we have been callous and have injured others by our assumptions.
It would probalby be a good idea to distinguish between severe suffering (the goldfish in the tiny bowl or the lizard in the much-too-small aquarium) vs dogs left alone all day vs. cats. People are already concerned about their furry pets and their boredom is probably less of a strain than being kept in jail-like conditions.
It would probalby be a good idea to distinguish between severe suffering (the goldfish in the tiny bowl or the lizard in the much-too-small aquarium) vs dogs left alone all day vs. cats. People are already concerned about their furry pets and their boredom is probably less of a strain than being kept in jail-like conditions.
3
I would love to have a dog but have been waiting for my retirement to do so, in order to provide both space (a house with a yard instead of an apt) and company. And if I could, I'd get a second dog so they have each other's company as well.
Yet I've repeatedly heard that dogs don't mind staying inside those 'cages'(it's their nest), or staying alone all day (they sleep a lot anyway), and figured I must just be anthropomorphising. So this article provides a much-needed point of view.
Yet I've repeatedly heard that dogs don't mind staying inside those 'cages'(it's their nest), or staying alone all day (they sleep a lot anyway), and figured I must just be anthropomorphising. So this article provides a much-needed point of view.
16
Is there anything people can't feel guilty about? Wild animals aren't comfortable most of the time, so if my pet doesn't have the perfect life I'm not worried. It still better than the wild.
Let's focus our attention on people, and whether or not most of them are comfortable. It's better to be guilty about how we treat the least of our brothers and sisters.
Let's focus our attention on people, and whether or not most of them are comfortable. It's better to be guilty about how we treat the least of our brothers and sisters.
21
While I respect what you have written, I maintain that each single life counts. As soon as you take an animal into your home, it is your duty to see to its needs. You don't stuff a dog into a cage for hours, with only the shortest of walks, a cat is not a stuffed toy to be chucked out when it has lost its charm for you, nor do you let a bird out the window when you realize it is work to keep it decently.
Many animals have been bred to captivity (canaries for about 600 years), dogs for many thousands, so that most breeds of dogs cannot even survive in the wild. Just think of your English bulldogs, your chihuahuas, your tiny Yorkies.
People who are badly treated can protest, can appeal to others for help or gather together to demonstrate. Your pet, however, is totally dependent on you for all of its needs throughout its life so, if you neglect it, the wild is still a far better place than a human environment of neglect.
Many animals have been bred to captivity (canaries for about 600 years), dogs for many thousands, so that most breeds of dogs cannot even survive in the wild. Just think of your English bulldogs, your chihuahuas, your tiny Yorkies.
People who are badly treated can protest, can appeal to others for help or gather together to demonstrate. Your pet, however, is totally dependent on you for all of its needs throughout its life so, if you neglect it, the wild is still a far better place than a human environment of neglect.
3
Our dogs won the lottery when we adopted them. They gets lots of affection, have the run of the house, and are the center of attention. I should be so lucky.
30
Thanks to the author for pointing out that animals we want to keep as pets do not exist just for our entertainment or amusement but are beings with their own lives and needs, not windup toys without an inner life.
Maybe we should have an annual Pet Day, when schools could let children know about the basics of pet selection and care. We teach them about preserving wild animals; why not teach them about domestic ones?
Maybe we should have an annual Pet Day, when schools could let children know about the basics of pet selection and care. We teach them about preserving wild animals; why not teach them about domestic ones?
18
Please. I have kept tropical fish over several periods during my life, bred them successfully, been entertained by their various behaviors, and learned what makes them go: Three things--food, sex, and protection from being food for another critter, that is all. Do not transfer qualities to extremely small-brained vertebrates from your own wishes for companionship. Slapping a pet name on a fish is just weird, unless you are a small child.
Goldfish are, after all, just carp bred to be small and colorful. In nature, they are muddy bottom feeders, and not even very good to eat.
Goldfish are, after all, just carp bred to be small and colorful. In nature, they are muddy bottom feeders, and not even very good to eat.
11
Yup, fish want food, sex, and protection. Just like we do.
Fish have social instincts and respond to their environment. Please don't deny that fish have needs for companionship, comfort and stimuli, just because you're unwilling to accomodate them.
Fish have social instincts and respond to their environment. Please don't deny that fish have needs for companionship, comfort and stimuli, just because you're unwilling to accomodate them.
4
Well, LEB, even those "bottom feeders" are able to swim about freely in the wild. It's still cruel to place them in small quarters.
3
The biggest problem I see is pet owners not understanding what makes an animal tick. Take dogs. The vast majority of their experience in life is their nose and it needs to be exercised regularly for them to truly be happy. When I had my dog he was walked at least three times a day as well as running loose in the yard. But I see many owners who do no more than put their dog on a short run for a few short times a day for them to poop/pee. So sad.
28
Not sure I'm ready for another liberal movement, but I did correct my veterinarian when he referred to my dog as my child.
34
The author's attempt to put forth an important subject left me wanting more. The article seemed simplistic especially when addressing cats and dogs.
22
Thank you for writing this piece, Ms. Pierce. I hope more people consider the needs of pets and other animals on the planet. While I realize there is a continuum, it makes me so sad to think about the self-centered and unrealistic expectations people place on pets and how quickly they are to abandon or abuse pets when they don’t live up to them. Please continue to raise awareness on this issue.
27
When I got my cat (who had been abused by a child in his previous home), I joked on Facebook that he was my new roommate. Little did I know. He's very nocturnal, he wants me to stay up when he's up, and he's forced me to rearrange my sleep schedule. Now I enjoy the early morning hours and never miss a sunrise. I get lots of time with him, and he does have a say in what goes on in our apartment. Animals are very smart and emotionally complex. They communicate without words. Listen to them.
57
So true! Listen to your pets! My dog uses her nose to indicate every need. She even points out to me when her dog-bed needs washing, and points the way if a tic has escaped my attention (whether still attached to her or on the floor).
Plus, she has taught me how to bark -- I've learned the distinctive barks/noises for "Let's play!", "Daddy's home", "Stranger outside", "I need to go outside", etc.
Plus, she has taught me how to bark -- I've learned the distinctive barks/noises for "Let's play!", "Daddy's home", "Stranger outside", "I need to go outside", etc.
3
A paragraph is due on the "miniature" pigs trade, selling these cute, so-called "mini-pigs" to unsuspecting or uncaring owners, e.g. as portrayed in the recent Chase Bank TV commercial.
No need to go over the horrors endued by these pigs as, inevitably absent forced semi-starvation (think of nurturing a Bonsai tree), they try to exist as !50-400 pound "pets" in a suburban or urban household.
Cute? Yes as infants. As near and full adults? Well, that is why there are all across the country "pig rescue leagues."
No need to go over the horrors endued by these pigs as, inevitably absent forced semi-starvation (think of nurturing a Bonsai tree), they try to exist as !50-400 pound "pets" in a suburban or urban household.
Cute? Yes as infants. As near and full adults? Well, that is why there are all across the country "pig rescue leagues."
36
When my mother-in-law passed away two years ago, she left behind a parakeet. The bird had lived her life in a cage against a wall of the living room. No one wanted the bird, so we reluctantly brought her home.
This bird should not be in a cage, but that is how it will live her sad and lonely life. We have two dogs who wouldn't tolerate a free roaming parakeet in the house and this bird could not survive life in the wild as an invasive species. So she lives in a cage that sits in front of a window looking out onto our yard. If a parakeet could be house trained, perhaps we could let it fly in one of our rooms. But they are messy and not really suited for life in a house.
Whenever the temperature goes above 50, we put her outside to be in the sun, to feel the breeze and to hear other birds. She spends much of the warmer months outside and seems to like that. We briefly considered getting another bird to keep her company, but that compounds the injustice. Other than giving her the best care that we can, there are no good alternatives. It makes me sad to be confining this smart little bird.
Thank you for this thoughtful article. We humans are thoughtless and cruel toward the non-humans of the world.
This bird should not be in a cage, but that is how it will live her sad and lonely life. We have two dogs who wouldn't tolerate a free roaming parakeet in the house and this bird could not survive life in the wild as an invasive species. So she lives in a cage that sits in front of a window looking out onto our yard. If a parakeet could be house trained, perhaps we could let it fly in one of our rooms. But they are messy and not really suited for life in a house.
Whenever the temperature goes above 50, we put her outside to be in the sun, to feel the breeze and to hear other birds. She spends much of the warmer months outside and seems to like that. We briefly considered getting another bird to keep her company, but that compounds the injustice. Other than giving her the best care that we can, there are no good alternatives. It makes me sad to be confining this smart little bird.
Thank you for this thoughtful article. We humans are thoughtless and cruel toward the non-humans of the world.
184
Drive the bird down to south Florida and let it go. It may not survive very long but its last hours/days will be heaven.
1
If you won't let the budgie fly, then at least talk to it. I have had four in the past, and they are such bright, loving little birds. Birds may not be as demonstrative as dogs or cats, but with a little patience, you can get to read them as well as you can your furry companions. And as to being messy - I have never visited a cat or dog owner's place without getting some souvenir hair on my clothing, or they a fluff on theirs. That's a tiny price to pay for good companions.
2
Thank you for giving this bird - what's her name? - a better life, but you could do even better. Parakeets should have partners or friends! Parakeets can also easely fly in the home, they have to fly every day. No one will get hurt to clean a mini mini micro poop away with a wet sponge. It is not hurtful for humans in any way. It is rather the other way around: people in houses that are too hygienic are sick more often and develop allergies.
Don't give up on your bird, please read some modern bird literature about her. You can train with a clicker and there are many toys for parakeets (buy the study non-toxic ones from speciality shops) and parrots. Before the parakeet friend from the shelter arives, you can also give a mirror. Next to that there are many very big cages, look at parrotshops for nontoxic cages.
My hope for the future is that it will be forbidden to sell birds - and forbidden to eat them.
Don't give up on your bird, please read some modern bird literature about her. You can train with a clicker and there are many toys for parakeets (buy the study non-toxic ones from speciality shops) and parrots. Before the parakeet friend from the shelter arives, you can also give a mirror. Next to that there are many very big cages, look at parrotshops for nontoxic cages.
My hope for the future is that it will be forbidden to sell birds - and forbidden to eat them.
1
"Is Your Pet Lonely and Bored?"
Lonely? No, because I have two dogs, sometimes three. Bored? Sometimes, but it beats homelessness, euthanasia, or living in a cage at some puppy mill. They receive daily exercise and much attention.
I find it cruel to keep any animal in too small a space- and that includes crating dogs while the owners are at work (beyond the age of house-breaking, and even then they need to be let out at intervals correlating with their age and bladder size).
Lonely? No, because I have two dogs, sometimes three. Bored? Sometimes, but it beats homelessness, euthanasia, or living in a cage at some puppy mill. They receive daily exercise and much attention.
I find it cruel to keep any animal in too small a space- and that includes crating dogs while the owners are at work (beyond the age of house-breaking, and even then they need to be let out at intervals correlating with their age and bladder size).
8
I can't speak for other dog owners, but I just hope that if one does come back for a second life, I'll come back as a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, owned by someone like me. My dogs have me for company most of the time, a safe garden to explore, extremely comfortable furniture on which to lounge, and a bed (mine!) with their own down boudoir pillow so that wood headboard will be more comfortable. They also enjoy 4 wks on Zmartha's Vineyatd each summer. Rough life, right? Did I mention they are worshipped and adored?
13
Unfortunately, for most of us, our concern for animal welfare and the fact that most animals are Sentient and have Feelings does not extend to the the dinner table. We worry about the animals we adopt. We are not so concerned about the feelings and lives of animals killed to feed us.
10
I know a dog owner who is a driven professional who spends 12-14 hours a day away from her home on weekdays. Her dog, not surprisingly, is very anxious from being left alone for so many hours.
So what is this dog owner's solution? She gives her dog Valium. Absurd!
P.S. - She also leaves her dog in one of those cages that's so popular. I know many people say that dogs like these cages, that they sort of function as the dog's "cave." But I don't believe it. I think these cages are cruel.
So what is this dog owner's solution? She gives her dog Valium. Absurd!
P.S. - She also leaves her dog in one of those cages that's so popular. I know many people say that dogs like these cages, that they sort of function as the dog's "cave." But I don't believe it. I think these cages are cruel.
29
to Pam Shira Fleetman: The only time a dog enjoys a cage is when they can go in or out of it at will. My dog used to love her cage when there was too much commotion going on. Or when she just wanted to den up. Unfortunately after moving we have no room for her cage. Now she uses her bed for that luxury.
