Pet Parents?
by Heather Koerner on 11/14/2009 at 7:51 AM
During a recent drive, I was listening to the radio. I awoke from my typical "glazed over" demeanor as my ears perked up to a pet store commercial. Between the specials and sales, it urged all "pet parents" to bring their pets along to the store.
Did I hear that right, I wondered? Then it came again. Don't forget, pet parents, that your pets are always welcome at our store.
Pet ... parents? Really? It just sounded odd to me.
Now, I think (or am hoping) that I got their meaning. Maybe they didn't exactly mean "parents," as though pets were equivalent to children. I'm guessing that they probably just wanted words that were a little more endearing than the rather stark "pet owner" -- a phrase that better evoked the care and companionship we often feel for our pets.
I'm hopeful that neither the store nor its customers would equate parenting (the raising and shaping of an eternal soul, an image bearer of God) with the care of a pet. But I wondered, too, if that phrase was a small symbol of a growing fuzziness, even among Christians.
Dr. Albert Mohler writes about that on his blog, as he comments on a recent Associated Press article about the increase of church "special services" for believers and their dogs.
Pointing out that such services represent a "deep theological confusion," he writes:
...As Christians, we are to see the glory of God in the diversity and wonders of the animal kingdom. We are to respect all animals as intentional creations of God and to acknowledge the gifts that these creatures represent.
At the same time ...
As the image-bearers of God, humans alone have the capacity to know and to worship the Creator. Animals reflect the glory of God, but only human beings can see the glory of God and know the Creator. Animals may possess consciousness, but they do not have souls.
...America is a pet-centric culture, and this reveals much about us. We have the wealth to spend billions of dollars on pets. The ownership and enjoyment of pets is a sign of wealth and plenty. We are also a society that is trading human relationships for the companionship of pets. We cut off our elderly from extended family and leave them alone with their pets. We see increasing numbers of younger people who decide not to have children, but instead to pour themselves into relationships with their pets. Restaurants, malls, and hotels are asked to allow pets even as they allow children. Professor Hobgood-Oster points to the pet-centricity of our society as evidence of "the changing family structure, where pets are really central." The woman who brought her two dogs to the "Canines at Covenant" service said, "I don't have any kids, so my pets have always been my children." Postmodern Americans see these statements as evidence of new lifestyle choices. Christians should see these statements as tragic.
Do you think Americans, and those around the world, are "trading human relationships for the companionship of pets"?
1. twilley said the following at 8:32 AM on Nov 14:
I really hate it when people use the term "pet parent" or refer to me as my cat or dog's "mom." I did not give birth to these furry things, and they are certainly a lot easier to take care of than children. I always correct people--my friends who have kids deserve respect for the work they do--it's harder than the work I do to have pets in every way. And when I have kids, I'll deserve that name too!
On the other hand, I don't see the problem with allowing pets in hotels and malls. Germans take their dogs everywhere--but of course, Germany has a different cultural understanding of pets. They are treated as subordinates and faithful servants, not members of the family. As a consequence I have also found that German dogs are much, much, much better trained on average than American dogs.
2. Vanessa said the following at 8:40 AM on Nov 14:
I know a lot of "pet parents" who don't want kids. It seems to me that the expense and care of a pet is at least that of a child. At least children (unless severely developmentally disabled) can eventually learn to groom themselves, relieve themselves, prepare and eat food themselves, etc. Pets don't. You have to feed them, walk them, clean up after them their WHOLE lives, not just the first few years.
3. Rachael said the following at 10:07 AM on Nov 14:
I love my cat, and I think 'pet parent' is cute.
I don't know if many people are trading pet relationships for human relationships, but pets are very very special. I could imagine that it MIGHT help some people not feel a huge need to be proactive about getting out there to find a husband...but there might be some who have been married before and don't desire to remarry. So maybe they wouldn't all want to be proactive in that regard anyway.
Pets can be good companions.
I know I'm not trading my pet relationship for a relationship with a potential future child even though I don't have any children now.
Maybe I love my cat too much. My feeling for my husband's cat is more one of "like". One reason might be because she chases my cat and I don't have the same bond.
I chose my cat. And my cat often loves hanging around us if she feels safe (from the other cat).
Pets need to be taken care of, and they seem to appreciate love, too.
4. Heidi M. said the following at 10:56 AM on Nov 14:
Well, they're certainly trying to.
Terminology regarding pets has steadily changed with increased animal right to humanize them to our level. Pets are no longer taken home, they're "adpoted". "Owners" have become "parents" and on multiple occasions I have heard a person refer to to time they got their pet as "I became Biscuit's mother 3 years ago" (or fill in the appropriate blanks). I mean, really? You gave birth to the dog? No, you adopted the dog, okay...did the dog's birth parents agree to it? :P It's both silly and sad, in my eyes.
5. farmer Tom said the following at 11:09 AM on Nov 14:
YES
6. edwige said the following at 12:04 PM on Nov 14:
>>America is a pet-centric culture, and this reveals much about us. We have the wealth to spend billions of dollars on pets...We cut off our elderly from extended family and leave them alone with their pets.<<
So true....
Even after 4 years in America... I am still having cultural shock in that area...I tried to understand...but I just cannot...even some of my christians friends behavior with pets...hum I finally decided to pray for me if I am the one with the wrong understanding...but I also pray for them, that God opens their eyes for the human beings around them, that might need that extra lots of money AND LOVE AND CARE spent on the pets!
I have been so far only on 2 continents, Africa and North America (U.S). People in the countries I have visited in Africa have not yet started trading human relationship for the companionship of pets. I am not sure what is going on in other places... some European countries are a bit like the U.S.
7. Sara said the following at 2:13 PM on Nov 14:
I completely admit to trading human relationships for the companionship of pets. Granted, I have anxiety problems so I find humans very difficult to deal with, where as my dog encourages me to be active, get out of the house and connect with other pet owners. So I guess while I prefer spending time with my dog, that time has often translated into spending more time with other humans which I would not have done if I hadn't gotten a pet.
Have I ever considered it a problem in society? Only when I see people treat their pets better than their children (which does happen, more frequently that one would expect). Do I think it is wrong to have pets instead of children? I think it really depends on the situation.
8. Andrea said the following at 2:36 PM on Nov 14:
Excuse the bad pun, but this is a "pet" peeve of mine. I've always felt a little sorry for those people who have no children and use their pets as child replacements to fill that void. It is one thing to love your pet, that is understandable, but to treat pets as though they are humans is just a bad idea.
9. Louise from Chicago said the following at 4:04 PM on Nov 14:
I know one thing, I've had pets since I was eight years old, and they've always been a heck of a lot more dependable that human friends!
10. DrLiz said the following at 5:26 PM on Nov 14:
I love my cats, and I call them my children, though I can't imagine taking them to a church service (and not just because they are cats, and therefore not good at traveling).
However, we don't know if this woman had an opportunity to have children and passed that up for her "pet children". If so, that's sad. If she did not have the opportunity to have children (never married, never asked, for example), then that may still be tragic, but it is a tragedy of a different kind than seems to be assumed in the article (that is, that she selfishly choose to have pets and not children).
I (mostly jokingly) refer to my cats as my children because they are the only "children" that God has given me, since I've never had the opportunity to get married. That doesn't mean I consider them equivalent to my nieces and nephews, obviously!
