Are Pets People Too?
Daniel Taverne
September 10, 2005
It goes without saying that, as a whole, Americans have pets. In fact, pets are such a part of the fabric of America that laws have been put in place designed to ensure their well being, illustrating our convictions. Unfortunately, as I’m sure you’re aware; some people don’t abide by animal protection laws. Why should they? Animals don’t have emotions. They don’t feel happiness, lonliness,, and they certainly don’t feel pain.
They’re just animals, Right? I say wrong. In many ways, pets are people too.
If you look at what differentiates us from our pets, you’ll see that the answer is merely intelligence, and the design of our bodies. Is a mentally retarded person who cannot speak still a person? Of course he is, so in this case not even intelligence is a distinguishing characteristic.
Time and Time again, you’ll hear people say that our pets don’t know what it means to sacrifice or care therefore they don’t know love the way people do. On these points, I have to disagree.
I’ve heard accounts of dogs getting their paws burned while pulling their masters from fires, and I’ve heard accounts of cats who attacked threatening intruders. I am also aware of one story that tells how a cat saved a baby who was in respiratory distress, by alerting the mother who then dialed 9-1-1.
Aside from the concept of sacrifice, there are other similiarities that we have with our pets lending credence to the idea that pets are people too. One way pets are like people, is that they are teachers. The pets I’ve known as a child have helped shape who I have become. I have learned from them that death is an inescapable part of life, and as my cats do so well, they taught me to enjoy the good things life has to offer, since they will play with anything, anytime, anywhere. They’ve also shown me that it’s okay to remain playful throughout my life, and that once each difficult time has passed, joy always manages to return.
Even other peoples pets, pets who didn’t like me, have taught me things. One thing they taught me is just because something looks fuzzy and cute , and just because it may not have teet, that doesn’t mean It is friendly. This learned concept can be translated over to people, making me aware that simply because someone looks friendly and dresses nicely doesn’t automatically mean I should trust him.
Another thing, my cats can nap anywhere. I find them on the toasteroven, on the refridgerator, on my favorite chair, in the bathroom sink, and (surprisingly enough) even in the drier. If you have a cat, then no doubt you know what I’m talking about. It is my contention that a napping cat is teaching us that no matter where we are in life, it’s okay to take a tine out. They’re teaching us that taking a break and recharging is a purr-fectly fine thing to do.
I don’t know about you, but my cat has taught me humility. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found my cat scooter curled up in a little ball on my new rocking chair, just in time to give my self a full body muscle spasm trying to keep from sitting on him. After I recover from the spasm, and having every intention of removing him from my chair, he looks up at me with those soulful eyes as if he is pleading to be left alone. So, what do I do? Like a heal, I sit on the floor and let him keep the chair.
Just like people, especially children, our pets are very good at learning. For example, it didn’t take long for my cats to learn that when I go out for a while, it’s usually to the grocery store, and I probably bought them something. If I didn’t, they’ll go through every bag until they realize they got nothing, Then walk away pouting angrily just like spoiled children.
Pets, like most people, are also wonderful providers. Pets provide companionship to those who might not have anyone. This is especially true for the elderly. Since it is often the case that women out live their husbands, they are typically left with a feeling of emptiness which a pet can sometimes fill. In addition, studies have suggested that pets often provide a calming affect on their owners which is evidenced by lower bloodpressure. In times of distress, I have found this to be true. If I am upset about something, I can often go to one of my cats, and simply pet him. He has no problem returning my affection, and does so with such vigor that I can’t help but laugh.
Another attribute pets and people have in common is the ability to communicate. As you may know, pets are intelligent, and will communicate their needs in much the same way as children. If my cats are hungry, they’ll stand by their bowl, look up at me, and start meowing. Or, they’ll run toward the cabinet door where the food is kept, looking at me the whole time. If they want to go out side, they’ll get up on the scratching post by the door and paw at the door knob.
To sum this all up, our pets may not be quite as smart as us, and even though they look very different, all of the attributes I have pointed out lend weight to the proposition that pets are people too. If you don’t already have a pet, and are convinced that I am crazy, then I suggest you get a pet of your own. Once you’ve had him/her a while, maybe you’ll draw the same conclusion as I and treat them with the same love and tenderness you would provide a child in your care. Additionally, after reading this, hopefully you will understand the conviction of others who have created laws protecting animals, and not simply look the other way if and when you encounter animal cruelty.