1
It depends on how you use the crate - Murphy uses his by choice as another favored sleep spot - the door is open,so it's his decision. He has been confined sometimes, when you drop something on the floor that you need to clean up without help, or when he was on bed rest due to a strained muscle. Since it's been his special spot by choice, he takes those occasions in stride.
2
My son begged and begged for a ferret. "Dogs and cats," I said, and stuck to my guns. Dogs and cats have lived successfully with people through the ages. Exotic animals are usually a poor fit for both parties.
11
While I agree with the basic sentiment of this article, some of the conclusions seem a little extreme. My dog stays home alone while I'm at work, but I try to make up for it in other ways, like lots of playtime and weekend hikes. He dislikes other dogs, so animal companionship isn't an option. Is the situation perfect? No. Is he better off than he would be in a shelter or dead, which was a very realistic possibility? Absolutely. Perfect is the enemy of good, as they say...
24
Sensitive article. But I disagree. The pet population boom is not going to gradually taper off, despite your good intentions. In the meantime, I have three rescue dogs. Sure, I suppose they're not too happy when I'm on vacation and they go to the kennel. Or when I have a busy day and they're alone. But it sure beats spending their lives in a shelter cage. Or being euthanized.
21
Dogs and cats are domesticated. They are not wild animals. It seems to me that they exist to eat. They display happiness at things other than food, but for the most part, they tolerate us because we feed them. This makes them no different than our human babies, who do not love us for "who we are", but love us as a survival skill.
2
The author brings up dogs and cats. She gives some attention to issues related to taking care of dogs, and then drifts into writing about 'dogs and cats'. As the author knows, dogs and cats are very different animals and the factors that people need to consider to determine if they can properly take care of these animals differ greatly.
6
I feel that if an animal has a natural habitat, then it should be left there. Also, we need to preserve the wild places of the world because the wild animals deserve their space. Cats and dogs are really the only creatures that are happy living with humans.
5
"Is it going too far to suggest that these dogs are suffering?" the author asks, about dogs left home alone while their humans are at work.
Yes, it is going too far. Sure it is possible that they are suffering. It's also possible they're perfectly fine with that situation. They don't give interviews, but stressed dogs show physical signs that are obvious, and most seem fine as long as they get lots of social time evenings and weekends.
Yes, it is going too far. Sure it is possible that they are suffering. It's also possible they're perfectly fine with that situation. They don't give interviews, but stressed dogs show physical signs that are obvious, and most seem fine as long as they get lots of social time evenings and weekends.
6
I agree with this column. I volunteer at a local shelter and have always had multiple cats and dogs, all strays or shelter rescues. I have also always said I am philosophically opposed to the concept of having pets, for the reasons given in this article and because of the horrible fact that millions of unwanted animals are euthanized. I adopt animals because they need a home, and I love them dearly. But I really don't think animals should be kept as pets. Between this, factory farming, and destroying the environment, we humans have a LOT to answer for. I hope the rest of the animal kingdom forgives us.
4
We have a Russian tortoise. He is in a pen about 22feet by 4 feet, which is big enough for him while eating or sleeping. At other times he roams our whole second floor and has a special place to go to when he wants a rest. We also take him outside for walks when weather permits. He is fast, travels up to two city blocks and loves to dig in the dirt. Unfortunately, his favorite pastime is falling off curs and crossing the street! We have no idea why.
Please everyone, give your animalss the lives they need.
Please everyone, give your animalss the lives they need.
2
Although my lovely affectionate cat (14) has always had people around at all times of the day and never suffered from loneliness as far as I can tell, if I ever get a "rescue" cat or dog again I would try to take two and not one, so they would always have another of their kind for company.
21
I do my best to meet the needs of all pets, not only mine. My neighbors have two labs that they completely neglect. The "owners" are gone from before sunup til well after sundown and I fear they only have pets to simulate the American dream of picket fence, kids and pets. In reality, these dogs are horribly lonely and bored. I have the pleasure and the obligation to take care of the needs I can meet of theirs - I take tennis balls over there to play with them, give them time and attention and yes, treats. Some will say I'm overstepping but it is a small thing to meet the needs of any sentient being in your vicinity - be they pets, kids or old people.
15
It's better to have two dogs because they can be companions to each other and aren't as dependent and emotionally needy towards me. To be left alone all day by themselves is miserably boring for a dog. Better to have two smaller dogs than one big dog if that is what it takes.
9
My wife has been a believer in having two dogs for many years. We stared out with one Keeshond and added a second Keeshond 6 years ago. As pack animals, I feel they are happier having a companion.
3
We have two dogs. When the humans are out of the house, one sleeps in in the laundry room and the other in the master bedroom, totally on other ends of the house. Otherwise, I agree with you. At least you think that if they want companionship, they can get it! I have also heard that having three dogs is not recommended.
1
I can't say what lizards feel because I am a warm blooded mammal and have no idea what "feelings" a lizard might have. Let's be careful not to transfer our feelings and perceptions onto our pets too much.
I think my cat (who has been with me for at least 15 years) thinks:
Food in the bowl---check
Water in the dish---check
Clean litter box---check
Dry, warm place to sleep preferably in the sun---check
Human companion to scratch me behind the ears and give me treats---check.
I'm exactly where I want to be.
I think my cat (who has been with me for at least 15 years) thinks:
Food in the bowl---check
Water in the dish---check
Clean litter box---check
Dry, warm place to sleep preferably in the sun---check
Human companion to scratch me behind the ears and give me treats---check.
I'm exactly where I want to be.
34
Not transferring our feelings onto our pets does not mean our feelings are wrong. If a caged reptile is shown an open door, I wonder what he/she would do? And certainly any animal has instinctual characteristics that are a kind of driving motivation to their lives. I have a pair of osprey that nest and raise two young, with a focus and devotion that would shame most humans, near my home every summer. One summer a microburst went through in early July, wiping out the nest and sending the young osprey to their death. It was quite sad (my feelings) to watch the parents for the rest of the summer, their primary job taken away from them, they flew around aimlessly, sometimes with a twig for the nest. If they had a choice they'd rather be taking care of their offspring. The problem is that humans take away their choices and I highly doubt that just food, water, clean cage is enough for a satisfactory life for creatures that were not brought into this world to be caged pets.
2
Further I don't think my cat has self awareness at least not in the way humans know it. It cannot move outside of itself and see itself as separate from the environment around it. It responds to me because I feed it and give it affection much as its mother once did. Its identity is environment directed and I doubt if it takes any independent action outside of those dictated by environmental stimuli. It sleeps, it eats, takes care of its toilet and asks for affection. It lives very much in the moment and does not look ahead or behind. Isn't that what we as humans are supposed to be striving for? Not to be attached to things but to live in the moment and be aware? Again I think my pet is perfectly happy where it is. And cats and dogs have lived with humans as pets and companions for thousands of years so I think there is no need to question the arrangement. It seems to be working reasonably well for all parties involved.
@WCP
That's why we should take the recommendations of professionals in animal sciences regarding how animals are best kept in captivity - if at all. Some animals should be left in the wild.
That's why we should take the recommendations of professionals in animal sciences regarding how animals are best kept in captivity - if at all. Some animals should be left in the wild.
1
Humans have always treated other species poorly, whether pets or prey or victims of our greedy expansion. It's a little late now to worry about the psychological results. We've managed to doom us all. Just a matter of time.
2
I have to say I agree in principle with all of this. Of course the average human is not going to extend the consideration that they offer fellow-humans to other living beings. You could obviously extend this argument to eating animals as well since in 99% of cases they are not killed in the wild in their natural habitat but manufactured in factories and tortured and killed en masse.
2
Well made points. The exotic animal trade needs to end and we do need to consider the effect we have on dogs and cats. I have rescued parrots for more than ten years --- all neurotic, stressed out, self-plucking birds that were made more so by isolation, misunderstanding, and disappointment, when they failed to be "pretty birds that talk" but instead were stressed screechers that bite. The single dog or cat is a sad creature indeed unless its human works in a pet-friendly work place. The solution is simple: Absolutely boycott the exotic animal trade and have two of whatever mammals you have (two cats, two dogs). That way they can be companions to each other and have some stimulation rather than just waiting for you to come home. And maybe stop calling them "pets" and start calling them "furkids." Think of them as children. Would you treat your children that way? No? Then don't treat them that way either!
3
The mark of positive advancement of civilization is when it begins to really care about the weaker and more vulnerable in its charge.
Good article. More compassion makes us all stronger.
Good article. More compassion makes us all stronger.
5
I think special mention should be given to guinea pigs, who are highly social, active, and emotional creatures. Far too often they must spend short lives alone, restrained in a cage not much larger than a shoe box. Shame on pet retailers for even selling such woefully inadequate lodging.
3
I thought this was a relatively balanced piece, and I have myself felt queasy about the way we buy rodents and small pets for our kids to neglect. But the article is missing the piece about what responsible dog or cat ownership looks like.
After acknowledging their evolutionary relationship with us, as well as the abandonment/shelter problem, the author makes it sound like only people who work at from home should adopt them. What about the fact that these animals sleep 16 hours a day? The fact is, there are a lot of people who rescued an animal in need but we can't all live on a farm. Give us some inspiring words or helpful advice to tend to our companions' needs!
After acknowledging their evolutionary relationship with us, as well as the abandonment/shelter problem, the author makes it sound like only people who work at from home should adopt them. What about the fact that these animals sleep 16 hours a day? The fact is, there are a lot of people who rescued an animal in need but we can't all live on a farm. Give us some inspiring words or helpful advice to tend to our companions' needs!
3
@Chris
Unless elderly or ill, sleeping so much is a sign of boredom.
Unless elderly or ill, sleeping so much is a sign of boredom.
I am current volunteering to take care of my friend's dog. I am doing it for the dog's sake. The dog is young and very social and has lots of energy to expend as it is a natural runner. The owner works all the time and when home does not pay much attention to the dog. Although I know the owner loves the dog, I am perplexed as to why he got the dog in the first place.
1
I completely agree with this article. There are three pugs sitting on the couch with me as I write this. They're bred for small spaces, but they do require socialization, which is why I have three, not one. When I leave for the day, they have each other, and we pay for someone to come play with them during the day. The author is right: having a companion animal is, or should be, a big responsibility and can be quite expensive if you want what's best for the animal. I couldn't imagine leaving a social creature like a dog locked up by itself all day.
1
I couldn't agree more. I love animals, and I've learned so much from them. I've been a pet parent before and have seen some cherished companions through so much, including through illness and death. I know they need so much from their caretakers, not just a bowl of food. I would dearly love to have a friend to come home to, but I know that my work schedule would make a cat or dog lonely and unstimulated,
2
As I write this, my two cats are sleeping belly up, their paws stretched outward. They do *seem* happy, I have to say. But this article makes a number of points that I've often wondered about. I know that cats were self-domesticating -- unlike dogs, humans did not command them to be pets; instead, their small size prompted their desire to join nomadic tribes for easy food and relative safety -- an interesting article on this website recounts that cats began to meow in an effort to imitate crying babies in the tribe -- since this seemed to get some attention, the cats thought they should do it, too.
Learning all of this made me feel good about maintaining two spoiled cats. But then I wonder about how in taking on two fluffy kittens, I was necessarily ripping them from their mother. The woman I got them from told me that for a few days, the mama cat kept looking for them in the home. And when I left with two kitties in to, a third kitten tried to follow -- it seemed pretty evident I was destroying connections left and right.
So my feelings are mixed. To the casual observer my cats are beyond spoiled, the recipients of unlimited treats and back scratched and ledges on which to take satisfying naps. But is it possible that they are making do with the situation thrust upon them? I honestly don't know; the authors point seems to be that if you have to ask the question then maybe pet ownership is not the most ethical choice.
Learning all of this made me feel good about maintaining two spoiled cats. But then I wonder about how in taking on two fluffy kittens, I was necessarily ripping them from their mother. The woman I got them from told me that for a few days, the mama cat kept looking for them in the home. And when I left with two kitties in to, a third kitten tried to follow -- it seemed pretty evident I was destroying connections left and right.
So my feelings are mixed. To the casual observer my cats are beyond spoiled, the recipients of unlimited treats and back scratched and ledges on which to take satisfying naps. But is it possible that they are making do with the situation thrust upon them? I honestly don't know; the authors point seems to be that if you have to ask the question then maybe pet ownership is not the most ethical choice.
4
Ms. Pierce is probably right about particular animals who were never meant to be "pets" particularity because they have no history of companionship with humans; canines and humans have a long history together. Felines as housemates have a shorter relationship, but a relationship nonetheless. There's a difference between a pet and a captured strange and interesting creature.