11. k.k. said the following at 6:51 PM on Nov 14:
Yes, I think some people are trading human relationships with their pet relationships. When I saw an advertisement for a show on TLC called "My Monkey Baby," I shook my head in disbelief...these people could adopt some kids...well maybe not...:/
12. Tracey (FamilyLife MomBlog) said the following at 7:45 PM on Nov 14:
I am of the belief this is why there are some 140 million orphans in the world...why the foster care system has so many children. What must our father in heaven think when so many can "ignore" the plight of the orphan yet humanize their relationship w/pets? When so many pour money & sadly love into animals when children have none of either and wait for forever families.
13. Heather said the following at 7:59 PM on Nov 14:
Yes, yes, yes. I live in Denver, CO and in general, the people here are obsessed with dogs. It's ridiculous. For example, in Boulder, a city ordinance changed the term 'owner' to 'guardian' in dealing with pet animals.
There are so many wonderful, adoptable children that need the care and love and attention that these people are showering on soul-less animals. I just wish that children and the unborn got as much attention around here as animals do.
14. Kathleen said the following at 8:36 PM on Nov 14:
People are free to arrange their lives in whatever way they choose, so I honestly don't undertand why anyone would get their knickers in a twist over the personal lifestyle choices of other people, yet it seems to be a common theme on this blog.
What exactly is Mohler upset about -- that some people might be too nice to their pets? He comes off sounding small-minded and petty, like a guy who'd go up to a 5-year-old holding a puppy and tell the kid that dogs aren't allowed into heaven.
He's right about one thing tho: religious services for pets are ridiculous, just like religious services for young children are. Neither pets nor young children have the capacity to actively chose a belief system.
15. Tara (not the other Tara) said the following at 8:50 PM on Nov 14:
I have remarked to my husband that when we were children you would say "I just rescued a cat/dog from the pound" but now you say "I adopted a cat/dog from the shelter". Friendlier words for what are essentially the same thing. I like "rescue" better because it makes me feel more like a hero. :P (we "rescued" a kitten this summer). The adoption process was a bit stressful because you have to fill out this huge questionaire and then sign a contract that says they can take the cat back unnanounced if they feel we aren't doing a good job. And when doing research on how to care for a cat properly (I want to be a good steward of God's creation) all I could find was that I had to essentially treat my cat like a baby--that this animal was going to take up all my time, energy and resources. And since she's cat she IS a bit of a attention-seeking-diva but she's doing just fine with a plastic dish and rolled up paper for toys! And I correct people who refer me to her as her "mommy". It creeps me out!
However, I love her very much and in ONE sense I do consider her as part of the family. Any pet owner will tell you that you don't pick the animals--they pick you and that is quite true. I prayed for the whole adoption process and the one time she was sick. At first I felt silly but I rationalized it that she is still God's creation and He loves her in her own degree. Obviously, she is not worth the life of a human and it is sad when people exchange pets for humans--and "pets as kids" is a very real and almost prominent charactistic these days. It's far more common than I was expecting. By raising up pets they lower the worth of children which is rather messed up, IMO; but, there is nothing wrong with enjoying the companionship a pet can bring. Pets can teach responsibility and being compassionate to creatures weaker & more vulnerable than yourself.
16. K.L. said the following at 9:28 PM on Nov 14:
Wow. Even more evidence of how sin has warped our sense of, well, everything.
This is slightly off topic, but ever since the movie "Saw VI" started being advertised (yeah, they made a SIXTH one! I really can't begin to describe my disgust towards those films), it kinda got me thinking.... Ever noticed how all these slasher films are about PEOPLE being tortured, never animals? I mean, really. When's the last time you watched a movie about a bloody massacre taking place in an animal shelter? Anybody? Any psychopathic puppy-killer fans out there?
Oh, and for the record, Heather, I think I know what pet store you're referring to. I used to work at one. And yes, we were supposed to refer to our customers as "pet parents." Dumb. I know.
17. Thomas said the following at 10:18 PM on Nov 14:
A few weeks ago I witnessed a "blessing of the animals" service at an Episcopal church, in which the priests ask God's blessing upon the pets that are presented, and although it presented me with a new way of thinking about the place of animals in the world, upon reflecting further, I find it hard to accept the view implied by such a worship service. Although I have lately been questioning many aspects of my faith and many of the views held by conservative Christians on a variety of topics, reflecting on the implications of "blessing of the animals" is certainly causing me to favor a the more traditional view of animals.
If I say nothing else, I must say that I was raised in a homeschooling family which was very socially isolated, and as I progressed from my early teens into adulthood, I realized that I was very lonely. We had many animals at our home, and although I always loved the cats, I remember consciously thinking to myself, "I need a human friend. These animals can't talk to me." :-(
Remember, out of all the animals in the Garden of Eden, no suitable companion was found for Adam. That's why God made another human in the first place.
18. dana111 said the following at 12:00 AM on Nov 15:
I know a Christian couple who lives and breathes birth control(the wife is ADAMANTLY against even the option of getting pregnant ever), and who treat their little pug like a child. They constantly compare the care of their dog to the care of child, and it is really nauseating. Kind of weirds me out a bit :(
19. Alex said the following at 12:24 AM on Nov 15:
This has got to be the silliest article I've ever read. I've got some dogs and cats - while it may be true I call myself a pet parent is MAY be because I cant seem to find a Christian man to start a family with. Why not devote articles (or more articles) to where to find Christian men besides church where the ration is 10 women for each guy.
This article seems to represent the most nitpickiness of Boundless - who cares if people bring pets to church - it gets people into church to hear the Good News. Stop being so uptight and narrow minded and FOCUS more on more pressing problems like healthcare is probably going to included tax payer funded abortions or christians being persecuted in Africa. Instead we have this trivial article.
20. Chan said the following at 5:20 AM on Nov 15:
I live in Asian countries and see this kind of phenomenon. I myself had dogs when I was a kid. I found that they are cute and more dependable than my parents or my sibling! They were always there for you and quick to forget rudeness you did to them. They looked very happy just for your presence. When they went missing forever to somewhere I didn’t know, I was very sad like losing somebody very precious for me.
Now I don’t have pets (mainly because I don’t bother to do the maintenance activities for them like feeding, bathing, cleaning up their mess, playing regularly with them, etc), but when I see people who love their pets more than I did, I still can understand (although I never allowed my dogs licking my whole face and I don’t like to be called their “parent”). I think some people love their pets more than any human being, and this is certainly a problem. Maybe the problem lies in their mindset which they got from bad experiences: unfaithful friends, naughty siblings, abusing parents, flirting spouses, etc. These are sometimes too painful, especially for young children. Or maybe they are just too shy to see people.
In the other side, I sometimes ask myself whether this is just marketing programs of pets companies (and they managed to persuade customers quite well). I don’t know which one is correct.
If this problem gets bigger and bigger, I think as Church we should deal with this by getting people’s mindset right. That may involve lengthy consultation sessions, Bible studies, etc. I don’t consider myself better than them, and who knows whether in the future I will have to deal with similar problem? What do you think about my suggestion?
21. Carl said the following at 7:35 AM on Nov 15:
I'll get relationship and companionship from a person, not a pet.
I do not like the current trend where some put the lives of animals above the lives of humans. This slippery slope is working itself into our legal system.
22. Danielle said the following at 7:52 AM on Nov 15:
My .02
I was angry when I walked into church one Sunday (after being sick and out of town the past two Sundays) to find my fellow worshipers and their pets. Dander everywhere! I can't eat peanut butter in school (I'm a teacher) but people can bring pets to church? What about my allergies?!?