Copy Write 2005 Daniel Taverne
They’re just animals, Right? I say wrong. In many ways, pets are people too.
If you look at what differentiates us from our pets, you’ll see that the answer is merely intelligence, and the design of our bodies. Is a mentally retarded person who cannot speak still a person? Of course he is, so in this case not even intelligence is a distinguishing characteristic.
Time and Time again, you’ll hear people say that our pets don’t know what it means to sacrifice or care therefore they don’t know love the way people do. On these points, I have to disagree.
I’ve heard accounts of dogs getting their paws burned while pulling their masters from fires, and I’ve heard accounts of cats who attacked threatening intruders. I am also aware of one story that tells how a cat saved a baby who was in respiratory distress, by alerting the mother who then dialed 9-1-1.
Aside from the concept of sacrifice, there are other similiarities that we have with our pets lending credence to the idea that pets are people too. One way pets are like people, is that they are teachers. The pets I’ve known as a child have helped shape who I have become. I have learned from them that death is an inescapable part of life, and as my cats do so well, they taught me to enjoy the good things life has to offer, since they will play with anything, anytime, anywhere. They’ve also shown me that it’s okay to remain playful throughout my life, and that once each difficult time has passed, joy always manages to return.
Even other peoples pets, pets who didn’t like me, have taught me things. One thing they taught me is just because something looks fuzzy and cute , and just because it may not have teet, that doesn’t mean It is friendly. This learned concept can be translated over to people, making me aware that simply because someone looks friendly and dresses nicely doesn’t automatically mean I should trust him.
Another thing, my cats can nap anywhere. I find them on the toasteroven, on the refridgerator, on my favorite chair, in the bathroom sink, and (surprisingly enough) even in the drier. If you have a cat, then no doubt you know what I’m talking about. It is my contention that a napping cat is teaching us that no matter where we are in life, it’s okay to take a tine out. They’re teaching us that taking a break and recharging is a purr-fectly fine thing to do.
I don’t know about you, but my cat has taught me humility. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found my cat scooter curled up in a little ball on my new rocking chair, just in time to give my self a full body muscle spasm trying to keep from sitting on him. After I recover from the spasm, and having every intention of removing him from my chair, he looks up at me with those soulful eyes as if he is pleading to be left alone. So, what do I do? Like a heal, I sit on the floor and let him keep the chair.
Just like people, especially children, our pets are very good at learning. For example, it didn’t take long for my cats to learn that when I go out for a while, it’s usually to the grocery store, and I probably bought them something. If I didn’t, they’ll go through every bag until they realize they got nothing, Then walk away pouting angrily just like spoiled children.
Pets, like most people, are also wonderful providers. Pets provide companionship to those who might not have anyone. This is especially true for the elderly. Since it is often the case that women out live their husbands, they are typically left with a feeling of emptiness which a pet can sometimes fill. In addition, studies have suggested that pets often provide a calming affect on their owners which is evidenced by lower bloodpressure. In times of distress, I have found this to be true. If I am upset about something, I can often go to one of my cats, and simply pet him. He has no problem returning my affection, and does so with such vigor that I can’t help but laugh.
Another attribute pets and people have in common is the ability to communicate. As you may know, pets are intelligent, and will communicate their needs in much the same way as children. If my cats are hungry, they’ll stand by their bowl, look up at me, and start meowing. Or, they’ll run toward the cabinet door where the food is kept, looking at me the whole time. If they want to go out side, they’ll get up on the scratching post by the door and paw at the door knob.
To sum this all up, our pets may not be quite as smart as us, and even though they look very different, all of the attributes I have pointed out lend weight to the proposition that pets are people too. If you don’t already have a pet, and are convinced that I am crazy, then I suggest you get a pet of your own. Once you’ve had him/her a while, maybe you’ll draw the same conclusion as I and treat them with the same love and tenderness you would provide a child in your care. Additionally, after reading this, hopefully you will understand the conviction of others who have created laws protecting animals, and not simply look the other way if and when you encounter animal cruelty.
Copy Write 2005 Daniel Taverne
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