Do we tend to humanize our pets and animals? Is it healthy?

1. 51

   Joe Cookposted 14 years ago

   Do we tend to humanize our pets and animals?  Is it healthy?
   
   I met and wrote about someone recently who was convinced their cat suffered from depression.  Is this really possible? 
   
   

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2. 61

   Timetothinkposted 14 years ago

   Of course it is.I have used  anthropomorphism my entire life.  Our family has 2 dogs, 2 ferrets, a cat, and 6 fish.  If I am away from home for more than a few hours they go nuts when I get back.  I have to be sure to pet my Sam Cat first though because he suffers from jealousy

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3. 73

   Just Ask Susanposted 14 years ago

   My dogs are definitely part of my family. Why would you ask if it is healthy. My pets bring joy to my life and I truly love them and they are treated as part of our family. Yes it is possible for cats,dogs and probably many other animals to suffer from depression. Do you think that a dog that is left outside tied up all day with no interaction what so ever is happy? Pets get depressed and vets do prescribe medication for it. there are many articles on the net regarding pets and depression.

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4. 61

   ggendaposted 14 years ago

   I see this all the time! Just yesterday I was searching Amazon for "'booster seats" for two of my children, and mixed in with all of the child safety seats were pet seats.
   
   The same goes with strollers. If you look for a baby stroller long enough, you will come across a stroller for a pet. :-)
   
   I think that it's fine. For people who need (and like) the companionship, having a dog or a cat can really be a wonderful thing. If they want to treat their pets like children, that's their prerogative - especially for those folks who don't have kids.

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5. 60

   lobonorthposted 14 years ago

   I think it must require a Herculian effort not to humanize our pets! The relationship we have with them sometimes is more rewarding and satisfying than the ones we have with those of our own species. Scientists continue to be surprised when they find out what those who have lived with animals have always known - animals have much more intelligence than is usually appreciated. And, alas, I suspect we are the source of most of their problems - including psychological ones. On the other hand, I guess they do much to help us fight depression and other psychological afflictions.
   Although we are capable of bringing them comfort, companionship and the resulting pleasure, they do more than reciprocate. We definitely get the best of the deal and it attests to the fortitude and optimistic world view of our pets that not more of them are depressed.

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6. 60

   Minn.purpleroseposted 13 years ago

   Yes.  Animals get depressed like people.  I have found owning a second animal instead of just the one brings more of a spark into their personality.  Watch a dog's or cat's tail, the way they carry their head and lift up their ears.  These, to me, show emotion.

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