23. khalil said the following at 8:31 AM on Nov 15:
Cats, dogs, birds (which I rate higher than the previous two, personal preferences) are not people and realistically cannot replace the sort of relationships that children and other people provide. It doesn't mean that the relationships we create with our pets aren't valuable but to place them on the level of human relationships is a bit twisted.
There is absolutely no place for animals (unless a service animal) in a place of worship. The pastors trying to "reach out" in this manner strike me as people that are probably looking for attention and the $$ that may come with their novelty of a church service.
24. JuliestD said the following at 2:38 PM on Nov 15:
I don't mean to be a stick-in-the-mud, but I care if people bring pets to church. I'm very allergic. And even though I'm taking allergy shots, there aren't any for dogs. :( (which makes me sad 'cause since I was little, I wanted a German Shepherd)
I do think that people should think about the fact that perhaps it is not 100% the best thing to have animals share their homes on a number of levels.
Let's all consider giving money to orphans if we want to "adopt" -- certainly, there are many little animals who need good homes, and animal husbandry is definitely important, but what about the millions of kids who need homes?
I am not saying all of us should get rid of our dogs and adopt kids. I'm just offering the idea -- please, support orphans, as this is what our Father calls "true religion."
25. Brian said the following at 3:01 PM on Nov 15:
Vanessa (#2) said: "I know a lot of "pet parents" who don't want kids. It seems to me that the expense and care of a pet is at least that of a child. At least children (unless severely developmentally disabled) can eventually learn to groom themselves, relieve themselves, prepare and eat food themselves, etc. Pets don't. You have to feed them, walk them, clean up after them their WHOLE lives, not just the first few years."
This is a completely false statement.
First, the expense: My wife just had our first biological child. The total cost, including prenatals and birth, was about $3500. And that was before we even left the hospital. Now I have to add her to my health insurance at a cost of $250 per month plus another $2,500 annual out of pocket deductible. My wife will no longer be working (because you can't leave a child in a crate all day), that's a second income we're giving up (let's say $30,000). And if she wanted to keep working? $8,000 annually in childcare expenses. So that brings the first year net financial impact, take away a child tax credit, of $37,500.
Second, the care:
As I mentioned before, you can't leave a child unattended. Ever. She must be with you at all times, or have arranged care (which costs money). When they are very little, you must feed them every hour or two and change their diapers constantly, plus not sleep through the night for the first year. After the toddler stage, care for children does get much easier, but there is always the understanding that you are parenting an eternal being, and the kind of life you live and the kind of parent you are will have eternal consequences. Eternal.
We are foster parents, and have seen the kind of damage that poor parenting can to do precious children. We've been parents to seven different children over the past few years, and it makes me sick to hear people talk about how having pets is similar to having children. There is no comparison.
26. DannieA said the following at 3:16 PM on Nov 15:
I'll give my 2 cents worth but will probably end up being 25 cents worth :P
1. I think some people can take the pet thing a little extreme. However, I'd prefer that to animal abuse.
2. While pets are not equal to humans, I think many people don't realize that the two most vulnerable breathing groups are children and animals....I can't tell you how angry I get when people get a puppy and after they realize it does take some work on their part to own a pet, they take it back....or this is my absolute favorite (sarcasm dripping) is "oh we got pregnant, so we had to get rid of the dog"....That is just inhumane. I don't believe God thinks highly of that either...after all man is supposed to care for animals NOT treat them like trash when it becomes inconvenient.
3. For all those posters that have stated "just go adopt" or so many kids are festering in foster care because people don't drop their pets and adopt....um you guys really need to go talk to someone that has adopted or get yourself educated. You don't just decide to adopt a child and voila it happens. There is a lot of red tape both internationally and in foster care and it is not a process that is for the faint of heart. So do your homework on the intricate process of adoption before really making a silly statement. yes adoption can be done and should be done if one feels they can handle it but in no way shape or form is it as easy as "just going to adopt".
Ok there you go. Pet parents out there, keep taking care of your pets :P
27. Kellie said the following at 3:36 PM on Nov 15:
I think pets are good and certainly nothing wrong with people getting pets for company or to "practice" being a parent. But a pet, no matter how beloved is not a child and it is not even close to being one.
#2: I assure you children cost much more and take more care than a pet. The more they can do for themselves the more trouble they can get into!!
28. JuliaClare said the following at 4:38 PM on Nov 15:
I think that what is at the heart of this issue is perhaps something akin to (or for some, blatant) idolatry. What does Christ say is the most important thing? To love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. I think most Christians would agree that "neighbor" means people. So Christians need to examine their lives, and if their priority is an animal, then I think that that is a sin.
That being said, I certainly have no problem with pet ownership, I have a dog and two cats, and I do think that if you are going to take on the responsibility of an animal you do need to care for it (feed it, exercise it, give it training and affection), and take joy in a blessing that God has bestowed. Just don't let it take the place God should have in your life, and the thing he has called all Christians to do. So if you are in fact using your pet as an excuse to not spend time with people, what is your priority? You, and your animal. If you are setting up "walk the dog" dates with your friend, then your priority is a human relationship, and an excellent use of time and energy I think.
29. Tara (not the other Tara) said the following at 5:08 PM on Nov 15:
"In the other side, I sometimes ask myself whether this is just marketing programs of pets companies (and they managed to persuade customers quite well). I don’t know which one is correct."
I think that this is EXACTLY what it is. Seriously. I looked at a copy of Cat Fancy magazine while at the bookstore to see if they had any suggestions on what I would need to take care of a cat and they did have a plethora of suggestions. There was a nice, glossy double-page spread of shiny objects with double and triple digit prices attached to them. I hardly think I need a kitty First Aid kit in a neon-coloured box!
But other than that, I do wonder why it's the Christian "Right" that protests at the love and care of animals. I know orginizations like PETA & Greenpeace give environmentalism and animals' rights a bad taste but I feel like I have to hide my love for animals from Christians. Why should I? Having a pet does NOT mean you're neglecting the orphan. Animals are still God's creation and we're to take care of them too.
30. Leigh said the following at 5:44 PM on Nov 15:
"Don't forget, pet parents, that your pets are always welcome at our store." - It's just a way to make money, grab your attention, it got yours didn't it? Nobody thinks that a dog is the same as a child. please. If they do they probably have a lot of "other" issues that are much more worth worrying about than the fact they think their cat is a child.
I think it is beyond SILLY to say that it is "tragic" that somebody has a pet when maybe they were not able to have kids??? "tragic" c'mon!
I am very close with my dog. I have not replaced him with "people friends" But he has a very special place in my heart. I was very sick 3 years ago, I was hospitaltized 15 times in 18 months. I've spent more time in the hospital in one year than most people will spend in their whole life. 2 months after my battle began my brother found an abused, starved, beat up, half dead little puppy. Do I believe God put this dog in my life?? YUP! When I couldn't do ANYTHING, I coulden't even hold my own head up. My dog could lay beside me.
Now to say that an animal does or does NOT have a "soul" is another debeate completely.
"The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made."
"All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you."
" Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made"
"The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed"
"Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now"
So will animals be in heaven?
I don't know, and I guess I won't know until I get there. I think maybe yes..but I could be wrong. And I believe that IF animals are going to be in heaven, my dog wont be there for me. He will be there for the same reason I am, to worship. The Bible speaks an awful lot about animals. Wasn't Jesus surrounded by animals at his birth? Does a Donkey not bare a cross upon his back?? The same animal that carried his mother? that carred him? It just seems like to me that WHATEVER God created was created FOR him.
