animals vs. children.

[2eclipse]

question of the day.

some people claim to love their animals as much as they love their children. some people find this idea offensive - how can an animal mean as much as a child or be as worthy of love? on the other hand, when has human love had anything to do with worth?
what do you think?

Comments

My companion, not my child

[rumpleteazaer.livejournal.com]

I obviously have a bias in this situation. I do not doubt that pets are worthy of love. They are a member of the family, a close companion and provide unconditional love (provided the food dish is full). The Leezard refers to himself as the cat's "Daddy" on a regular basis.

That is the point where I draw my line. Being a parent, whether biologically or through adoption, is a whole next level of commitment, responsibility, joy and heartache. I cannot think of myself as a parent to a little furry animal. I love my cat, take good care of him and such. But in the end, there are things I would do for my child that I would never do for a pet. No matter how dear to me they are.

Re: My companion, not my child

[queenlyzard.livejournal.com]

I second this response, especially the last bit. I think anyone who had to chose between saving the life of their child or their pet would have to pick the child-- or probably any human in general over any animal, no matter how beloved. I'm sure there are exceptions to this, but they must be rare cases.

Humans connect to other humans, especially family members, in a way that I think is unique in the animal kingdom, simply because we can think about our interconnectedness. We can have much bigger effects in each other's lives, and be aware of those effects. It creates a certain bond between us all.