I have been seeing many post from other sites discussing the treatment of humans verses pets. So here goes. Most pet owners, including myself, feel their pets are a part of their family just as a child would be. I treat my pets like as if they are my children and never would think of them as any less. There are so many pounds that are filled with unwanted or abused dogs, and everyday many are PTS due to lack of space. Well, then we have orphanages that are filled with children who are unwanted and in need of a home, but no one would ever dare to put them to sleep. I find it ironic that our society claims animals are as important as humans in cases of abuse and neglect, but when it comes to population we'd rather dispose of the animals than try to find a better solution. Now in no way am I promoting that orphanages should take on this practice, I just feel its unfair all together. Why is there this double standard between animals and humans? One moment we are proclaiming animals should be treated equally when news of abuse is involved, but then we allow unwanted animals to be PTS in shelters. I apologize if this offends anyone, I just wanted to see what others thought about it.

Helly, Excellent post!!! Yes, I love my dogs just as much as I can, but I can honestly say, that I love my children more.

Helly, I do agree with you.

Since I do not have any biological children, my pets are my children, my dogs and cats alike. But I can definitely understand a parent placing more value on their human children.

I don't have any children. I can't stand the squalling brats, personally. So my animals are my children. The problem with trying to make animals equal to humans is that it would be hard to make only some animals equal. Dogs are cats get the same rights as humans, but cows, pigs and horses are still food? It starts to get complicated. That is what PETA wants. Total animal liberation. Unfortunately total liberation means no pets. PETA wants to get rid of all the companion animals we have because they believe it's against their rights to be kept as pets. I think that sometimes euthanasia is the best option, but I also don't think that assisted suicide should be illegal. If someone is ill they should be able to die when they want to. Of course we have to decide for our pets when they are too ill to live any longer. I think that animals should have more rights than what they do, but it isn't practical to treat them exactly the same as people.

I totally agree with you!My Persy is a champion friend and a champion in the show!!!But,I treat my dog better then me,right down to the puppy pop corn.....or the puppy nail polish!

in a word, yes, they are!

In my personal opinion, they are not equal to humans. They are way Better than humans most of the time. It's something I cannot explain, i just believe that saying my dog is almost human or so on, is an insult to the dog. I dont have children yet, but when I do, I know I will love my children more. As of now, my dogs are my life. They are so amazing, nothing compared to most humans in my belief. Which lets me bring out my favortie quote by Mme. de Staël--- The more I see of man, the more I like dogs.

I think Helly's post was insightful enough for everyone to understand. Thanks for posting it. I love my animals dearly, but I had 2 GSD's euthanized because of unstable temperaments. Sure I felt bad, but would have felt worse had this dog tore into a child. I think it was a kindness to the dog also.