Our preacher always answers that question like this...
"do I think animals will be in heaven?? Jesus is coming back on a white horse isn't he? Wheres he going to get that horse from?" ;)
Leigh
31. DEH said the following at 6:18 PM on Nov 15:
I don't think pets belong at church. And I don't think they belong on the same priority level as humans.
That said, I think we need to be careful not to assume that people would rather have pets than children. I love my pets and treat them like my "babies" when at home (where they stay at all times). But I'd take a real baby in a heartbeat if God would give me one. Until then, I thank God immensely for providing me with my cats because they help take the sting out of undesired childlessness. (However, I also dote on my niece because her hugs reach a place in my heart few other people can.)
Yes, pets are pets, and we need to remember that. They are not human beings. But the people they comfort are humans to whom we should extend compassion and grace. The pain associated with unwanted childlessness is not easy to understand if you have never experienced it.
Please be mindful of the fact that not everyone can adopt a child, even if they want to do so. Sometimes "adopting" a pet is one of the few (poor) alternatives available, in addition to investing in the lives of other people's children. The latter, however, sometimes hurts too much when all you want is a child of your own.
The people who DO choose pets over children boggle my mind.
32. Melissa said the following at 6:26 PM on Nov 15:
I have an 8 month old. I love being his mommy. It is amazing to coo and "talk" to the child who I've given birth to and train him and care for his needs 24/7 and to pray for the man he will become.
I have a friend with two dogs that she is "mommy" to, but no children. The reason she doesn't have kids yet is that her husband is pursuing his education and they don't feel ready for kids yet (or maybe ever?).
I don't mind her having or loving dogs, but it does mildly irk me to have pet care compared to baby care when we talk.
In the same way that "gay marriage" undermines my marriage, "pet parenting" undermines my parenting. Such is the culture we live it.
Mostly, I just feel sorry for her that she hasn't (yet) had the joy of caring for an eternal soul.
33. Gina said the following at 6:36 PM on Nov 15:
Well . . . Francis of Assisi might have been okay with it. ;-)
34. f-jen said the following at 8:07 PM on Nov 15:
(1)
>>>>>I really hate it when people use the term "pet parent" or refer to me as my cat or dog's "mom." I did not give birth to these furry things, and they are certainly a lot easier to take care of than children.<<<<<<
Comment (1)
I agree. Also, despite children's annoying tendency to engage the free will with which their creator endowed them, most children cannot induce truly life-threatening histamine-reactions (aka true allergy) in susceptible adults.
Unlike furry animals, which can and do.
(2) >>>>>>>On the other hand, I don't see the problem with allowing pets in hotels and malls. Germans take their dogs everywhere--but of course, Germany has a different cultural understanding of pets...<<<<<
See comment (1)
35. Becky said the following at 8:29 PM on Nov 15:
Alex, I find it interesting that you think this topic is trivial.
As someone who didn't grow up with animals in the home, I find this to be hardly trivial at all.
When someone can't or doesn't want to have children, why should they immediately resort to pouring all of their time and energy into a non-eternity activity? There are millions of children in the world who could use the influence and spiritual direction of a parent, but they aren't being placed in homes.
I think pets as a replacement for children is a huge deal. Animals do not have souls, and while they are cute to look at and fun to play with, that is no justification for ignoring the real needs of human beings.
I have an aunt who is unable to have children and she intentionally seeks to find ways to bless the families in our church by helping to parent children.
I truly believe that we are all called to parent in some way, shape or form. You may not have your own children, or even want your own, but we are ALL called to care for the orphan.
36. Paula said the following at 9:08 PM on Nov 15:
I really enjoyed #19's comments. I am 44 yrs old and have been praying for over 24 years for a mate. God hasn't given me one and I'm giving up. Nothing would have blessed me more than having a family.
I thank God for my cats. I don't mind being called a pet parent. It's cute. Those of us who God hasn't blessed with a husband or children, find solace in our pets. Thank God for them - I'd lose my mind waiting on Christians and their kindness or lack there of!
It's a shame there are so many unwanted children in this nation as well as others, but we should be calling those irresponsible parents to task for creating these kids and dumping them on an already taxed system. And what about those couples who go to other countries to adopt leaving many unwanted kids here?
Also, the amount of animals who are getting abused are on the rise as well. I think we have a responsibility to protect them.
Praise God we can enjoy what we want in this country. There's nothing wrong with loving animals.
37. BDB said the following at 9:59 PM on Nov 15:
I read a very thoughtful chapter in a book once about the importance of pets - especially in the lives of men. The book was called Straight Talk for Men and their Wives by Dr. James C. Dobson.
38. Emily said the following at 10:00 PM on Nov 15:
This seems to have struck a nerve! But honestly, what struck me out of this article hasn't been mentioned in a comment yet - and frankly I'm surprised (and slightly ashamed) that it hasn't!
This just makes it all more clear to me just how incredibly *lonely* and isolated our society has allowed people to become. We are so lonely, so starved for any kind of relationship and affection, that we start taking pets up in place of human relationships.
Even in situations where people could potentially have human interaction but choose to interact with pets instead says something - it tells me that we as individuals within a society have no idea how to relate to each other. We can't figure out how to be around other people an interact peacefully, and we've been hurt so many times that instead of reaching out and taking a chance that we'll get hurt again - we choose animals instead.
Instead of complaining so much, (although I agree, pet church services is dumb) perhaps this should give us an even bigger heart for the loss. The love and affection received from a pet cannot even begin to compare from the love and affection we can receive from a relationship with Christ.
This is why the world needs the Gospel.
39. BDB said the following at 10:02 PM on Nov 15:
A friend of mine has a "therapy dog" that she takes to the hospital to visit sick children. It definitely opens up the door to child patients, their families, the hospital staff. She's had many opportunities to tell people about God and pray with them, though it's not officially a "Christian" therapy dog. It's amazing how people open up around a friendly animal when they might not otherwise. The dog is always present when we have Bible study at their house, because that's part of the dog's training to be around people and still follow orders.
40. Texas Craig said the following at 10:41 PM on Nov 15:
Vanessa (#2):
This will sound condescending, but.... you must not have kids. Even the best kids require regular supervision and care until they are at least 10-13 years old. Most pets don't live much longer than that, so you cannot even begin to compare the two. Moreover, I can leave my dog alone at home all day without worry. If I did that with my 8-year-old son, I would get arrested for neglect. Further, parenting is not simply about feeding and clothing children. It is about teaching them how to live in the way God designed. It is about equipping them for life, and modeling the qualities God desires for each of us - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control, etc.
I have a pet (a dog I have had for 12 years now), and my dog is an important part of my family. I also have two kids. Raising kids is 100 times more difficult (and time-consuming and expensive) than raising a pet. I would be SHOCKED if anyone who has raised both kids and pets would say anything different. It is only people who don't have kids that I hear say otherwise.
41. Mike Toreno said the following at 10:51 PM on Nov 15:
People calling themselves "pet parents" is inappropriate because for almost all of their lives the pets are NOT CHILDREN, THEY ARE ADULTS. I certainly don't think of myself as "owning" my cat and don't use that sort of language, but I'm not his parent - he's not a kitten, he's an adult. Our relationship is that of BFFs.
You allow yourself to slide into thinking of the relationship as parent-child, you run the danger of not respecting the animal's adulthood and forcing it into a human-child role because that's what you want, not because it's what's good for the animal.