4
I believe that Western culture is so ownership oriented that Westerners can't appreciate anything unless they hold it in captivity. Not saying that other cultures don't abuse animals, but we act like what we do is based on our love of animals when other cultures don't entertain such a pretense. We don't love free dogs who wander our streets without their human "master" are locked in cages and put down if a human doesn't come for them. Westerners have a sick obsession with captivity as beneficial to their inferiors. Our human and animal rights hypocrisy stinks to high heaven with the corpses of human and animals who disagree.
7
I had a cat (not the best behaved) but I defended her to others and loved her for 13 years in my twenties and early thirties. She developed liver disease and I made the choice to end her suffering (she could barely walk). Before the vet came to the house, I sat with her apologizing for all the times I failed her. Weekends spent alone while I was at my boyfriend's apartment. Leaving her while I was at work. I asked for her forgiveness and I like to believe she extended it to me.
Since her death, I have not acquired another cat or dog. My husband who grew up on a farm cannot tolerate indoor animals so I tell everyone I will wait until he dies and I'm retired to get a "pet". A lot of people laugh but I'm absolutely serious. I want to be a good "owner" and not just one that thinks their love makes up for all the eventual neglect.
Since her death, I have not acquired another cat or dog. My husband who grew up on a farm cannot tolerate indoor animals so I tell everyone I will wait until he dies and I'm retired to get a "pet". A lot of people laugh but I'm absolutely serious. I want to be a good "owner" and not just one that thinks their love makes up for all the eventual neglect.
4
“Creation is not a property, which we can rule over at will; or, even less, is the property of only a few: Creation is a gift, it is a wonderful gift that God has given us, so that we care for it and we use it for the benefit of all, always with great respect and gratitude,” (Pope Francis)
5
All my companion animals have been rescues—even dating back to the orange tabby my family adopted when I was 9; we were the fourth home that cat had had. They automatically have a better life than they would have had if I hadn't intervened—even my current dog who came from a no-kill shelter, because he had been returned to the shelter twice for having bitten members of the households that had taken him in.
I have health insurance policies on all three of my animals; as soon as I adopted each one, I got him insured. We had had a golden retriever in the 90s—rescued from a kill shelter—who seemed absolutely healthy until a routine blood test when she was 11 showed elevated liver enzymes. Because I had insurance for her, I was able to get the necessary progression of tests that showed she had inoperable liver cancer. In spite of this diagnosis, she ended up living two reasonably healthy years more—giving us that much more time to say goodbye.
I can't hazard a guess as to whether my pets are lonely and bored; I give them the best care I'm able to, and I haven't yet had anyone suggest they should be taken away from me because I'm an unfit parent.
I have health insurance policies on all three of my animals; as soon as I adopted each one, I got him insured. We had had a golden retriever in the 90s—rescued from a kill shelter—who seemed absolutely healthy until a routine blood test when she was 11 showed elevated liver enzymes. Because I had insurance for her, I was able to get the necessary progression of tests that showed she had inoperable liver cancer. In spite of this diagnosis, she ended up living two reasonably healthy years more—giving us that much more time to say goodbye.
I can't hazard a guess as to whether my pets are lonely and bored; I give them the best care I'm able to, and I haven't yet had anyone suggest they should be taken away from me because I'm an unfit parent.
6
I believe that one thing most pets lack is time with their own species, so the current positive trend in some communities for dog parks is one solution; but, of course, one must have the time to take the animal to the park. Another solution is to have two dogs or two cats, etc., but this approach can be hazardous if the animals are not compatible.
1
Kudos to an insightful article. Will there ever be a time when we consider animal rights even a fraction as much as we consider human rights? In the era of mass species extinction, pet happiness is probably a lesser problem, but I'd welcome the day when humans become less human centric.
5
As a person who did rescue work for several years, I would not place a dog with anyone who wouldn't be able to provide at least 3 walks per day, and I don't mean just going to the curb and back in.
Unfortunately, so many dog owners even in wealthy urban settings take their dogs out for a few minutes, as soon as business is done, they are back in. No socialization, no off leash exercise. People like that should get a stuffed animal instead.
My other beef with dog owners is tying their dogs outside stores and restaurants at all weather conditions, at times for hours while they dine. An entirely inhumane, selfish behavior that should not be tolerated in a civil society.
The good news is there are lots of people who treat their dogs better than most people around the world treat their children.
Unfortunately, so many dog owners even in wealthy urban settings take their dogs out for a few minutes, as soon as business is done, they are back in. No socialization, no off leash exercise. People like that should get a stuffed animal instead.
My other beef with dog owners is tying their dogs outside stores and restaurants at all weather conditions, at times for hours while they dine. An entirely inhumane, selfish behavior that should not be tolerated in a civil society.
The good news is there are lots of people who treat their dogs better than most people around the world treat their children.
11
This is what good newspaper reporting is all about: telling the stories that wouldn't get told otherwise, public awareness. Pets do have feelings and emotions, try coming home late one night to a lonely pet. Even a gold fish in a tiny corner desk bowl will swim in relief. We know of this joy expressed and we know of the pain they suffer at times. Life, lived anywhere, is relevant to all life here; to bind a mind, even a simple one like that of a pet's, in emptiness, is the worse of tortures, defying the very reason for reality and life.
8
I've learned many of these lessons in keeping fish. I don't begrudge someone for having made the mistake of assuming that if the store has a 0.5 gallon tank with a divider in the middle so you can have two of the famously social betta fish live in it. It goes along with the "we love our pets" stuff–why would they make it if it is patently unsafe and inhumane? Well, maybe once we think a little longer about it, it's not so absurd that people would create woefully inadequate containers.
I think we can ethically keep animals in captivity, but it requires much more thoughtfulness and critical thinking than many would have you think. You need to be motivated both to seek the truth behind the ideal care for the animal and to always have the moral considerations in mind. Sure, your goldfish may not die in its small bowl right away. But what about when we consider that these animals can live well beyond 20 years? And that, despite the trope, they have the ability to recognize human faces and remember them? It can make for a rude awakening when we allow ourselves to think this way.
Still, for the right animals we can serve them well too. Humans can provide food, safety, and the accompanying comfort that is not seen in the wild for many species. Of course, we can do that for each other, too; sometimes we do it in prisons and yet many inhabitants would rather end it all than prolong it indefinitely. Therein lies the challenge of needing to understand the animal as best as we can.
I think we can ethically keep animals in captivity, but it requires much more thoughtfulness and critical thinking than many would have you think. You need to be motivated both to seek the truth behind the ideal care for the animal and to always have the moral considerations in mind. Sure, your goldfish may not die in its small bowl right away. But what about when we consider that these animals can live well beyond 20 years? And that, despite the trope, they have the ability to recognize human faces and remember them? It can make for a rude awakening when we allow ourselves to think this way.
Still, for the right animals we can serve them well too. Humans can provide food, safety, and the accompanying comfort that is not seen in the wild for many species. Of course, we can do that for each other, too; sometimes we do it in prisons and yet many inhabitants would rather end it all than prolong it indefinitely. Therein lies the challenge of needing to understand the animal as best as we can.
I spend winters in a country with a large population of wild cats which live natural lives in the bush. They have few natural predators and are largely nocturnal and feed on birds and lizards. Except for being very skittish, they seem quite healthy both physically and emotionally. Unfortunately, a few humans insist on feeding them which increases the population beyond the environment's natural carrying capacity. Cats "need' to be outdoors to lead a full natural life.
2
My dogs have always been treated like human family members. They have been given much attention, love, outings, time and putting their needs ahead of mine. To have a dog or cat requires sacrifice and and the understanding that these animals are emotionally sensitive, caring creatures. They deserve nothing less than what you would give to a child. My current 8 year old mini poodle is showered with affection and my presence throughout the day. She is a joy in my life and her contentment is a reflection of the love that she receives.
2
My Airedale spends his day with me. We walk several times a day, several miles. He rides in the car when I do errands, he swims in the pond and river each day, he lies on the deck and watches the neighborhood. He has soft beds on each of two decks and in the car. He has 50 acres to walk on, plus scenic roads. When we travel in our RV, he comes with us. I don't think he is being " tortured" nor is he lonely and bored. I forgot to mention that he gets daily play dates each morning with two bloodhound pups, one beagle, a Rottweiler, a sled dog, an Akita, a Leonberger pup, and a Cairn Terrior. They play for an hour each day: and visit my elderly parents, brothers, and nieces/nephews on the family farm. Not that terrible a life, I would say. But then again, few have extended families and family farms. Speak for your own circumstances and do what is right for your pet(s).
4
I agree with the author that many pets require more space and entertainment than we provide. Fish and reptiles seem to suffer the most -- those tiny bowls and tanks are not okay.
Cats and dogs can be happy in apartments, but we have a responsibility to enrich their lives with daily exercise and play. Pet ownership in the city is a time commitment.
We throw on Netflix and play with our cat every night (waving a toy around for her to chase). She loves play time. If we miss a day, she gets bored and cranky, and she doesn't settle for bed because she still has energy to burn. Cats don't need to be walked but they do need regular hunting play.
Cats and dogs can be happy in apartments, but we have a responsibility to enrich their lives with daily exercise and play. Pet ownership in the city is a time commitment.
We throw on Netflix and play with our cat every night (waving a toy around for her to chase). She loves play time. If we miss a day, she gets bored and cranky, and she doesn't settle for bed because she still has energy to burn. Cats don't need to be walked but they do need regular hunting play.
2
Ms. Pierce is well behind the times with these moralizings.
C'mon!
The pet industry is about $70+ billion annually in the United States; I don't know a pet-owning soul who hasn't accepted an older pet from a shelter no matter how stinky, halt, lame, blind, or behaviorally lacking it may be.
I don't know a dog whose working owners don't belong to a doggie day-care where the dogs are thoroughly exercised let alone washed and groomed, teeth brushed daily and seen to at the dentist's every six months, no matter how common the mongrel.
My children have dogs that accompany them to work daily, associating with their co-workers' dogs, and the workplace devotes parks and yards to them, along with full societies of people and animals that know them. Running a "dog friendly" workplace is not unusual anymore, but instead a rather normal perk around here.
So as far as "the harmful aspects of pet keeping" -- please. This woman is writing straight out of the 1960s. This opinion does not report today's reality.
C'mon!
The pet industry is about $70+ billion annually in the United States; I don't know a pet-owning soul who hasn't accepted an older pet from a shelter no matter how stinky, halt, lame, blind, or behaviorally lacking it may be.
I don't know a dog whose working owners don't belong to a doggie day-care where the dogs are thoroughly exercised let alone washed and groomed, teeth brushed daily and seen to at the dentist's every six months, no matter how common the mongrel.
My children have dogs that accompany them to work daily, associating with their co-workers' dogs, and the workplace devotes parks and yards to them, along with full societies of people and animals that know them. Running a "dog friendly" workplace is not unusual anymore, but instead a rather normal perk around here.
So as far as "the harmful aspects of pet keeping" -- please. This woman is writing straight out of the 1960s. This opinion does not report today's reality.
2
I've taken to referring to the animals who live with me as "friends" rather than "pets" or "my babies." They're adults with their own lives, and it's too easy to forget that because of how cute they are.
It's important to treat the animals we already have with care and respect. In my view, however, we should prioritize adopting animals in need and cease giving breeders a pass. As long as there are thousands (millions, surely) of animals abandoned in shelters, there is no excuse for purchasing one from breeders, who profit from contributing to the situation. If it is really so important to you to have a puppy or a dog of a particular breed, perhaps it's worth considering whether you are prepared to have a dog at all.
It's important to treat the animals we already have with care and respect. In my view, however, we should prioritize adopting animals in need and cease giving breeders a pass. As long as there are thousands (millions, surely) of animals abandoned in shelters, there is no excuse for purchasing one from breeders, who profit from contributing to the situation. If it is really so important to you to have a puppy or a dog of a particular breed, perhaps it's worth considering whether you are prepared to have a dog at all.
2
We have both a 95 working class Hovawart, a breed that was first mentioned in literature of the 13 century, and a 8 pound Calico cat found as a undernourished kitten eating trash in and alley, who are constantly entertaining us and receive equal attention from us. And both have not only the run of the house but run us as well.
It is utterly amazing how they react to our moods and behaviour. Our dog doesn't like anyone to raise their voice, but if that should happen he will automatically go to the one person he assumes is the one that he considers the more vulnerable one.
Our cat is strictly an indoor one due to the danger of escaping into traffic. To satisfy her hunting instinct, we have seeds outside a bay window for birds, chip monks, and squirrels which she loves to watch while waggling her tail.
I could not live without these wonderful creatures. and am horrified about people abandoning their animals once they took them home and interfere with their lifestyle.
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It is utterly amazing how they react to our moods and behaviour. Our dog doesn't like anyone to raise their voice, but if that should happen he will automatically go to the one person he assumes is the one that he considers the more vulnerable one.
