Words matter.
This blog has held several discussions about using euphemisms like “euthanasia” to mask the fact of animals being killed for space or convenience. A recent story about an aging Lab who made her way 30 miles home to owners who no longer wanted her prompted this thought:
Is there a difference between a pet OWNER and a pet PARENT?
We own things. Things don’t have feelings. Your car doesn’t know fear. Your furniture doesn’t feel pain. When you leave for a week, your house doesn’t get lonely and worry that it’s been abandoned.
Things are disposable. When a kitchen gadget breaks, we throw it away. We replace an appliance that costs too much to maintain. When a pair of jeans no longer fits, we donate it to Goodwill.
But when the baby cries all night, you don’t give her away the next morning. When your teenager breaks all the rules, you may want to lock him in his room until he’s 21, but instead you try to learn about adolescent behavior, take him to a counselor, and do all you can to help him become a responsible citizen. When your 8-year-old falls off the swing and breaks her leg, you rush her to the best medical care you can find.
That’s being a parent.
People who see themselves as pet parents may be more likely to view their pets as members of the family. Maybe a good question to add to adoption questionnaires would be “Do you see yourself as a pet owner, or a pet parent?”
And the rejected Lab? Her sad story has a happy ending!