Some people have monkeys and treat them like human children. I saw part of this show where this woman had an adult female monkey and acted like it was her baby. She was forcing the monkey to do things that were not in its nature, she was not respecting the monkey, and she was just asking for trouble, monkeys are strong, smart, and mean, and they can seriously mess you up. I told my wife the lady should get rid of the monkey and get an open bucket of gasoline and keep it in the house, it'd be safer.
42. Mike Toreno said the following at 10:53 PM on Nov 15:
khalil:
"There is absolutely no place for animals (unless a service animal) in a place of worship."
Yeah there is.
43. Keith said the following at 12:15 AM on Nov 16:
I am not sure if it is accurate, but I once heard a statistic that if you added up all the cost of pet food feed to pets in North America and Europe, it would be the same amount of money as would be neccessary to end world hunger. Give up pets to end world hunger??? Sign me up for that !!!!
(sorry Fido....)
44. Dan Gill said the following at 6:57 AM on Nov 16:
I love our pets immensely, and they have always been a part of our lives. But they are not my children. Even if I didn't have children I would not call pets my children. They are animals--loyal, funny, friendly animals. The whole idea of calling people "pet parents" is one of equating animals with people. That is wrong. Period.
45. Amir Larijani said the following at 9:55 AM on Nov 16:
I am the proud father of two felines, Sneaky and that Superhero Recon.
Seriously...anyone with at least a double-digit IQ should understand that I am merely jesting. My cats are cute and pleasant--entertaining even--but they are not real children.
(For the record: I also enjoy dogs, even though, as a bachelor for just under 3 more weeks, I have not been home enough to have a dog.)
That the church in question would have "pet services" is not surprising. They are, after all, part of a denomination--the PCUSA--that has long since gone off the reservation.
How ironic that the PCUSA--who support killing real children in utero--would give more respect to canines than humans.
They are in the same league with my favorite church.
46. Irene M. said the following at 10:48 AM on Nov 16:
Nice article! Alright, there are a couple of issues going on here. First, is the whole animals in church issue. Like many other things, it can be incredibly disrespectful. However, the Blessing of the Animals on October 4 is a purely Christian tradition that has been a part of the church much longer than many of the other traditions we celebrate. What has changed is that more people are now bringing pets instead of farm animals, but the sentiment is the same. Unlike our modern culture's warped and selfish perspective on pets, the Blessing of the Animals (when done correctly of course) reminds us Christians of God's love for all creation.
Then there is the whole pets-as-people issue. Funny story, my fiance just adopted a cat (I'd say rescue, but it's a no-kill shelter) and the shelter gave him a booklet of Petsmart coupons titled "Your Guide to Pet Parenthood." People in the past have certainly had inappropriate views of pets, so it's not a new issue. However, advertising is giving it more visibility.
I will say that many people have a weird and hypocritical attitude towards animals. I grew up a few counties over from one of the few horse slaughterhouses in the US and people's outrage at it constantly baffled me. Seriously, people would drive past mile after mile of veal barns and feedlots without a peep, but would refuse to board their horses in the same county as that horse slaughterhouse. They weren't mad about animal cruelty, they were mad because other people didn't regard horses as being special and different from livestock. Also reminds me of high school when I raised meat rabbits, people practically jumped out of their seats in horror but would go right back to eating their chicken nuggets. I don't care if you eat or don't eat animals, but don't pretend that Fido is substantially different from the pig whose parts are in your freezer.
47. Kristen in CA said the following at 11:18 AM on Nov 16:
JuliestD (#24): "And even though I'm taking allergy shots, there aren't any for dogs."
But there are! I currently get them once a week and have for years. It may be worth asking your doc to add it into your serum. Sometimes allergists are of the mindset that animal dander isn't a priority for us unless if we tell them. It'd be a pity to miss out on a pet, which can add to longevity and quality of life (but is by no means equivalent to a human). :)
48. Daniel said the following at 11:26 AM on Nov 16:
There are days where I wish I followed my original plan after I got out of the Marines.
Find my happy place, someplace or country up in the mountains... be dirt poor in wealth... but have a house with a porch and a dog. Just me and the dog. A real pretty wild looking husky or something. And we just enjoy nature day by day, eat our meals, enjoy hot coffee and cigars. Well the coffee and cigars for me... nope instead I decide to go with the screwed up humanity side of the world. Where no one including myself is right in the head.
I guess my question is, is it really that hard to believe how big pets are in people's lives?
49. nickinkansas said the following at 11:30 AM on Nov 16:
Why do I get the feeling that the bloggers on this website think they are above reproach and are always right in their views? Sorry, but this post really upsets me.
I have a dog, who is my close companion. I do not feel that there is anything wrong with having a pet in your life. Besides, he is more faithful and unconditionally loving than many people in my life. Sure, the relationship can be taken too far, but generally I think I have a healthy relationship with my dog. I am not a lonely or isolated person, either. In fact, I have a satisfying personal life too. I just happen to love animals and dogs. He is not my child, but does mean a tremendous amount to me.
Given, he does not go to church with me, but he is a therapy dog. I work in the hospital and we make therapy round twice a week in addition to my regular job. The patients love it and there is proven benefit for patients.
I just wonder if Heather or Dr. Mohler have pets? To put-down the relationship between pets and their owners kinda upsets me. Not only am I not married and don't have children yet, I also do not have the perfect christian life (ie marriage, children, etc) that most of the bloggers on this website do. And, now you are putting me down and judging me because I have a close relationship with my dog.
50. RLynn said the following at 11:50 AM on Nov 16:
Of course, there are extremes (there are parents of human children that go too far--like registering them for places in private kindergartens during the pregnancy), but as has been already said several time in this blog, there are lots of people where having children/adopting or fostering children is no longer an option. Pets make great companions, watch out for older people, and keep them safe. I wrestled for several years with the decision regarding adoption as a single woman and decided you couldn't have it both ways--use all that free time in your singleness for ministry, serving others, exploration of your gifts AND raise a child as a single parent. If I never marry a person who already has children, I will RUN out and adopt a couple of dogs from the pound once it's time to retire!
51. Loris said the following at 11:51 AM on Nov 16:
"Pet parents" makes me see fuschia, neon purple, and several other annoyed colors. My puppy may think I'm his mother, but last I checked, I don't have a long tail or claws on my four feet. I don't mind "pet guardian." The little muttling will eventually grow up, but I will be responsible for his feeding, grooming and overall health for the rest of his decade or so of life. That's guardianship, imo.
And I'm certainly not the mother of my adult female guinea pigs. I get more pleasure from them than from the dog. Something about the way they wheek (onomatopoeia) when I put the dog out makes me think they're laughing at him. It's very endearing.
52. Jill said the following at 12:47 PM on Nov 16:
I am a "pet mom" to my yellow lab pup right now. I can't have children (medical reasons much to my husband's and my dismay) and while I would LOVE a child dearly, while we're saving up for adoption, my crazy lab will do in the meantime to hone those mothering skills. I do believe that some people take this to the extreme but what of us who can't (not won't, but can not) have children and want them? I'm a sunday school teacher, I work with the youth group and I'm also in a profession that works directly with children, but not being able to have one of my own brings more pain than I can possibly say. Other people's kids are just that: other people's kids. Not mine to mother. Not mine to care for day in and day out. While I respect and want more than anything to become a mother to a human baby, why should I have to limit my mothering to children? Trust me, my lab is nuts enough to qualify as a toddler anyday! ;)
53. Jeremy said the following at 1:24 PM on Nov 16:
Mike Torino (#41):
... was this a joke? I would have assumed it was, but what came after makes me wonder.