Our cat is strictly an indoor one due to the danger of escaping into traffic. To satisfy her hunting instinct, we have seeds outside a bay window for birds, chip monks, and squirrels which she loves to watch while waggling her tail.
I could not live without these wonderful creatures. and am horrified about people abandoning their animals once they took them home and interfere with their lifestyle.
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4
I have a blind cat named Buttercup. When she showed up at my house 8 years ago, she was missing one eye; her head was swollen and bruised, so perhaps she'd been thrown out of a car or hit. Just before last Christmas, the other eye developed a herpes infection, and while two weeks of antibiotics and creams didn't prevent her from becoming completely blind, at least we didn't have to have the eye removed. Riding around on my shoulders while I'm mopping the floors is now her favorite activity. Incredibly, if I begin thinking negative thoughts - say, about a bad situation at work, or the IRS - she responds by crying and demanding to be put down. They are so much more sensitive to our moods than I'd ever imagined they'd be.
3
Even as a little girl, I instinctively thought it cruel to keep a fish that would normally swim the oceans or a bird that would fly the skies. I never understand what people are thinking by holding these animals captive. The gecko story in the article was painful to read. Those always seemed wrong as well. Dogs and cats are domesticated, which seems quite different. We try to give our kitty a highly interactive, stimulating, safe and loving home. Perhaps neuroscience 100 years from now will show that they were suffering as pets, but it doesn't seem that way.
4
Cats continue to be the ideal pet.
Lonely? Ha. Cats are very independent (also capable of great affection), and I doubt they miss their owners much during the day. They sleep most of the day anyway. Crepuscular animals that they are, they're most active at the exact times humans are awake and home (morning and evening). Which is why they won't be bored either. You could also let them out during the day (if you live in the burbs or country) and voila - they won't run away.
Bonus advantages unrelated to this article: cats are self-cleaning, (instinctively!) potty-trained, and keep the pests away.
I would be cautious about owning a cat in the city as it may be a bit deprived from nature and the chance to stretch its legs.
Lonely? Ha. Cats are very independent (also capable of great affection), and I doubt they miss their owners much during the day. They sleep most of the day anyway. Crepuscular animals that they are, they're most active at the exact times humans are awake and home (morning and evening). Which is why they won't be bored either. You could also let them out during the day (if you live in the burbs or country) and voila - they won't run away.
Bonus advantages unrelated to this article: cats are self-cleaning, (instinctively!) potty-trained, and keep the pests away.
I would be cautious about owning a cat in the city as it may be a bit deprived from nature and the chance to stretch its legs.
2
This is a long-overdue wake up call - we assume these animals are there to gratify us and that what we give them in return evens the score. Not a chance. We know something of the daily richness of the lives of city dogs when they are allowed to roam freely. They wander, they socialize, they stay very busy and active with other dogs before returning "home" to eat and sleep.
Pet ownership in the US is about what the pet owner wants; it's not about the pet. Our fascination with highly inbred and genetically compromised purebred dogs is a vivid example of our narcissistic attempt to be "special" by owning these crippled pets. Their suffering and shortened lives is of no concern, because we love them so much. Some love!
Pet ownership in the US is about what the pet owner wants; it's not about the pet. Our fascination with highly inbred and genetically compromised purebred dogs is a vivid example of our narcissistic attempt to be "special" by owning these crippled pets. Their suffering and shortened lives is of no concern, because we love them so much. Some love!
3
Thanks for the very thought-provoking article.
I have always adored birds and had many as a child, even working my way up to an aviary. Now I can't bare to see birds in cages, although I've always dreamed of having a parrot. So instead, I put a bird feeder outside my office window, and I photograph each new bird species that comes to visit -- my natural aviary.
Recently I had the great joy of going on safari (no hunting!) in Tanzania. It was absolutely magnificent, especially for an animal lover. But after seeing so many amazing creatures in their natural habitat, I can't enjoy zoos. My new alternative is wild animal cams.
I have always adored birds and had many as a child, even working my way up to an aviary. Now I can't bare to see birds in cages, although I've always dreamed of having a parrot. So instead, I put a bird feeder outside my office window, and I photograph each new bird species that comes to visit -- my natural aviary.
Recently I had the great joy of going on safari (no hunting!) in Tanzania. It was absolutely magnificent, especially for an animal lover. But after seeing so many amazing creatures in their natural habitat, I can't enjoy zoos. My new alternative is wild animal cams.
4
I have a 12 year old German Shepherd who was my service dog until age 11 when she retired, she helps me walk straight. She has been with me every second of her life since 10 weeks old, has flown over 50,000 air miles with me at my feet and driven across country 3 times. She has enjoyed a quality of life better than most Americans and has never gone hungry or been alone for more than 30 minutes.
She is now suffering from rectal cancer and is near her end of life.
I will miss her dearly, a true gift from my God as are all animals on this planet.
Animals are precious.
She is now suffering from rectal cancer and is near her end of life.
I will miss her dearly, a true gift from my God as are all animals on this planet.
Animals are precious.
6
Our dogs have always shared our lives. When we were younger they would go camping with us, and with me on my morning run. Now our dog is a trained therapy dog who goes to children's homes and Alzheimer's facilities where he entertains and comforts the residents. The people love it and the dog loves it. Years ago we bought dogs from breeders; but the dogs we have gotten from shelters or that were strays are every bit as intelligent, affectionate and companionable as those we bought from breeders.
4
Please don't discourage people from buying pets from breeders. Breeders are generally much more responsible than pet owners who allow their animals to mate indiscriminately. Breeders aim to improve the health and appearance of their line.
Many people buy pets of a particular breed because they like that breed. Why tell them to buy a mixed breed, whose personality and characteristics are unpredictable and they may not be able to cope with? Yes, I know it is ethical and politically correct to give a home to an animal languishing in a shelter. Some people can enjoy a dog or cat no matter what their character is like. Some people derive more pleasure from a particular breed, whose characteristics (eg, basic personality, shape, size) are more, but not completely, predictable. Bearing in mind that owning a pet is not mandatory, people should be able to choose the type of pet they would like (but not get rid of it at the first sign of behaviour problems).
Many people buy pets of a particular breed because they like that breed. Why tell them to buy a mixed breed, whose personality and characteristics are unpredictable and they may not be able to cope with? Yes, I know it is ethical and politically correct to give a home to an animal languishing in a shelter. Some people can enjoy a dog or cat no matter what their character is like. Some people derive more pleasure from a particular breed, whose characteristics (eg, basic personality, shape, size) are more, but not completely, predictable. Bearing in mind that owning a pet is not mandatory, people should be able to choose the type of pet they would like (but not get rid of it at the first sign of behaviour problems).
9
It is not politically correct to give a home to a shelter animal. If you want a pet, it is morally correct. Political correctness has nothing to do with it and as a reason to adopt a shelter animal, is morally incorrect.
Mixed breeds have mixed genes. Mixed genes temper each other. Yes, one can get a "bad" mixed breed. But it's more likely with purebreds. Mixed breeds will respond better to real love and real caring. Purebreds with a narrow gene line have trouble breaking their own rules.
If one searches one can find a mixed-breed of the right size, personality, shape.
Humans are animals. Pets, right down to the goldfish, are animals. They're sentient. Humans do not understand how they think and therefore concluded they don't think, or at least the don't think as well as we do. Just because we can't equate their intelligence to our own "brand" of intelligence doesn't lead to the conclusion that they are not intelligent.
Love them. Treat them with respect. Treat them with dignity. Love them.
As an aside, we had some Carolina Wrens nest in our garage last winter. They raised a family with spring's arrival. It got to where they would come and go without fear from us or our two dogs. In the evening, when the garage doors needed to be closed, I could call them in with a certain trill. Within five minutes both would fly in and settle into their nest. Yes, we got a little bird poop on a cars.
Mixed breeds have mixed genes. Mixed genes temper each other. Yes, one can get a "bad" mixed breed. But it's more likely with purebreds. Mixed breeds will respond better to real love and real caring. Purebreds with a narrow gene line have trouble breaking their own rules.
If one searches one can find a mixed-breed of the right size, personality, shape.
Humans are animals. Pets, right down to the goldfish, are animals. They're sentient. Humans do not understand how they think and therefore concluded they don't think, or at least the don't think as well as we do. Just because we can't equate their intelligence to our own "brand" of intelligence doesn't lead to the conclusion that they are not intelligent.
Love them. Treat them with respect. Treat them with dignity. Love them.
As an aside, we had some Carolina Wrens nest in our garage last winter. They raised a family with spring's arrival. It got to where they would come and go without fear from us or our two dogs. In the evening, when the garage doors needed to be closed, I could call them in with a certain trill. Within five minutes both would fly in and settle into their nest. Yes, we got a little bird poop on a cars.
2
Ethical breeders are great. It's wonderful to choose a puppy when you can see the parents and the pedigree and the loving conditions where the puppy came from.
I got my cardigan Welsh corgi from a breeder who clearly loved the animals but had a tendency to hoard them (I think). I "rescued" her when she was six years old. The breeder said that she was the smallest of the pack and the other dogs were picking on her. I love having an unusual breed and an absolutely insanely adorable dog.
My first dog was a purebred golden retriever who had been dumped near my mom's house when he was about one year old (probably a Christmas puppy who got too big). He was wonderful.
There are purebred dogs in shelters and with breed specific rescue organizations.
But for people who buy purebred puppies from pet stores... all I can say is STOP IT.
I got my cardigan Welsh corgi from a breeder who clearly loved the animals but had a tendency to hoard them (I think). I "rescued" her when she was six years old. The breeder said that she was the smallest of the pack and the other dogs were picking on her. I love having an unusual breed and an absolutely insanely adorable dog.
My first dog was a purebred golden retriever who had been dumped near my mom's house when he was about one year old (probably a Christmas puppy who got too big). He was wonderful.
There are purebred dogs in shelters and with breed specific rescue organizations.
But for people who buy purebred puppies from pet stores... all I can say is STOP IT.
2
You can find almost any breed you want through animal rescues that specialize in that particular breed.
4
sad but true.
our choices for our animal companions reflect the ones that are inflicted on us: close quarters, hours that don't make sense, feeding times when we're not hungry. and of course, the stress of wondering if your human is coming home that night.
i'm allergic to cats now, but i would love a pet so it would be a dog, who was our family's first pet. but to me - living as a single person in an urban environment - it would be akin to having him/her in a zoo. just there for our gratification.
as much as it would benefit me emotionally and physically: no thanks.
our choices for our animal companions reflect the ones that are inflicted on us: close quarters, hours that don't make sense, feeding times when we're not hungry. and of course, the stress of wondering if your human is coming home that night.
i'm allergic to cats now, but i would love a pet so it would be a dog, who was our family's first pet. but to me - living as a single person in an urban environment - it would be akin to having him/her in a zoo. just there for our gratification.
as much as it would benefit me emotionally and physically: no thanks.
2
It is not a perfect analogy, but in many ways the relationship between a pet and the human owner is like the relationship between a child and a parent. If one is not willing to give this relationship the same kind of consideration one would give to a son or daughter, then it is probably best not to adopt the pet.
Pets that are adopted with little thought and essentially become an after-thought are probably going to suffer.
Pets that are adopted with little thought and essentially become an after-thought are probably going to suffer.
2
I grew up with a dog, and have until this day always had at least one dog in our home. Along the way we also adopted cats as they found their way to our house. I have never doubted that our fur family members were as smart and emotionally complex as people. They are part of our family unit, have jobs and are in a rich environment were there is always someone home or they are on the road with us. I am not a fatuous pet owner. I do not dress my dogs, post cute youtube videos nor do we call them rescues. They are family and as intuitive complete members in our family are indispensable to our wellbeing. I have never spayed my dogs, giving them the same opportunity to grown, mature and reap the health benefits of hormones as my children (also not spayed). I agree with the author that many pet owners are well meaning, but I shudder when I consider how many of my well meaning friends essentially consign their pets to a lonely existence albeit with a dog walking service.
3
So glad to see this article in the Times. I think we are sensitized to the needs of dogs and cats, but all the other possible pets are subjected to lifestyles that are tantamount to isolated confinement. Spaces so unnaturally small and not much consideration for their emotional well being. Just another level of suffering in the world that we are not being conscious of.
2
Dogs share your life; they are amazing, loving creatures who need and deserve our time and attention.
I lived in an area of DownEast Maine where dogs are often treated as alarms, left tied up all day out on the owners' lawn to alert whenever someone drives into the yard. It's always made me sick and sad to see this. Needless to say, many of these neighborhood dogs have lived shortened lives.
