I read an article today from LiveScience Staff Writer Andrea Thompson that said two-thirds of American households have at least one pet. That is 71.1 million pet owners.
The study reported that the number increased by 56% since 1988. What’s more, 45% of pet owners had more than one pet.
Sadly, I don’t have a pet here in Cali but I’m dying to get one. I’d like a little Italian Greyhound. They are so cute! At my parent’s house in Philadelphia I have a full-sized Greyhound named “Cash”. You can see him to the right. I’m one of those people that gush over the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet and love almost all types of baby animals.
But it is interesting to think of the psychology behind American’s fascination and obsession with pets. We think they are part of the family and often treat them better than other people in our life. Maybe it is the unconditional love that pets appear to give us. There must be some kind of void that these amazing creatures are filling in our lives.
The article points out that in the past, keeping an animal solely for companionship was something only the wealthy could do as they had the time and disposable income for such indulgences. But the emergence of the American middle class in the 20th century saw a rise in life “luxuries” for the average workers, including cars, TVs, and pets.
Pictures of our pets now sit side-by-side with other family members in our homes, in our wallets, and on our cell phone background images. Pets are also living longer due to advancements in veterinarian care. Consequently, we have a longer period of time to get more attached.
The phenomenon is likely assisted by the multi-billion dollar pet industry. There are pet spas where you can send your pet to get pampered. There are new lines of pet clothes and jewelry coming out. Some small pets are now fashion statements and are treated more as fashion accessories than companions. The line between what is appropriate in a relationship between pet and owner has nearly completely disappeared.
My better judgment says that pets are NOT people and though they should be respected and protected, they should not have the same rights as humans. But I’ll admit that all of that goes out the window every time I see something cute and cuddly on the TV screen. Damn you Animal Planet!
Just remember that you can love your pet, but just don’t love your pet.
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