Even Animal Discussions are Extreme

I didn't get to fully read both sides of the argument, as one side simply posted they had received an email advising this person against "humanizing" pets.  Without knowing the details of the email, I will say the response seemed beyond extreme, but then it occurred to me, it's just part of the extreme polarization going on in this country.  We don't just disagree, we are vehemently polarized.

In reading the extensive response the writer posted, I didn't have the impression the person who was against humanizing pets was promoting mistreatment of animals, or promoting Michael Vick, but rather was simply expressing their view against folks treating animals like they are human.  The response was vitriolic in nature, and quite accusatory, which could be why the author does take solace in treating their pet as if it were human.  The author went so far as to call the person cruel and even quoted Scripture that seemed entirely inappropriate for the topic at hand.  Again, I didn't see the original email that "prompted" this public berating, but in the lengthy written lecture, there was no reference to any justification of cruelty.

As an animal lover, who admittedly refers to my critters as my social life, I found the letter of correction to be reflective of what's wrong with so much of our society.  First, without any reference to actual justification this written response was in a tone, I wouldn't use on a dog, much less a human.  Many folks refer to their dogs as their fur babies and it would seem that the status of dog has been elevated beyond "man's best friend."  I've noticed the folks who are the most extreme in their insistence to humanize their dog, usually have no children . . . while others have debilitating health issues or live alone, greatly valuing the companionship of their four legged friend.

Rex Harrison, as Dr. Doolittle, has crossed my mind many times as I've thought about this.  He and I share a birthday, by the way . . . I enjoy animals the way our Creator made them.  I love all the various critters here in the Land of Goshen, but I don't want to humanize any of them.  There's no need.  Goats and guineas do not need to act like each other, or like sheep or like me for that matter.  The dogs are all very unique in their personalities and that's as it should be.  They all communicate very clearly and I understand their language.  It's the same with the goats, chickens, guineas, and donkey.  My cat, Snowflake, is relatively new, so she and I are still getting acquainted, but truth be told, I hope she maintains her cat qualities since I don't like mice.

I've also noticed most folks who do humanize their pets, seem to talk a lot about how many problems their pets have, especially with anxiety issues.  As I read the published lambasting this individual posted, I thought of all the comments they've made about the problems their "humanized dog" suffers.  This is by far not the only example of humanized dogs having issues.  By all means we should care for our animals and special pets are just that, special.  I believe when we have a pet, even livestock that is faithful, loving and loyal, we owe it to them, to treat them as they were created to be.

Being human seems to be difficult enough for human beings.  Could it be, "humanizing" a dog actually creates stress for the dog that these precious creatures would not ordinarily have?  Maybe humanizing a pet is cruel . . .

A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast . . . a Proverb of Holy Scripture