Our black Lab, Pearl, with us for over thirteen years. She got regular trips to the ocean for Frisbee play with friends, many long walks in our woods and the neighborhood during our exercise, and time outside for whatever activities we were engaged in. She died in February and we miss our best friend horribly.
We're in transition now, looking for a new house in another area, and often spend time away visiting grandchildren. We vow not to get another dog until we are settled in one place and at least one of us can be with our pet a good amount of the time, to love them and cherish them as part of our family.
I lived in an area of DownEast Maine where dogs are often treated as alarms, left tied up all day out on the owners' lawn to alert whenever someone drives into the yard. It's always made me sick and sad to see this. Needless to say, many of these neighborhood dogs have lived shortened lives.
Our black Lab, Pearl, with us for over thirteen years. She got regular trips to the ocean for Frisbee play with friends, many long walks in our woods and the neighborhood during our exercise, and time outside for whatever activities we were engaged in. She died in February and we miss our best friend horribly.
We're in transition now, looking for a new house in another area, and often spend time away visiting grandchildren. We vow not to get another dog until we are settled in one place and at least one of us can be with our pet a good amount of the time, to love them and cherish them as part of our family.
4
My adorable dogs get everything they need as what they give me is worth millions. I could advise this:
* Give them enough room, possibility to be active
* Give toys and play games
* Please only shelterpets they are adorable
* Spay and neuter
* Don't support breeders or shops
* Feed, always water
* Give them a "safe haven" a place to hide and sleep
* Medical care (save money for it)
* Love and hugs
* Your pet needs nonhuman friends of his/her own
* Clickertraining / only train with love
Please don't buy pets from breeders or shops. There are many animals who need help and care. Many animals would love to be your friend. Pet shelters are full of these lovely animals. They are in real danger, because in the US there are many kill-shelters. Here pets are killed, murdered, when nobody comes to pick them up. Sometimes it takes half an hour before they are dead in a gaschamber! Unthinkable of in other countries in the world, but (still) true.
Thankfully the selling of pets through shops (which toss these "products" away if they are not working properly) is forbidden in more and more countries. But then there are breeders who make a lot of money though - even though the shelters are already full with perfectly healthy, loveble animals!
There is enough animal suffering in the world. We don't need to create more!
And while were at it: please try to go vegan - to save many more animals a year. Its easier than ever, delicious, better for the environment and feels good!
* Give them enough room, possibility to be active
* Give toys and play games
* Please only shelterpets they are adorable
* Spay and neuter
* Don't support breeders or shops
* Feed, always water
* Give them a "safe haven" a place to hide and sleep
* Medical care (save money for it)
* Love and hugs
* Your pet needs nonhuman friends of his/her own
* Clickertraining / only train with love
Please don't buy pets from breeders or shops. There are many animals who need help and care. Many animals would love to be your friend. Pet shelters are full of these lovely animals. They are in real danger, because in the US there are many kill-shelters. Here pets are killed, murdered, when nobody comes to pick them up. Sometimes it takes half an hour before they are dead in a gaschamber! Unthinkable of in other countries in the world, but (still) true.
Thankfully the selling of pets through shops (which toss these "products" away if they are not working properly) is forbidden in more and more countries. But then there are breeders who make a lot of money though - even though the shelters are already full with perfectly healthy, loveble animals!
There is enough animal suffering in the world. We don't need to create more!
And while were at it: please try to go vegan - to save many more animals a year. Its easier than ever, delicious, better for the environment and feels good!
1
Thank you! Thank you for calling out the truth about our animal torture - excuse me, pet - industry and our mistreatment of "pets" for our own selfish needs!
I see people here in Brooklyn with dogs and it makes me cringe, especially larger dogs that never know more than an hour each morning running free in Prospect Park - those being the lucky ones.
Having grown up in the country with dogs and lots of spaces, it is so clear how much happier they are having the freedom to run through woods and fields, hunting other animals such as field mice, voles, woodchucks and, usually not to the dog's betterment, porcupines. Cats allowed similar freedom also are much more content. Do they have shorter lives? Probably, but such is nature's cycle.
I would love to have a dog again - but I would never subject a dog, or any other creature, to living in an environment unsuited to its welfare just for my personal gratification.
I see people here in Brooklyn with dogs and it makes me cringe, especially larger dogs that never know more than an hour each morning running free in Prospect Park - those being the lucky ones.
Having grown up in the country with dogs and lots of spaces, it is so clear how much happier they are having the freedom to run through woods and fields, hunting other animals such as field mice, voles, woodchucks and, usually not to the dog's betterment, porcupines. Cats allowed similar freedom also are much more content. Do they have shorter lives? Probably, but such is nature's cycle.
I would love to have a dog again - but I would never subject a dog, or any other creature, to living in an environment unsuited to its welfare just for my personal gratification.
3
I very much agree. I believe most of us crave connection with other animals not only for the social bond but also to connect with the fuller natural world. Since I work full time, I'm trying to satisfy those needs through birding. I now understand why some birders become obsessed with it - nothing like it - although I've always been an animal lover, my appreciation & admiration for these creatures is now more awe. It has it's own heartbreak (most migrant bird populations seem to have radically declined due to habitat destruction and yes global warming).
2
We share a fascination with birds -- really, with wild creatures in general.
A sinner who's had pets during an entire lifetime, I'm part of the problem. Still, there is an aspect of our attitude towards animals that troubles me a lot: we are enormously self-centered. We know what we "need" and we make the social rules that allow us the latitude to destroy the planet -- "our" earth. Having pets is only one aspect of our casual, self-centered culture. We use them. Our industries use animals -- from "domestic" to exotic -- to satisfy our "need" for multiple food and clothing and pharmaceutical choices.
Religion is built around our rapacious self-regard as superior beings. We not only set the rules for others' lives ("dominion over the earth") , we congratulate ourselves for our generosity and kindness towards animals.
A sinner who's had pets during an entire lifetime, I'm part of the problem. Still, there is an aspect of our attitude towards animals that troubles me a lot: we are enormously self-centered. We know what we "need" and we make the social rules that allow us the latitude to destroy the planet -- "our" earth. Having pets is only one aspect of our casual, self-centered culture. We use them. Our industries use animals -- from "domestic" to exotic -- to satisfy our "need" for multiple food and clothing and pharmaceutical choices.
Religion is built around our rapacious self-regard as superior beings. We not only set the rules for others' lives ("dominion over the earth") , we congratulate ourselves for our generosity and kindness towards animals.
I currently have three dogs. One was the ugly runt of the litter dumped at the Humane Society. One was found starving in the snow dragging an ice covered leash that was tight around his neck. It took him months before he could be pet without shrieking in fear. One was a puppy mill breeder dog, dumped at a kill shelter at age 5 once her usefulness was gone. She also had heartworms. My previous dog was from the shelter. At age 5 she had been so abused that never barked for the 10 years she was with us.
In a perfect world, I'd be able to take them on daily hikes, runs along the beach and train them to sniff bombs so they're not bored. But we work so there are several hours a day they're alone. I would argue that their spoiled boredom is more likely a blessing compared to what they've experienced in the past.
So until we don't have so many animals who are abused neglected or starving in the streets, how about a little less judgement against those who welcome these animals into their home? We should really be on the same side.
In a perfect world, I'd be able to take them on daily hikes, runs along the beach and train them to sniff bombs so they're not bored. But we work so there are several hours a day they're alone. I would argue that their spoiled boredom is more likely a blessing compared to what they've experienced in the past.
So until we don't have so many animals who are abused neglected or starving in the streets, how about a little less judgement against those who welcome these animals into their home? We should really be on the same side.
176
You may be proving the author's point.
1
Superb article. I noticed how my daughter's dog, a wonderful, lively and friendly animal, became sullen and deeply melancholy after my daughter began devoting her entire attention to her new-born. I mentioned this to her and she began treating her dog the same way she did when she first bought it: The change was instant and remarkable.
Pets do indeed have feelings, and if the owner is not prepared to devote the care and (as mentioned in the article) space necessary for their well-being they should forgo the purchase.
One more thing: In the case of cats and dogs, people should purchase strays rather than thoroughbreds, for the sake of conscience if nothing else.
Pets do indeed have feelings, and if the owner is not prepared to devote the care and (as mentioned in the article) space necessary for their well-being they should forgo the purchase.
One more thing: In the case of cats and dogs, people should purchase strays rather than thoroughbreds, for the sake of conscience if nothing else.
127
I have read this article three times and still have no idea what Ms. Pierce is suggesting, beyond being more attentive to our cats and dogs. She seems unimpressed that increasing numbers of cats and dogs have homes. This is a true and good thing. I work at an animal shelter. The ones who come in from the streets are almost all sick; they have fleas and worms, upper respiratory infections and destructive viruses, untreated injuries and a host of other bad but usually treatable problems. Once trated and placed in homes, are they happy and fulfilled? I don't know, but they are spared awful deaths. So is pet ownership -- which is thankfully increasing, while shelter kill rates are decreasing -- some kind of dangerous trend? What else are we supposed to do with millions of stray animals reproducing and dying in huge numbers?
Yeah, we could all be better caretakers. Other than that, what's the point of this article?
Yeah, we could all be better caretakers. Other than that, what's the point of this article?
16
I work in a home office, so I'm with my Jack Russell terrier nearly all day, everyday. But because I'm busy, I don't actually walk the dog as often as he would like. These dogs like activity and lots of it. On the other hand, the alternative -- handing him off to a shelter -- is even worse. We do our best to give the dog as much activity and company as we can, and try not to feel guilty about it. After all, not many of us humans get as much exercise as we need, either, in this era of hunched backs and blurry sight garnered from hours of work at computers. Small "pets" are not allowed in our house. Most animals belong in a natural environment and should stay there. Sadly, real estate development is stealing many animals' habitats. No solution to the problem of human overpopulation in sight.
Fantastic piece.
I have two rescue cats. The male had been a the shelter for 8 months when I adopted him because he had the misfortune to have had his tail amputated and was a black cat which are notoriously difficult to place. The female had been a feral cat and was horrified around people.
I love them both. The male is robust, brash and boyish. He demands attention and inserts himself into every situation. The female is like living with a fairy. She floats through the house wagging her tail like a dog and chattering to herself endlessly.
I have a large home with many windows that is surrounded by trees, but I wonder if they get the stimulation they need. There are times when the seem lonely and bored and don't interact with each other or me.
I especially feel sorry for cats, though I love most animals. Like bunnies and chicks people buy them when they are small not really understanding they are not appropriate pets for small children. Then they are dumped in shelters frightened and abandoned until the next person comes along to reject their behavior as unacceptable. It's a tragedy. We are a nation of narcissists and there is no better example of that than the way we treat our pets.
I have two rescue cats. The male had been a the shelter for 8 months when I adopted him because he had the misfortune to have had his tail amputated and was a black cat which are notoriously difficult to place. The female had been a feral cat and was horrified around people.
I love them both. The male is robust, brash and boyish. He demands attention and inserts himself into every situation. The female is like living with a fairy. She floats through the house wagging her tail like a dog and chattering to herself endlessly.
I have a large home with many windows that is surrounded by trees, but I wonder if they get the stimulation they need. There are times when the seem lonely and bored and don't interact with each other or me.
I especially feel sorry for cats, though I love most animals. Like bunnies and chicks people buy them when they are small not really understanding they are not appropriate pets for small children. Then they are dumped in shelters frightened and abandoned until the next person comes along to reject their behavior as unacceptable. It's a tragedy. We are a nation of narcissists and there is no better example of that than the way we treat our pets.
12
Great article. One thing I will add is that no business should be allowed to exist that uses animals for our entertainment. Obvious examples are aquariums, zoos, circuses and the various Sea Worlds. All these places should be put out of existence. Additionally, no animal should be forced to exist in a confined space. Your mention of Goldfish (and other animals) was heartbreaking. Of course, in the "wild" we are forcing more and more animals into confined spaces as we take over spaces that should be their sole habitat. I recall seeing a New Yorker Magazine cartoon years ago of two deer looking down from a hill on the humans bunched together in a city below. One deer says to the other, "Why don't they ever cull their herds?" As we overpopulate, it's going to get worse for animals.
7
I couldn't agree with the author more. The recent behavior of owners shows a major lack of empathy in this new "human-animal" bonding.
When I think about the majority of dogs in an urban environment who get little to no time spent outdoors free of a leash, allowed to explore and interact with its own species in a regular day, my heart breaks. There are exceptions, of course, but too many people I hear of choose to own dogs and quickly note that the dog must adapt to their lifestyle, schedule, and stimulation free indoor environment.
Hearing owners remark how happy their dog is when they are able to visit a farm or the country, then immediately bringing them home to isolation for 8 hours a day, is difficult to swallow.