54. Jason said the following at 1:32 PM on Nov 16:
Mike (#41): Actually it's been suggested that adult domesticated cats live their lives in an extended kittenhood.
From Wikipedia (although the reference link is now outdated/broken):
"For cats, life in proximity with humans (and other animals kept by humans) amounts to a "symbiotic social adaptation". They may express great affection towards their human companions, especially if they imprint on them at a very young age and are treated with consistent affection. It has been suggested that, ethologically, the human keeper of a cat functions as a sort of surrogate for the cat's mother, and that adult domestic cats live their lives in a kind of extended kittenhood, a form of behavioral neoteny."
55. Megan said the following at 1:34 PM on Nov 16:
Yes, I think this is absolutely true in America. I have definitely seen this evidenced in my close friends. I think it is a sad statement on our culture's (including the majority of Christian's) view of children.
56. Lucie said the following at 1:44 PM on Nov 16:
Forty-seven of my 49 years on this planet have been in the company of housecats. While I refer to my current feline as "my baby," I have never dressed her up like an infant, taken her to a church service, etc. (although I find the idea of an animal blessing service quite sweet, my cat is too high-strung to tolerate such an outing). And it has been clear, a few times in the past, that as much as I adore her, and she adores me (she's an extraordinarily demonstrative and dependent Siamese), that she's not a complete substitute for human companionship.
But I'm not embarrassed to be known as her "Mama" - at least not within my own family....
57. Lucie said the following at 1:47 PM on Nov 16:
Khalil #22 said: "There is absolutely no place for animals (unless a service animal) in a place of worship."
Hmmm...tell that to the animals at the original Nativity! ;-)
58. farmer Tom said the following at 2:30 PM on Nov 16:
42. Mike Toreno said,
khalil:
"There is absolutely no place for animals (unless a service animal) in a place of worship."
Yeah there is.
Several places actually.
First, is on the altar.
We could start doing animal sacrifice like they did in Jesus day. Offering animal sacrifice to cover their sins.
Maybe some of you freakish animal lovers would actively reject God if it was required of you to sacrifice an animal to cover your sins.
But, today the best place for an animal in the church setting,.......
beside the mashed potatoes at a church fellowship like we are having next Sunday.
Pile high the turkey and ham next to the green bean casserole and mashed potatoes!!!!
59. Samantha said the following at 2:45 PM on Nov 16:
Vanessa (2), most humans live until at least their 80s. How long do most pets live for?
60. khalil said the following at 2:58 PM on Nov 16:
Unless it involves a child doing some sort of show and tell for Sunday school, your denomination's blessing of the animals (which I do think is kinda cool), or a assistance animal of some kind, as I said before, animals do not belong in the church. The one time (rarely) that my church in the States brings animals in is when there is a special children/youth night on a weekend evening. Snakes, insects, and other critters are brought in that might not normally be encountered. This is done to help the children develop an appreciation for wildlife and creation, not everything "creepy and crawly" needs to be exterminated. When these events are held it is clear what will be brought in (by people having experience dealing with these creatures). Most significantly, it is not during the worship service, it is a special activity.
It isn't cute and church experiences shouldn't be novelties...there is enough of that going around already. It is a place of worship and needs to be respected as such. As several others have posted here there are many people that have allergies, bringing in Fluffy or Princess could significantly impair the health (and worship experience) of brothers & sisters in Christ, not to mention distract the service. Don't get me started on doggie treat offerings. If you can't stand being away from your precious cock-a-poo then perhaps you need to listen to your church's podcast or watch the sermon on TV. We talked on a previous thread of things that could be idols, if you can't leave your pets at home then I think we've got to add another item to the idolatry list.
Directed to Mike, #42: I stand by my previous post, if you're going to challenge it give me a well reasoned argument other than just disagreeing with me for disagreement's sake. By your one sentence logic you wouldn't have any issues with a person bringing in their "pet" 2 meter boa.
61. khalil said the following at 3:13 PM on Nov 16:
Farmer Tom, #58: But, today the best place for an animal in the church setting,.......
beside the mashed potatoes at a church fellowship like we are having next Sunday.
Pile high the turkey and ham next to the green bean casserole and mashed potatoes!!!!
I stand corrected. The only thing you forgot was the gravy!
62. Louise from Chicago said the following at 3:17 PM on Nov 16:
I have a t-shirt somewhere that states "The more people I meet the more I like my dog."
:)
Pets in public places such as church is an entirely different matter, since allergies can definitely be an issue.
Of course the proper term is "pet owner"...not "pet parent" but if the biggest annoyance you ever encounter is people who consider their pets to be family members, then I'd say you have a fortunate life.
63. Tamara (from Canada) said the following at 3:18 PM on Nov 16:
People have mentioned the issue of allergies when having church services with pets, and I agree that is hugely important to consider. For some people it is life threatening.
But, there is another reason why I see church services with pets as being problematic . . . phobias of animals. Just before my 4th birthday I was attacked by a dog. (I shudder to think how many more scars from that I would have had my Dad not been just a few steps away from me when it happened.) As a result of this, I have lived my life with a phobia of dogs. I have worked to "get over it" but it's not quite that simple. To see me now when a dog is around, I may not look to be panicing, but inside I am . . . and that reaction is not something I can completely control. To this end I do my best to avoid situations where there will be dogs around, particularly if they're running free. But, if they were allowed in church services that would present an issue for me, in that I would not be able to be there.
I completely understand that people love their pets for the companionship and I would never ask them to completely give them up because of me. But, I do ask that people be considerate of the fact that not all people love their pets as much as they do. I won't put myself in places where dogs usually are, but then I ask that you would also be respectful of those who do not wish, for reasons of allergies or phobias, to be around dogs.
64. Leigh said the following at 3:59 PM on Nov 16:
49. nickinkansas
I agree. Some of the post on this blog make me think that An angel swooped down and pinned a golden star on thir sholder. Now that I've thought about this further, I can't believe there is even a blog on this. There are people going to HELL right now as I type and we "Christians" are downing people that have relationships with a dog.
MAYBE WE SHOULD BE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT PEOPLES RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST AND LESS CONCERNED IF THEY PUT A T - SHIRT ON THIR DOG??????
And furthermore!
If somebody IS a CHRISTIAN and they are doing something wrong It's not OUR place to correct them. The HOLY SPIRIT will do his JOB PEOPLE! God is STILL on the throne.
Another thought..
Only God can see somebodys heart...
65. John said the following at 4:08 PM on Nov 16:
My opinion: much ado about nothing.
My mom was a dog trainer. She still had a family.
And if someone can't have children, or isn't married, pets provide a great outlet for affection.
Yeah...I just don't see the big deal here.
66. Tami said the following at 4:13 PM on Nov 16:
I wouldn't use the term "pet parent" except perhaps to be cute, but (as others have pointed out) I do know that people can build incredibly powerful bonds with animals. I don't think these relationships should *substitute for* human relationships, but far be it from me to begrudge someone the companionship they have with their pet.
