Pet owners are treating their animals like humans

[bluemingidiot]

"That isn't good for them or us."

The more we treat pets like people, they argue, the more constrained and dependent on us our pets’ lives have become, and the more health and behavioral issues our pets develop. “The problem is, dogs and cats are not children, and owners have become increasingly protective and restrictive. So animals are not able to express their own doggy and catty natures as freely as they might.” Out of concerns about bird predation, many cats now spend their entire lives inside. Until the late 1970s, even city dogs spent most of their time outdoors, either in backyards or roaming unleashed around the neighborhood.

[vickilynn]

Guilty, Jenny is treated like a princess. She’s well-behaved though. Gets to visit with her nursing home friends.

[mogal]

Also guilty. Our dogs have always been valued members of the household with important protection duties so if we want to give them extra care, indulgence, we'll do it. Build a bridge, get over it.

[countrymom22]

It's not just pets who have more restrictive lives. The same people that restrict their pets from being animals are the ones who try to restrict their kids from being kids. While I have no problem spoiling my dogs, they are still treated like dogs. Kids are treated like small adults instead of kids who need time to run and explore and just be. Way too cocooned and over protected.

[Jolly]

Well, I don't see as many dead dogs on the side of the road...

[countrymom22]

You can treat your dogs like dogs without allowing them to wander the neighborhood and get into danger. But they need to be able to run and dig and swim etc. Not have their nails painted and be wearing clothes, unless their body condition is so poor that they can't keep themselves warm. They aren't toy dolls.