Then again, many of the owners could feel no need to interact themselves with a natural or highly social environment, so maybe it's all personal ethics.
When I think about the majority of dogs in an urban environment who get little to no time spent outdoors free of a leash, allowed to explore and interact with its own species in a regular day, my heart breaks. There are exceptions, of course, but too many people I hear of choose to own dogs and quickly note that the dog must adapt to their lifestyle, schedule, and stimulation free indoor environment.
Hearing owners remark how happy their dog is when they are able to visit a farm or the country, then immediately bringing them home to isolation for 8 hours a day, is difficult to swallow.
Then again, many of the owners could feel no need to interact themselves with a natural or highly social environment, so maybe it's all personal ethics.
3
Dogs as a species exist because of humans and can't live in the wild without experiencing hunger and disease.
People often neglect their dogs and don't provide them with the proper shots, food, habitat (chained to a post or permanently alone in a back yard), or exercise (high energy dogs need to run and play) commenting with pride that their childhood dogs had even less and 'were fine'.
I would elect any politician that would restrict the sale and adoption of pets. Fewer dogs would certain mean fewer abused and neglected animals that only want the love and attention of their humans.
People often neglect their dogs and don't provide them with the proper shots, food, habitat (chained to a post or permanently alone in a back yard), or exercise (high energy dogs need to run and play) commenting with pride that their childhood dogs had even less and 'were fine'.
I would elect any politician that would restrict the sale and adoption of pets. Fewer dogs would certain mean fewer abused and neglected animals that only want the love and attention of their humans.
4
I actually bought my pups from a breeder, well after the pups were born. They are 2 of the most beautiful dogs I've ever seen and are beloved by the family. I've often wondered if it was responsible to buy from this breeder and concluded yes, because the pups were already here, I adopted them and perhaps saved them. Some may feel my adoption encourages breeding, but a) I'm not sure breeding is so wrong, and b) the dogs were already here. I saw two orphaned puppies, and we bought them home.
Now that I've had them for over 9 years, they are as part of my family as any of the humans. Am I the perfect puppy patent? No. I wasn't the perfect human parent either. I do the best I can and my children, furry and human, know they can count on me.
Isn't that all we are really guaranteed in life? Must we continually over analyze, create guilt or anxiety over every aspect of our lives? So they don't get 2 hours of energetic play outside every day, rain, snow or shine. What they do get is lots of love, attention, a warm home to sleep, TV/couch sitting privileges, balanced, healthy meals, play (subject to interest on either side, as in sometimes I'm the one who gets the 'not now, Mom' look) and full commitment to their health and safety. We support each other and miss each other when we are apart. We are lucky we found each other. And as to suffering, life is suffering. Or didn't you know that. One might say, reading the judgemental opinion of others is a form of suffering.
Now that I've had them for over 9 years, they are as part of my family as any of the humans. Am I the perfect puppy patent? No. I wasn't the perfect human parent either. I do the best I can and my children, furry and human, know they can count on me.
Isn't that all we are really guaranteed in life? Must we continually over analyze, create guilt or anxiety over every aspect of our lives? So they don't get 2 hours of energetic play outside every day, rain, snow or shine. What they do get is lots of love, attention, a warm home to sleep, TV/couch sitting privileges, balanced, healthy meals, play (subject to interest on either side, as in sometimes I'm the one who gets the 'not now, Mom' look) and full commitment to their health and safety. We support each other and miss each other when we are apart. We are lucky we found each other. And as to suffering, life is suffering. Or didn't you know that. One might say, reading the judgemental opinion of others is a form of suffering.
4
I have long realized since an early adoption of a cute Brittany spaniel from a pet store in NYC (the first vet to see her asked if we had 100 acres!) how desperate animals can get when they are alone all day (we were luckily able to give her to my retired parents and she kept them exercised!) People underestimate how stressful it is for them as well to be greeted after a long workday by an animal frantic for exercise and full attention.
What I didn't expect was how dog-like a rat could be. We adopted one for a child and I quickly realized the animal was too intelligent and affectionate to be cooped up in a cage most of the time. I tried letting her out for limited periods- they are not great pets because they can't be house trained and chew any available cloth. First time she got loose on her own she went up two flights to cuddle next to me on a pillow (quite a shock). My whole family ended up unexpectedly loving that animal.
I completely agree with this article and highly recommend when asked that people get animals only when they are free to spend a lot of time with the animal and to make sure the creature gets adequate exercise for their species. I also recommend sticking with dogs and cats-we don't understand other creatures well enough and usually don't meet their needs.
What I didn't expect was how dog-like a rat could be. We adopted one for a child and I quickly realized the animal was too intelligent and affectionate to be cooped up in a cage most of the time. I tried letting her out for limited periods- they are not great pets because they can't be house trained and chew any available cloth. First time she got loose on her own she went up two flights to cuddle next to me on a pillow (quite a shock). My whole family ended up unexpectedly loving that animal.
I completely agree with this article and highly recommend when asked that people get animals only when they are free to spend a lot of time with the animal and to make sure the creature gets adequate exercise for their species. I also recommend sticking with dogs and cats-we don't understand other creatures well enough and usually don't meet their needs.
7
We have three cats--affectionate, loving and seemingly happy. We slavishly adhere to their agenda, and they generally acquiesce to ours. We'd have a dog too if schedules permitted. Two of our cats were shelter rescues, and one a rescue and gift from my sister. I hold to a personal theory that dogs and cats are extensions of us--extensions in the sense that we manipulated their evolution and molded them to fit our needs and wants. But I have no doubt that they are as sentient as we are, and intelligent in ways we will probably never quite know. They give so much and ask so little in return.
4
I would like to adopt another cat. We adopted two from a shelter. One died of cancer. Her sister is lonely. What's stopping me?
The adoption process is painful.
The process took two days of multiple interviews. My kids had to come and talk to the shelter. We were interviewed separate: do we have screens in all of the windows? Have we ever had pets before? What happened to those pets? It was almost unbearable sitting on the hard plastic chairs.
I had to get testimony from a vet--that I did not yet have because I had no pets. It cost me a few hundred dollars in adoption fees. As soon as the kittens got home, the got terribly sick--another few hundred dollars in vet bills. Clearly this supposedly uber-careful shelter hadn't cared for the kitten's stomach worms before adopting them out.
I hesitate to get a new companion pet on a daily basis because the process was so bloody awful. And this was my successful adoption. Previously I filled out form after form on the petfinder website hoping to adopt. No one ever answered my emails and applications.
Why with so many pets that need adopting do shelters make it painful to go through their process?
The adoption process is painful.
The process took two days of multiple interviews. My kids had to come and talk to the shelter. We were interviewed separate: do we have screens in all of the windows? Have we ever had pets before? What happened to those pets? It was almost unbearable sitting on the hard plastic chairs.
I had to get testimony from a vet--that I did not yet have because I had no pets. It cost me a few hundred dollars in adoption fees. As soon as the kittens got home, the got terribly sick--another few hundred dollars in vet bills. Clearly this supposedly uber-careful shelter hadn't cared for the kitten's stomach worms before adopting them out.
I hesitate to get a new companion pet on a daily basis because the process was so bloody awful. And this was my successful adoption. Previously I filled out form after form on the petfinder website hoping to adopt. No one ever answered my emails and applications.
Why with so many pets that need adopting do shelters make it painful to go through their process?
26
They do it because there are some cruel people out there, and far more who are simply ignorant of what a pet needs. I understand it's a bother, but really, I'm glad that the agencies are paying attention to who is adopting their animals instead of handing them out willy-nilly like candy.
We adopted from a local no-kill shelter, and while we had to have references to testify that we would be a good home, it wasn't an onerous process. It took a few days of processing on their end, but the demands on us were low. I don't know where you live, but maybe you could find another shelter?
We adopted from a local no-kill shelter, and while we had to have references to testify that we would be a good home, it wasn't an onerous process. It took a few days of processing on their end, but the demands on us were low. I don't know where you live, but maybe you could find another shelter?
3
Because there are creeps and sadist that want those animals to hurt them, abuse them.
Must be worth a bit of sitting on a plastic chair. Maybe take a pillow with you next time?
Must be worth a bit of sitting on a plastic chair. Maybe take a pillow with you next time?
1
As people who work with zoo exhibits know, even invertebrates do well with changes in scenery, foraging challenges, and a stimulating environment. I have three toads who I saved from a wild catch of tadpoles, all but three of whom were returned to the natal pond after my class learned from them - learned a lot, I might add, just by observing and recognizing how important it was to manage the environment. The three I kept had a common genetic malformation (tongue-tied, basically) which meant they would have never survived in the wild. They are in a large habitat, have established territories, have a tank that is all live plants and an environment that recycles animal waste as fertilizer for the plants -- and I change things up with their live food and habitat layout. I'm not as much of a herp fiend as some, but I think there is a place for this kind of thing in the pet world.
I also have dogs, and two or more dogs are better than one. A solitary dog in a home with owners gone most of the day breaks my heart. If there's more than one, they keep each other busy. I've lived for extensive periods of time around feral packs of dogs in rural areas in the developing world - most of the puppies starve to death, they are covered with vermin, and a starving nursing mother dog is something you never forget - neither is seeing a female dog in heat harassed to the point of exhaustion by a pack of aggressive feral males.
I also have dogs, and two or more dogs are better than one. A solitary dog in a home with owners gone most of the day breaks my heart. If there's more than one, they keep each other busy. I've lived for extensive periods of time around feral packs of dogs in rural areas in the developing world - most of the puppies starve to death, they are covered with vermin, and a starving nursing mother dog is something you never forget - neither is seeing a female dog in heat harassed to the point of exhaustion by a pack of aggressive feral males.
8
I think the analysis is different for cats and dogs than for other pets. Over many generations they have adapted (or been adapted) to the environment that human pet owners provide, not a natural environment. However, at least in the case of dogs, the human environment to which they are adapted is a rural or suburban home in which there in someone around all day. They are not as well adapted to the increasingly urban environment in which many of them find themselves -- spending most of the day in an empty apartment waiting for the pet owner to come home (perhaps with 10 minutes outside during the day with a hired dog walker). I live in an apartment (and don't have a pet) and have trouble understanding how the large, active dogs that I see in the elevator adapt to their confined and solitary existence during the day.
4
I'm sure we'll see plenty of comments on how people love their pets and how they have such great lives. But this article points out the very important issue of the quality of life from the animal's perspective. If we have a pet that is forced to be mostly indoors, are we depriving it of a rich and rewarding life? If the pet only has its human family for stimulation, is that enough over the course of the animal's lifetime? Perhaps it's time we consider life from the animal's perspective, and not only on our benefits from owning a pet. I wonder if there a better way to take care of domestic animals than having them live exclusively inside our homes. (Perhaps a domestic animal sanctuary of sorts?) And maybe the lack of a stimulating home life is one reason we hear so much about animal "mis-behaviors". These are important ideas we should consider if we want to continue to be pet owners (of which I am one). We Americans love our pets, but maybe we need to reconsider if we're doing what's best for THEM.
1
Thank you, thank you. For so long these words, that reflect what neuroscience and behavioral studies tell us of animal minds and emotion, have needed to be written.
As parents, we should request an end to the elementary school practice of the classroom pet rodent/fish/other: the teacher instills the belief that human beings should exercise the freedom to isolate and imprison other "lesser" beings for our pleasure, not theirs. True companionship is when both members of a relationship have the freedom to leave and return - to experience independent lives.
What brings satisfaction and reward to human animals - freedom from control - freedom to experience challenge and success - freedom to experience the social world of their own kind - is no less true for other animals.
Yes, our cats were rescued from a shelter and are deeply affectionate - but when given the opportunity to move freely between the home sanctuary and natural world, they take it every time.
As parents, we should request an end to the elementary school practice of the classroom pet rodent/fish/other: the teacher instills the belief that human beings should exercise the freedom to isolate and imprison other "lesser" beings for our pleasure, not theirs. True companionship is when both members of a relationship have the freedom to leave and return - to experience independent lives.
What brings satisfaction and reward to human animals - freedom from control - freedom to experience challenge and success - freedom to experience the social world of their own kind - is no less true for other animals.
Yes, our cats were rescued from a shelter and are deeply affectionate - but when given the opportunity to move freely between the home sanctuary and natural world, they take it every time.