But regarding pets in church -- Can I ask why people would find it necessary to bring their (non-service-animal) pets to church? It seems, to me, that the primary point in attending church is for worship and fellowship. Does the animal participate in either? Given allergies, attention from kids and adults, and the potential for noise-making, it seems as though a pet would actually distract from the worship. From cell phones to chatting during the sermon to those little quirky tics we all have... it's already hard enough to stop the distractions that humans create. :P
67. Rebecca said the following at 5:04 PM on Nov 16:
I jokingly refer to myself as a 'cat mom'. Having a pet is wonderful companionship for me. Even after 4 years of praying in earnest fora relationship/husband, I am single. And lonely, and having my cat helps. Yes, I talk to him, yes I dote on him, and yes I come home over my lunch break to eat and play with him. But I do not treat him like a child. I know that my cat will never relate to me like my future husband and children will. It's just nice to not come home to an empty house every night.
68. DannieA said the following at 5:23 PM on Nov 16:
I can always tell a person's character by the way they treat their pets or by the way they react to animals.
69. Mike Toreno said the following at 5:25 PM on Nov 16:
khalil, I didn't make an argument in response to your post because it didn't deserve an argument. All you did was assert what you believe and suggest that your views should control what everybody else does. That doesn't deserve a response.
Your comment about the 2-meter boa is a sleight of hand (your comment about the allergies is a sleight of hand too, actually - allergies aren't relevant unless someone who might want to come to a particular service actually has allergies). There are specific, identifiable problems with bringing a 2-meter boa, not just made up problems.
70. Alex said the following at 9:42 PM on Nov 16:
Becky,
This article is trivial. What are you about orphans for?? I commented that we should be talking about this rather than "pet parents".
"Why do I get the feeling that the bloggers on this website think they are above reproach and are always right in their views? Sorry, but this post really upsets me"
AMEN! It reminds me of evangelical friends (tho I consider myself one) who eat out on Sundays but judge Catholics and Mormons as not being really Christians. Please people, get over yourselves!
71. Kathleen said the following at 11:22 PM on Nov 16:
Khalil writes: "It doesn't mean that the relationships we create with our pets aren't valuable but to place them on the level of human relationships is a bit twisted."
Which 'human relationships' are you talking about? The ones where the father sexually molests the 5-year-old daughter? Where the uncle fondles the nephews and nieces and tells them to keep it a secret? Where the alcoholic father routinely comes home in a drunken rage? Where the mother and children live in fear of a control freak father? Or any of the other hundreds of scenarios where humans molest, beat, slander maim, betray, pr murder one another?
Many people prefer the companionship of their pets .. and it's not hard to see why. It's also not difficult to see why many people prefer having pets to having children. Pets are often cleaner, better behaved and smarter (depending on breed and child's IQ) than many children.
72. Heidi M. said the following at 7:11 AM on Nov 17:
nickinkansas #49, I don't believe anyone here is trying to put down great, strong, relationships between pets and the humans who bond with them. The point of this post, as I understood it, was that pets are not humans, and we should not treat them as such.
Perhaps the best example of this balance that I've seen is through Cesar Millan on the "Dog Whisperer" show. He has make dog rehabilitation his life's work, he loves his job, loves his dogs, and is a foremost expert in the field of dog phsycology. And even though it's obvious he bonds with dogs, he makes it very clear that dogs are not humans, and when we treat them as if they were humans instead of dogs we actually cause them phsycological harm, and it results in much of the misbehavior among dogs these days. Cesar goes to people's houses to help with dog behavioral problems, and every time he explains to the humans that it's beautiful to have a close, affectionate with your dog, but that's all for the human's benefit--in order to meet the dog's needs you also have to learn to treat the dog like what he is: a dog.
73. On the frontlines said the following at 9:01 AM on Nov 17:
This whole concept drives me crazy! I am a veterinarian and while going through school the small animal staff constantly referred to all owners as Fluffy's 'mommy or daddy' and for the former this is problematic when one considers the proper term for a female dog thereby calling a female owner something which cannot be printed in this forum! Joking aside, it is frightening what is happening in the veterinary profession. There are still a few unethical individuals like myself who think it crazy to spend thousands of dollars on chemotherapy, brain surgery, or kidney transplants in dogs and cats (yes animals can recieve almost any medical service now that humans do!). While it is a free country and people are free to spend their money as they wish, it frightens me that their vets are pressuring owners into making these decisions and saying it is in the best interest of the animal and the owner feels guilty if they do not do it! I went to a conferance a year ago and sat in on a lecture I thought would help in cases of terminal cancer where the owner did not wish to pursue chemo or radiation. I thought, great a way to give these animals and owners a few last months together and maybe a palliative treatment option beyond steroids. I was wrong and ended up leaving the lecture (I had sat through 20 other such presentations without qualm but could not stay in this one). The woman stood up and lectured us that it was our duty as vets to convince our clients that they must pursue radical treatments no matter their financial situation. She spoke fondly of the 16 year old cat that went through brain surgery only to repeat it 2 years later! You cannot tell me this is fair to the cat! This is not ethical to the owner or the animal who both have to suffer through the misery of this condition, but it is becoming more and more common to do whatever it takes to 'save' and animal for another 3-6 months no matter the suffering to the owner and the animal. I do not think animals should suffer nor that people should be refused treatment for their pets if they think it the best course of action but something in me shudders to think of spending $15,000 on a 13 year old lab dying of some disease only to gain him another 3 months which will likely be filled with all the terrible side effects of chemo or radiation.
These maunderings aside, what truly scares me is the bluring of the line between human and animal. Animals are gaining rights while unborn humans have none unless their mothers wish it so! Partial birth abortion is easily obtained while it takes much effort, time, and money to gain permission to subject a lab rat to any form of experimentation! We cannot kill a horse for human consumption but we can wantonly kill our own children! We now have bottled water for dogs while children in many parts of the world go often without food. I love animals and the people who care for them but I also draw a sharp line between humans and their pets. Christ did not die for Fido (yes there are the passages in scripture that refer to the redemption of all creation but 99% of the Bible focuses on humanity, creation was also cursed for our sake so I would assume that would also be involved in the cure). If all the effort and money PETA spent on its various campaigns were spent to fight world hunger, AIDS, or abortion, think what it could do! I am not saying people cannot have pets, enjoy them, and spend money on them but let us remember first our neighbors before we buy Foofoo another trendy shirt.
74. Sue M said the following at 10:53 AM on Nov 17:
I have 2 Golden Retrievers, who I called (and still do) my dog children before I had my twins 4 years ago. My husband and I struggled with infertility for over 10 years before I got pregnant. I knew my dogs were not children, but they helped get me through the years that I longed to have children. They were good company, they got me out and busy, interacting with other dog enthusiests, and they give unconditional love.
My 12 year old golden had symptoms that suggest possible cancer, and I told the vet I had no intention of paying for or putting my dog through cancer treatment. I am happy to pay for routine care and minor procedures. But I agree with "On the frontlines" that we are getting way out of balance. We go overboard on caring for the animal life, but think nothing of aborting children (as a culture).
I don't have a problem with "pet parents" but I always understood that my pets were a poor substitute for children. I was thankful to have a poor substitute all those years over nothing, as I waited for God's blessings.
75. BDB said the following at 11:11 AM on Nov 17:
I prefer the terms "handler" and "wrangler."
As in "cat-wrangler."
76. khalil said the following at 12:24 PM on Nov 17:
#71, Kathleen…
Which 'human relationships' are you talking about? The ones where the father sexually molests the 5-year-old daughter? Where the uncle fondles the nephews and nieces and tells them to keep it a secret? Where the alcoholic father routinely comes home in a drunken rage? Where the mother and children live in fear of a control freak father? Or any of the other hundreds of scenarios where humans molest, beat, slander maim, betray, pr murder one another?
