Do some people love their pets so much because they are avoiding relationships w

1. 76

   Charluposted 13 years ago

   Do some people love their pets so much because they are avoiding relationships with humans?
   
   Are some relationships with pets and that unconditional love an avoidance of having that same love with humans and if so why? Is it possibly due to there is no fear of rejection,  trust, commitment, being hurt or what do you think? How about replacement kids when they leave the nest?

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2. 83

   Brett Winnposted 13 years ago

   I think so. Having spent most of my life in some phase of dog breeding, training, showing, etc. it has long been my observation that there is a large segment of the dog sport population that has dogs because they find it easier to get along with dogs (and to control them) than with humans.
   
   It would be a grave mistake, however, to make the assumption that ALL dog people are thus, or to fail to realize that this arena gives many damaged people a safe haven in which to learn to function.

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3. 65

   Scribenetposted 13 years ago

   I do not personally know of anyone who just loves their pets "instead" of loving the humans in their lives. Normally, the pet is part of an actual human family.
   
   Loving the pet does not take away from loving another person, since love is not a "fixed" quantity and expands to fit the circle of love the owner is capable of giving. Obviously, if someone has suffered from rejection, emotional abuse,etc., a pet is therapy, which is positive. If there is no love in a person's life from humans...
   
   For the most part, pet owners have pets to help bond human relationships more. Take the instance of walking a dog; you get to talk to  many more people on a walk than if you went out alone!

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4. 67

   urgurl_briposted 13 years ago

   I guess since you said "some people" that could be true.  But not everyone.  And not anyone I know.  I've always had pets growing up.  My mom had cats.  My dad had a dog. (They're divorced.)  And they and I loved our pets but still had relationships with each other and others.  I've never known any one who only had a pet or a bunch of pets and practically no people in their lives.  Some people just like animals and want a pet.  But that doesn't mean you don't interact with other people.

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5. 58

   Dragonrainposted 13 years ago

   There's a lot to be said for the unconditional love of a pet.  They love us and are there for us no matter what, which is not always the case with other humans.
   
   However, I think that maybe people who turn solely to the companionship of an animal over having human relationships have maybe had bad experiences with humans.  Pets won't cheat on you, betray your trust, leave you, etc. 
   
   But I do think that, in general, pets can help us enhance our relationships with humans.  Many of my current friends I actually met in one way or another because of my dog!  I always met new people while out walking my dog and am much more social now than I was before I got him.  Pets, for the most part, become part of our families.  Loving them doesn't mean we stop loving the humans in our lives.

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   Dubuquedogtrainerposted 13 years ago

   No, I have never seen this to be the case in all my years of living. "Replacement kids?" Sure, perhaps. Some people are more nurturing than others and like to care for living things, whether it's people, animals or plants. Most people who own pets do so simply because they love animals and like to be around them.

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   Amy Bechererposted 13 years ago

   Animals do not act out of malice, but rather, instinct.  In that capacity, pets act out of sincerity and honesty,  Every person alive has experienced some form of deception, dishonesty, disloyalty or malice from another human being.  When we are exposed to deliberate acts of unkindness by another person, it is not surprising that the sincerity and innocence of an animal becomes so appealing. 
   
   The expression of love is a universal need.  When it is treated carelessly or cruelly by human beings, who have the capacity to know right from wrong yet choose to behave badly, self-protective defenses can put up walls against further hurt. A pet shows happiness on sight, recognizes and appreciates our caring, makes sincere efforts to learn how to please his caretaker and loves unconditionally. Relationships don't get much better than that!

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   oldersisterposted 13 years ago

   I think having a pet can reduce the stress in your life, and yes sometimes when there is a loss people may go out and get a pet.  But I do not believe that the pet replaces the loss of a loved one.  But it may help with the grieving process.  I know when I got my puppy my mom  was sick.  Having my puppy did help with the stress.  She also helped lift my dying moms spirit.  I used to bring the puppy over and she would sit up and smile and want to pet her.  The puppy always brought a smile to her face. I believe a pet is a wonderful thing but I don't believe people  have pets to avoid love with humans.  I think a pet just enhances the life they already have

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9. 69

   JBastowposted 13 years ago

   I think that this applies to my next door neighbour.

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10. 0

    utogiposted 13 years ago

    Animals have the capacity of few emotions. Those emotions range in between love and hate. Humans are a much more complex species that has a range of characters that can be overwhelming for some people. A pet sees food, and loves the food giver. A human sees food and proceeds to evaluate their existence, thinks about the clean up, and wonders why the other person isn't talking to them or talking to much. With a pet, you can simply see uncorrupted love.
    
    Many people simply don't want to be around other humans for many reasons like diseases, STD's , violence and mental brutality that humans can dish out, it is nice to just look at a creature that has two things in mind, food and love.

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11. 61

    rave1432posted 13 years ago

    I have seen people reject humans and have pets to replace humans. Love is love, animals are capable of love. But human interaction is necessary for humans. It needs to be there. It can happen because of bad things that had happened to a certain person, or that the person is antisocial. It takes a lot to be accepted by people that can be mean or harm you, but you also need to find the people that will be good to you. This world is full of good people as well as bad, you just have to find the right person for you. Fear of rejection you don't get from an animal if you love it and feed it, you can from a human. It takes a lot to become antisocial to the point of having only animal interaction, but it does happen. The empty nest syndrome is a good time to get an animal. Some people just want someone or something to care for, why not an animal in need, or adopt a child, that is also a good choice, but a lot of people stick to animals.

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