5
I read somewhere once that the price pets pay for a safe and secure place to live with a reliable source of food, is boredom and loneliness. That is not an acceptable philosophy. We do have a responsibility to provide our pets with a decent life. That should start with eliminating all wild animals as pets - even goldfish. Dogs and cats have been domesticated over millennia and are accustomed to living with humans. And perhaps that is true for a few rodents, but hedgehogs, snakes, fish, and in particular, birds and exotic species, should never be allowed as pets - they are being kept as prisoners in the most appalling way imaginable. We are only beginning to understand just how rich and complex animal intelligence and their social fabrics are. I hope this will bode well for all non-humans in the coming decades and that we can establish an entirely new perspective and relationship with them, as a result. But in the meantime, our ignorance combined with our super-species status means that we will cause, even unintentionally, many more creatures to suffer at our hands before things change.
3
I don't really see much difference between the indifference to and ignorance of caring for pets and the quality of relationships with a spouse or significant other, or worse yet, with children who are a novelty during pregnancy and at birth but later evolve into a burden or sacrifice or added expense and aggravation. Many people neglect people they love as well as pets they acquire. It's all very sad and irresponsible.
8
I grew up in suburban London in the 1950s with a pet cat. She was very affectionate, but was also a bloodthirsty little killing machine.
Cats want to roam freely whenever possible. They need their claws for self-defense and for climbing trees to escape from dogs.
Anyone who adopts a cat and lets it roam freely (presumably in the suburbs) should understand in advance that it is instinctively one of nature's best predators.
Many of the birds killed will be starlings, which are an invasive non-native species. Cats also play a very valuable role in controlling rats and mice. Every ecosystem needs a top level predator, including suburban America.
Cats want to roam freely whenever possible. They need their claws for self-defense and for climbing trees to escape from dogs.
Anyone who adopts a cat and lets it roam freely (presumably in the suburbs) should understand in advance that it is instinctively one of nature's best predators.
Many of the birds killed will be starlings, which are an invasive non-native species. Cats also play a very valuable role in controlling rats and mice. Every ecosystem needs a top level predator, including suburban America.
3
Is a happy pet not a fairly obvious thing, at least with dogs and cats? (I have my own reservations about exotic pets)
I grew up in the country with an indoor/outdoor golden retriever who was loving, affectionate and never anxious. We discovered early on that he hated water (counter-intuitive for the breed), so he was never forced into a bath, just groomed once a month. He occasionally got into mishaps (usually eating things he shouldn't have), but he never had serious health issues bar some old age stiffness and he died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 15.
My mother has also tamed some feral cats who eventually grow to be very affectionate. They inevitably live longer and healthier lives than their stray cousins (we spay and neuter, many don't).
It's no more unnatural for a pet to live in a house than it is for us to live in a house. They are more robust than the article gives credit for. Pet neglect is extremely problematic and much harder to identify and deal with than pet abuse, but it doesn't point to a more general problem with the idea of pets for me. Many people are excellent pet owners just like many people are excellent parents - even if they go to work or sometimes give unhealthy snacks or make a mistake. Animals are not so fragile, and even if they were, civilisation would be a far better home for them than the wild.
I grew up in the country with an indoor/outdoor golden retriever who was loving, affectionate and never anxious. We discovered early on that he hated water (counter-intuitive for the breed), so he was never forced into a bath, just groomed once a month. He occasionally got into mishaps (usually eating things he shouldn't have), but he never had serious health issues bar some old age stiffness and he died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 15.
My mother has also tamed some feral cats who eventually grow to be very affectionate. They inevitably live longer and healthier lives than their stray cousins (we spay and neuter, many don't).
It's no more unnatural for a pet to live in a house than it is for us to live in a house. They are more robust than the article gives credit for. Pet neglect is extremely problematic and much harder to identify and deal with than pet abuse, but it doesn't point to a more general problem with the idea of pets for me. Many people are excellent pet owners just like many people are excellent parents - even if they go to work or sometimes give unhealthy snacks or make a mistake. Animals are not so fragile, and even if they were, civilisation would be a far better home for them than the wild.
19
Great. You are observant and a caring pet owner. Thanks for your essay.
1
Thank you for this piece.
Human animals inflict huge tortures and suffering on nonhuman animals. All conscious creatures treasure freedom, no animal is happy in or evolved to live in captivity.
Imagine the enormous suffering of whales and dolphins kidnapped from the oceans and their closely-bonded families to be confined in tiny tanks, starvation used as a training technique to get them to do tricks for corporate profits and the amusement of humans to dull and insensate to find entertainment without enslaving and torturing animals. Who among us would choose life in a bathtub --- humans inflict this on species great and small.
Animals kept as pets in cities suffer — cats declawed & defanged, trapped indoors, never to smell the fresh air or feel grass under their feet; and dogs, a pack animal, lonely, bored, locked indoors all day while the captor is at work. Anyday in any city neighborhood, the whining, barking and misery of these dogs is heard.
We live with cats who consider us to be useful domestic animals. We work mostly at home, so are available to serve them. The cats come and go at will through their door, nights are spent indoors in luxury, they have cat & human friends in the neighborhood, a community & social lives. They seem quite content with the balance they have made between their animal natures and civilized comforts. All creatures should have it so good.
If animals could conceive of a devil, he would have a human face: captor, torturer, hunter.
Human animals inflict huge tortures and suffering on nonhuman animals. All conscious creatures treasure freedom, no animal is happy in or evolved to live in captivity.
Imagine the enormous suffering of whales and dolphins kidnapped from the oceans and their closely-bonded families to be confined in tiny tanks, starvation used as a training technique to get them to do tricks for corporate profits and the amusement of humans to dull and insensate to find entertainment without enslaving and torturing animals. Who among us would choose life in a bathtub --- humans inflict this on species great and small.
Animals kept as pets in cities suffer — cats declawed & defanged, trapped indoors, never to smell the fresh air or feel grass under their feet; and dogs, a pack animal, lonely, bored, locked indoors all day while the captor is at work. Anyday in any city neighborhood, the whining, barking and misery of these dogs is heard.
We live with cats who consider us to be useful domestic animals. We work mostly at home, so are available to serve them. The cats come and go at will through their door, nights are spent indoors in luxury, they have cat & human friends in the neighborhood, a community & social lives. They seem quite content with the balance they have made between their animal natures and civilized comforts. All creatures should have it so good.
If animals could conceive of a devil, he would have a human face: captor, torturer, hunter.
7
Agreed - bored, lonely, traumatized.
My 2 cents:
I urge anyone who is getting a 'pet' to get it from a shelter or rescue group - buying from a breeder or pet store only worsens the problem of too many unwanted pets out there. I also urge people to get more than one pet so they can keep each other company when people are not there and for stimulation that we can't provide. We have a duty to these animals that have become mixed up with humans to make it about them rather than about us; they don't deserve to be a fashion accessory or an extension of our egos or a tool for letting a child learn responsibility. Learn as much as you can before getting the pet, especially about exotic species such as parrots - vets and pet stores don't really know much about them and large parrots in particular end up in rescue groups in large numbers, very traumatized.
Birds: don't clip the wings, let them fly and be birds, arrange perches outside the cage, get more than one, diet of much more than seed, safe toys, safe and clean environment, clean cage regularly;
cats: don't declaw, leave successful ferals outside - spay/neuter if possible but return successful ones to their territory - lots of toys and stimulation, decent food, company depending on the cat (we had one that HATED other cats), get one of the older ones because everyone else goes for the kittens (and often get rid of them when they become cats - gee, didn't see that coming).
My 2 cents:
I urge anyone who is getting a 'pet' to get it from a shelter or rescue group - buying from a breeder or pet store only worsens the problem of too many unwanted pets out there. I also urge people to get more than one pet so they can keep each other company when people are not there and for stimulation that we can't provide. We have a duty to these animals that have become mixed up with humans to make it about them rather than about us; they don't deserve to be a fashion accessory or an extension of our egos or a tool for letting a child learn responsibility. Learn as much as you can before getting the pet, especially about exotic species such as parrots - vets and pet stores don't really know much about them and large parrots in particular end up in rescue groups in large numbers, very traumatized.
Birds: don't clip the wings, let them fly and be birds, arrange perches outside the cage, get more than one, diet of much more than seed, safe toys, safe and clean environment, clean cage regularly;
cats: don't declaw, leave successful ferals outside - spay/neuter if possible but return successful ones to their territory - lots of toys and stimulation, decent food, company depending on the cat (we had one that HATED other cats), get one of the older ones because everyone else goes for the kittens (and often get rid of them when they become cats - gee, didn't see that coming).
7
Could the problem of boredom and loneliness also have something to do with the changing nuclear family? In the past, there was always somebody at home who could provide companionship and attention, invariably the wife/mother or children many hours of the afternoon (who these days increasingly spend their time in after school activities). Not that I would advocate women returning to the home giving up careers or depriving children of possibly meaningful experiences, but perhaps as society changes our attitude towards pets should change as well?
13
Ms. Pierce, you forgot to mention creatures who are meant to soar in wide open spaces being kept in cages. One has only to watch parrots, for instance, in their natural habitat to understand how cruel their captive lives really are.
Actually believing that allowing their bird to fly around a room is being humane is a self-serving delusion.
The impact of their forced captivity is as destructive as that of elephants or orcas robbed of their freedom and natural habitat for human entertainment purposes.
It is with awe to watch the magnificence of creatures who have the singular ability to soar into the sky effortlessly, and to travel unerringly for thousands of miles with their flock to seasonally favorable locations.
Nothing is more beautiful than seeing a cardinal decorating the bare, grey branches of trees and bushes in winter, or another brilliantly feathered bird eating supper perched upon branches of a bush of red berries.
One can only hope that more ol us will recognize that the ownership and incarceration of creatures that should fly miles every day is an extreme cruelty, and stop purchasing them.
To be forced to rely on humans for food and water, will never make them "pets".
Actually believing that allowing their bird to fly around a room is being humane is a self-serving delusion.
The impact of their forced captivity is as destructive as that of elephants or orcas robbed of their freedom and natural habitat for human entertainment purposes.
It is with awe to watch the magnificence of creatures who have the singular ability to soar into the sky effortlessly, and to travel unerringly for thousands of miles with their flock to seasonally favorable locations.
Nothing is more beautiful than seeing a cardinal decorating the bare, grey branches of trees and bushes in winter, or another brilliantly feathered bird eating supper perched upon branches of a bush of red berries.
One can only hope that more ol us will recognize that the ownership and incarceration of creatures that should fly miles every day is an extreme cruelty, and stop purchasing them.
To be forced to rely on humans for food and water, will never make them "pets".
31
Wow. This feels really late. I remember seeing puppies and kittens in the window at malls in the late 1970s and early 1980s. But it's been a long time since any responsible adult I know has bought a dog or cat. (Though, admittedly, a pet store that actually sells pets did move in nearby in the last decade and hasn't gone out of business yet.) Mine have always been adopted. My eight pound toy poodle (with some Maltese thrown in, I think), was rescued from Hurricane Katrina and was diagnosed with dementia yesterday. She could be 12 or 15, we've never known. And the poodle/bichon mix with the gorgeous curls was adopted 6 months before her. He's getting older too, but is faring better. The only mistake was getting two so close in age. I broke my own rule of always having two, of different ages, to avoid facing the loss of two close together. My brother recently lost his rescued standard poodle. The remaining pit mix was sad, as was my brother's family. So he adopted two more standards from Carolina Poodle Rescue. Point being, adopting pets is step one if you love animals. Just go visit the shelter. One will choose you. (And yes, adopting will be a more involved process than buying an animal. Remember that's a good thing: the shelters are making sure you are prepared for a pet and able to provide it a good home.)
10
Thanks for a great article. It is remarkable, but unsurprising, how defensive people get in conversations about the conditions of animals. Whether we are talking about the suffering of animals in our food system or selfish behavior towards companion animals, simply discussing facts can trigger a seriously reactionary response.
In the long term, it is meaningless to compare the life of a "pet" to the life that animal might have experience otherwise: that individual has no way of knowing about that other hypothetical life, no way of comparing it to their own, and thus it would provide them no comfort from an inadequate existence. This does not reflect on the morality of adopting animals from shelters now: this is unquestionably a compassionate and life-saving action. But if you truly love your pet, you would be willing to consider whether it is appropriate for us to continue to breed them into existence primarily for our own enjoyment.
Our society is experiencing a long-overdue shift in the way we consider the interests of animals. Traditions will be threatened, as they should be when society has formed for centuries around unjust principles. Tradition is a terrible defense of cruelty and exploitation. The true test of all the affection that humans have for the animals they know will be our ability to translate it into compassion for all animals.
In the long term, it is meaningless to compare the life of a "pet" to the life that animal might have experience otherwise: that individual has no way of knowing about that other hypothetical life, no way of comparing it to their own, and thus it would provide them no comfort from an inadequate existence. This does not reflect on the morality of adopting animals from shelters now: this is unquestionably a compassionate and life-saving action. But if you truly love your pet, you would be willing to consider whether it is appropriate for us to continue to breed them into existence primarily for our own enjoyment.