Where did that come from? Nowhere was I discounting the dynamics that exist between humans and animals, those relationships can be full of warmth, mutually beneficial, and extremely therapeutic. I was extremely distraught when I had to give up my parrots for an international move. One of them I had raised from a baby and was 13 years old this past April and if health never became an issue she'll live for at least another 10-15 years. For all intents and purposes she was my "baby" (had the behavior and moodiness of a 2 year old), but there was no healthy way she could replace appropriate human connections.
As humans we fail, miserably. It is scary how much pain and harm we can cause each other, esp. when it comes from our own family. Even with dysfunction in our lives an animal cannot fulfill the needs and relationships that other humans can provide. God didn't create us to be in community with animals, we are to be in community with Him and with each other. Though we are capable of great pain we are not to shun human-human relationships and substitute them with something inferior. Perhaps there is a time, so that healing can take place, that a person must withdraw from others, but that shouldn't involve a lifetime of solitude.
#72, Heidi...you rock, spot on!
77. Emily said the following at 1:06 PM on Nov 17:
#64 Leigh -
"If somebody IS a CHRISTIAN and they are doing something wrong It's not OUR place to correct them. The HOLY SPIRIT will do his JOB PEOPLE! God is STILL on the throne."
Actually, that's incorrect. We as Christians have a Biblical duty to call each other out and rebuke each other when we see a Christian brother or sister doing something wrong. There are multiple verses in the Bible that instruct believers to correct fellow believer, but here is the one I consider most important, as it was uttered by Jesus himself -
"Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him," Luke 17:3
Of course God is still on the throne, and the Holy Spirit can assist us, as well as the other person, as we gently, and lovingly, correct them.
78. DannieA said the following at 2:02 PM on Nov 17:
Emily #77
I think Leigh's point was in regards to this blog....loving an animal and taking great and wonderful care of it is not a sin.
Just another point that it isn't that we're humanizing pets by saying we're 'adopting' them...it's the sad fact that now people have to be screened as a lot of families that went to the pound to get a pet were the ones abandoning them...so now it's better if a person is screened if they adopt an animal from a rescue. One point that people don't realize is that you don't treat abused and abandoned animals in the same manner that you treat puppies that grew up with you....
79. Heather Koerner said the following at 3:19 PM on Nov 17:
DannieA (#78):
Who said that loving an animal and taking great and wonderful care of it is a sin?
80. Leigh said the following at 6:53 PM on Nov 17:
77. Emily
Im speaking mostly about this blog. Yes, the Bible does tell us to correct our "brothers and sisters" But I have seen a lot of griping not correction"
there are SEVERAL things that must be in place before correction.
- spend time in prayer first, and make sure you are being submissive to God..seek his will
- what is your motive??
- what is your attitude? when you correct somebody you should have concern for your brother or sister in christ. not simply be annoyed by something you may not agree with.
- speak truth in love
- correction should ALWAYS come with forgivness...
Make sure you don't have something that needs to be dealt with between you and GOD before you try and fix somebody elses sin.
I read something by somebody in this blog that we should consider our fellow humans before we buy another t-shirt for the dog.
Maybe this person can say that, I don't know.
But I know as far as myself.. I can not tell somebody you shouldn't buy your dog a t-shirt, you should give that money to somebody who needs it. When I don't need the new Christmas dress im going to get, I never need new shoes, makeup is not something nessasary for living, the internet, not me personaly, but TV with 500 chanels. All the money for extra things could go to our "fellow man"
take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Jesus doesn't tell us NOT to get the splinter out of our brothers eye, but he wants to make sure we are seeing clearly. And most of the time when we find a splinter in our brothers eye, we have a plank in our own.
This just really turned into some very judgmental bloging. I think it started off as sincere but then as soon as people started leaving comments it got very ugly.
I think maybe we should try this agian?? instead of downing people who make their pets a priority maybe we should think about why? where do you draw the line? we can complain about it, but what are we going to do about it?? as chrisitans..do you know anybody like this, can you reach out to that person? give them a little more human companionship? Are these people looking for love where maybe they arent getting it? What are some different reasons that would make a person behave this way? Im sure its not to offend any of us....so maybe we can be a little nicer.
(sorry for any typos ect, I've been at the dr's office for 4 hours)
Leigh
81. DannieA said the following at 7:23 PM on Nov 17:
Heather....I wasn't responding to your original post....I was responding to one of the many tangents that came about....
it appeared as though comment 77 was equating loving an animal to rebuking someone of their sins.
82. grace said the following at 8:31 PM on Nov 17:
I love my dogs and horse and I enjoy their company more than human company sometimes. I think #72 and #73 are right on! I love watching the dog whisperer and other animal shows. I do feel guilty sometimes watching shows like animal cops. I hate to see how humans treat their animals and I am so glad to see that most of these animals get a second chance in good, loving homes, but how come there are no shows about abused children getting a second chance or why isn't there a show about compassionate people showing there outrage at the murder of unborn children? I am all for saving endangered animals and giving our pets a good home but don't we, as a nation, have out priorities out of line? How come individuals are more concerned about what others think about how they care for their pets than how they raise their children?
83. Daniel said the following at 8:59 AM on Nov 18:
#76 "Though we are capable of great pain we are not to shun human-human relationships and substitute them with something inferior."
I would have to really wonder about them being more inferior. Why do you think this post has started such a reaction, discussion, etc. It would seem more and more people have a hard time seeing the beauty in humanity in comparison to creatures that just live their lives. Maybe we could learn something.
Kathleen, I completely know what you mean. It's how I feel a lot at times. People close to me have been hurt the way you have mentioned. It's often times like these I don't understand humanity, but it helps me understand God's mercy... and my strive to be better, because if I was in charge... humanity wouldn't of made it past Genesis... yet God keeps giving us more time and chances. Maybe some of my logic is flawed here, but it's what I can understand and believe.
84. khalil said the following at 11:20 AM on Nov 18:
#83, Daniel:
"I would have to really wonder about them being more inferior. "
Perhaps Genesis could shed some light here...from the NLT, "Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.' So the Lord God formed from the ground all the wild animals and birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and the man chose a name for each one. He gave names to all the livestock, all the birds of the sky, and all the wild animals. But there was no helper just right for him...Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib and He brought her to the man. 'At last!' exclaimed the man" (Gen. 2:18-20, 22-23a).
There is a place for animals, they are an important component of how we function in this world, but if God knew they weren't suitable companions and Adam recognized that Eve was what he was waiting for then I think that is a pretty good example of how our relationships with animals are "inferior".
85. Jen R said the following at 3:30 PM on Nov 20:
I believe if we teach our children to show caring and compassion for animals, this will naturally also carry over into relationships with people. I choose to have pets because God has not placed a desire in my heart for children. That does not mean I do not think children are wonderful for those who DO choose to have them. How sad that other "Christians" would post comments here that belittle others for making this personal choice.
86. JenR said the following at 3:43 PM on Nov 20:
I also find it interesting that a Christian publication would criticize people for CARING and being responsible for animals (ie. doing something GOOD), part of God's wonderful creation. NO wonder non-Christians are turned off from Christianity.
87. Leigh said the following at 6:21 AM on Nov 23:
Somebody said here that "fido is no different than the pig you have in your freezer" And somebody said something about having dogs in church...Well, you might feel different if it was a dog that saved your childs life...??? found your child...sniffed out a bomb maybe??
We had a dog in our church sunday and it reminded me of this post.
This is about my friend Chad, his police dog, and my church on the news.
http://www.cbsatlanta.com/video/21695302/