Our society is experiencing a long-overdue shift in the way we consider the interests of animals. Traditions will be threatened, as they should be when society has formed for centuries around unjust principles. Tradition is a terrible defense of cruelty and exploitation. The true test of all the affection that humans have for the animals they know will be our ability to translate it into compassion for all animals.
1
I agree with the sentiment that we have a duty not to hold wild animals captive in tiny tanks and call them pets. However, when it comes to domesticated cats and dogs, to call what they endure "torture" reflects pretty poorly on how we treat our selves and fellow humankind. I'm certain most humans are not enthused about spending 8 hours a day or more in an office, or are so busy working and with family that they can't still exercise or feed themselves properly. For this person, perhaps their pet is one of their primary sources of happiness just as much as they are the world to their pet. Guilt about not giving pets their ideal existence ought to have limits, even though it's hard not to be sentimental about it.
89
Well said. Surely many pets' lives could be better, but how can there be a moral imperative to provide a better life for a pet that you live yourself? I don't like spending my days separated from my wife and our dog (he does get to go to her office sometimes), but as it stands today, some level of suffering and loneliness is the experience of every sentient being. If little Gibson doesn't have a place to run, it is because I also don't have a place to run. My city is more concerned about providing parking than parks. To those saying that dogs suffer from Stockholm Syndrome, maybe we all do to an extent, captives of our economic and social environment. It does frustrate me that I can't provide a perfect life for my pet. I'm sure it will frustrate me when I can't provide a perfect life for my future children. That frustration doesn't mean that they'd be better off never having been born or adopted. There is joy to be found in this life. We should all (human or not) cherish the good times when they come.
3
You raise a number of important questions, and ones I've considered quite a bit over the last few years. I've wanted to adopt a dog for a long time, but have held back because I don't think I can yet provide the kind of life I'd want to, and the dog would deserve. Adoption would be the only option I'd consider.
Having said that, I'm torn. If we had no pets, would we just allow the current standard household pets - cats and dogs - to roam free in the streets and within the elements? Would that be that much more humane? Would we just put them in "institutions" until the last ones are gone?
I'm all for responsible ownership, and do think the more exotic animals have no business being pets, but even if every ethical issue the author brings up is true, what next?
Having said that, I'm torn. If we had no pets, would we just allow the current standard household pets - cats and dogs - to roam free in the streets and within the elements? Would that be that much more humane? Would we just put them in "institutions" until the last ones are gone?
I'm all for responsible ownership, and do think the more exotic animals have no business being pets, but even if every ethical issue the author brings up is true, what next?
2
As a woman who deals with infertility, my cats are truly like my children. All are rescues. Two we raised from abandoned kittens from age two weeks. These cats are different; more dependent upon us for interaction. They will play fetch like dogs, and shove their toys under our chins or arms, demanding we play. Although they have each other and two other cats to play with, being socialized and raised by humans has increased the bond we feel toward them, and which they feel toward us. I agree with the author about saying no to other pets; as it is, I could not imagine having time for others to give the kind of interaction we provide for our current cat family members. I find myself concerned with ensuring each of them feels loved, cared for and has an enriched experience in which they can glory in their natural instincts to stalk, hunt, play and of course, nap.
5
This is why I do not currently have a pet. We always had a dog when I was growing up, and I really do miss that. But the dog had a large fenced back yard, kids, and a stay at home mom to keep him company. I live alone, work during the day and have a busy social life in the evenings. I would love to have a furry companion bounding up to say hello at the end of a long day, but I've concluded that condemning a dog to spend most of its time alone in an empty apartment would be selfish.
39
My cat has full authority over being inside or out, simply presenting himself at an entrance. He decides where to sleep, when to cuddle, and seems to enjoy what comforts I add to his life: climate control, comfortable sofa backs and tables to rest on, paths for above floor travel, and the daily rub down, favorite foods. Each spring, he mentors baby lizards and plays with them. We met when he showed up on my stoop. We have been inseparable every since!
52
Our two dogs and four cats spend a significant amount of time alone while we are at work and other activities. But they well taken care of even then--the dogs in a 20 X 70' run with a duplex straw bale doghouse and the cats with free run inside. They have one another with whom to socialize and exercise, and we dote on them when we're home. (Phoebe, the tortoiseshell, helped here with the first few sentences.)
I agree that it's best to stick with these traditional types of pets for the most part. A guinea pig (or preferably, two) can be a good pet if dogs and cats are not allowed.
I agree that it's best to stick with these traditional types of pets for the most part. A guinea pig (or preferably, two) can be a good pet if dogs and cats are not allowed.
18
Of course you need to be responsible if you are thinking about having a pet in your house. It's not a spur-of-the-moment decision (or it shouldn't be). I have been lucky enough to have had three cats come into my life (from 1979 until 2007), and I always tried to be there for them when possible. My first cat, Alec, found ways to stay entertained. I didn't realize this until I was home sick one day. I lived on the first floor of my coop, and I was in bed wheezing and sneezing. For a while he was quite attentive, then he went behind the blinds to face the street. Then passers-by came up to the window to say hello to Alec (by name!) and talk with him. He went on like this for hours. His best friend was a Belgian Shepherd name Pele, who was many times his size (there's a sad story about Pele, but I won't tell it here).
Fast forward several years. I was living in Atlanta and shopping at PetSmart for food and litter, which I'd loaded into my shopping cart. A demonstrator walked up to me and asked, "Excuse me, sir, but do you own a cat?" Without missing a beat I replied, "No, but I'm owned by two cats." She looked at me like I was crazy. "You are obviously not a cat person," I added.
I miss my Alec, my Gary, and my Cassandra. But now I'm too old, I fear, to do right by any animal, so I refrain. I only want what's best for them, and I don't think I can any longer provide it. See, Ms. Pierce, some of us really do care and understand.
Fast forward several years. I was living in Atlanta and shopping at PetSmart for food and litter, which I'd loaded into my shopping cart. A demonstrator walked up to me and asked, "Excuse me, sir, but do you own a cat?" Without missing a beat I replied, "No, but I'm owned by two cats." She looked at me like I was crazy. "You are obviously not a cat person," I added.
I miss my Alec, my Gary, and my Cassandra. But now I'm too old, I fear, to do right by any animal, so I refrain. I only want what's best for them, and I don't think I can any longer provide it. See, Ms. Pierce, some of us really do care and understand.
131
I'm distressed by your claim that you're too old to do right by an animal (nonhuman) companion, unless you're infirm and live alone (with no other humans). We're pretty old as well, and down to one, 13 year old dog after a life time of quite a serial set of critters. We could never live without animal companions, and fully intend to replace Leander if he goes on to doggy heaven before we become infirm. Our daughter pledges to take over whatever pets we leave, and we have provided for them in our will. I don't see an ethical problem here, but maybe I'm missing something.
3
My mother had a snippy little poodle who would snap at people if they walked by when he was eating. He bit my brother's young children once or twice. Once, when my mother was feeling morose (shortly after my father had died and 25 years before she did), she asked my brother if he would "take care of Sparky" when she died. He looked at her and said, meaningfully, "Oh, yes, I'll take care of him." As my mother later told me, "I knew right then that I had to outlive that dog!"
4
I loved hearing about the cats you have loved.
3
Please be sure to spay or neuter your pet, as well as love him/her.
208
I have the best dog in the world. He's with me 24 / 7. We do everything together. If I don't see him in front of me, when I open my eyes, it's because he's either right next to me or right behind me. I walk him 4 times a day 100% off leash through urban centers as well as fields and polders. I guarantee if you interviewed Hector (or as I sometimes call him, the George Clooney of dogs), he'd be as crazy for me as I am for him. A couple of things -
1. I haven't castrated him for my convenience.
2. He eats plenty of table scraps (I tithe him10% of any meat I have)
3. I'd never "crate him", or restrict his access to parts of the house. He knows whats allowed and not allowed, and he knows I trust him.
4. When he wants to hang out out front, I don't tie him up like a prisoner. He knows he can roam the yard but no further.
5. He's also not my "Pet". He's my friend, who happens to be of another species.
I don't understand why Americans are obsessed with making a dog a "pet", then cutting off its nuts, then forcing it to eat horrible processed dog pellets for food, locking it in a crate like a prisoner for half the day, and then chaining it up on a leash every time they let it out.
I know your comment just concerned deforming an animal, but I wanted to cover the other pieces of common pet wisdom in America as well.
So, I guess to your point specifically, Don't mutilate and sterilize your dog unless there is a medical reason.
1. I haven't castrated him for my convenience.
2. He eats plenty of table scraps (I tithe him10% of any meat I have)
3. I'd never "crate him", or restrict his access to parts of the house. He knows whats allowed and not allowed, and he knows I trust him.
4. When he wants to hang out out front, I don't tie him up like a prisoner. He knows he can roam the yard but no further.
5. He's also not my "Pet". He's my friend, who happens to be of another species.
I don't understand why Americans are obsessed with making a dog a "pet", then cutting off its nuts, then forcing it to eat horrible processed dog pellets for food, locking it in a crate like a prisoner for half the day, and then chaining it up on a leash every time they let it out.
I know your comment just concerned deforming an animal, but I wanted to cover the other pieces of common pet wisdom in America as well.
So, I guess to your point specifically, Don't mutilate and sterilize your dog unless there is a medical reason.
2
I have a cat whom I adopted from a no-kill shelter at age 5 (he is now 11). He is over the top affectionate with me, has the run of the place, and regular (expensive) vet care as needed.
Sure, it might be nice to go back to a world where every animal lives in its 'natural' environment whatever that might be. However, we are a long way from a place where some animals (cats & dogs) can do that safely. There are feral cats around where I live. They ear birds, rodents, and, particularly in the bitter Chicago winters, whatever humans put out. They also get hit by cars or stuck in places so that humans must come and rescue them.
I don't know if my cat is 'happy.' He could not fend for himself as his original owner had him declawed in the front. He seems content; certainly is bonded to me; and had possibilities only of this life, life in a shelter, or death. If I asked and he could answer, I'm betting he'd say, "I'm good."
Sure, it might be nice to go back to a world where every animal lives in its 'natural' environment whatever that might be. However, we are a long way from a place where some animals (cats & dogs) can do that safely. There are feral cats around where I live. They ear birds, rodents, and, particularly in the bitter Chicago winters, whatever humans put out. They also get hit by cars or stuck in places so that humans must come and rescue them.
I don't know if my cat is 'happy.' He could not fend for himself as his original owner had him declawed in the front. He seems content; certainly is bonded to me; and had possibilities only of this life, life in a shelter, or death. If I asked and he could answer, I'm betting he'd say, "I'm good."
256
I think you're right. My daughter and I found our cat living in the bushes, abandoned or a runaway. She's as affectionate and protective as could be. She has a role in our home and family, and she established it. Every night when I'd sit down and read my daughter a story, she'd saunter on into the room at the first page, and take her seat for story time.
193
I don't think she's at all suggesting that we return animals to the wild, which in the case of cats and dogs would be especially inappropriate, but that we be more conscientious about the habitats we provide for them and the amount of time they are left alone. I used to pet-sit, and it was sad sometimes to see how frantic the dogs were to see a human face when I turned up for a walk. Worse were the ones who seemed to have given up and were just depressed.
I adore dogs, but I don't have one because my hours are too long and irregular and I know they'd have to be alone a lot or go to an expensive doggy daycare that I can't afford. I'm with Jessica Pierce: Go ahead and have a pet, but make sure you have the time and flexibility to spend with these social animals and don't stick them in a little tank or box and leave them around as if they're for decoration. They are living, sentient creatures.
P.S. I'd guess your cat is pretty happy.
I adore dogs, but I don't have one because my hours are too long and irregular and I know they'd have to be alone a lot or go to an expensive doggy daycare that I can't afford. I'm with Jessica Pierce: Go ahead and have a pet, but make sure you have the time and flexibility to spend with these social animals and don't stick them in a little tank or box and leave them around as if they're for decoration. They are living, sentient creatures.
P.S. I'd guess your cat is pretty happy.
389
Found mine in the woods, dumped there by some heartless person, only discovered her existence when I put food scraps out for the birds, and saw that she was eating it as well. Several years later, she's an indoor pet, very affectionate and loving, sleeps at my feet, and follows our grandchild everywhere, who treats the cat like a baby-doll. It's clear the cat loves the attention, is very tolerant of being carried around, or put in dolly's stroller. It's comforting to see the two of them together, and getting along so well.
14
http://ram.org/ramblings/philosophy/pets.html
--Ram