Are your animals your "babies" or your "pets"?

[In a hurry]

You know, once upon a time, ALL animals slept outside. This wasn't neglect, but survival of the fittest. I suppose the horses and cattle should come indoors next.

Our pets are indoors, because it works for us. We care about them deeply, but they are pets. Their purpose is to increase our joy in life. They do. We feed them, vaccinate and other medical care, and give them treats. But they are animals, not surragate people. If others want to treat their pets as people, that is what is best for them. I have many friends who go that route and we treat their pets accordingly.

Luckily, in real life people aren't usually so ignorant to make value judgements as quickly as some posters on the internet.

 

[debden]

Quote GEM:I think animals belong outside

I'm glad that your dogs love it outside and you have provided them with a warm,comfy spot to sleep but I do not agree that animals belong outside.
Maybe you say this because it works well for your dogs but pet's do not belong outside.
Originally Posted by Steppdaddy
I don't say many things on this board, but when it comes to animals I really belive that if you get one and it has to live outside then you shouldn't even consider getting one. I don't care if I get flamed. I just love my baby to much to put him outside.
ITA.....
Debbie

 

[GEM]

Just wanted to add, that maybe part of my feeling about this comes from growing up on a farm. We always had LOTS of dogs and cats around, but they were definately outdoor pets only. They lived in the barns and got plenty to eat and got all their shots and all of that. But, they were definately pets, not people. My brothers and sisters and I spent lots of time playing with them, and they followed us everywhere. Heck, we had so many cats running around that they didnt' even all have names! Their main purpose was to keep the mice, snakes, etc. out of the barns. The fun we had with them was just an extra bonus. I just grew up with cats and dogs outside, and that's still what I prefer.

 

[GEM]

Maybe you say this because it works well for your dogs but pet's do not belong outside.

Well, yes, that is why I say that. In fact, that's exactly what I said.

I think animals belong outside and people belong inside. That's what works best for our family. I have no problem with anyone else keeping critter buddies inside. I just don't like inside pets myself.

Like I said, it's what works best for our family. I also went on to say that it's fine if you disagree. I still believe that for us, animals belong outside. I don't expect everyone to agree with me, though. Why would you expect everyone to agree with you?

 

[noseybuddy]

What's the purpose of having a dog if it is going to live outside? I want to be around my dogs, them being outside I would never see them. I am not going to stand outside all day. I don't know, I just don't understand why you would want to keep a dog outside to live.

 

[GEM]

What's the purpose of having a dog if it is going to live outside? I want to be around my dogs, them being outside I would never see them. I am not going to stand outside all day. I don't know, I just don't understand why you would want to keep a dog outside to live.

Because we enjoy them. We spend a lot of time playing outside, grilling, hanging out on the back porch. We play fetch and frisbee. We take them on walks with us. We walk down to the lake with them and let them go swimming. (We have one who loves to jump off the fishing dock into the water!) We just generally enjoy them and have fun with them - outside. And, when we go inside, they either curl up in the sun for a nap, chase a rabbit or two, or find something else that they enjoy. Works for us, works for them.

I just don't want them inside on my furniture, hanging out in the kitchen while we're cooking or eating, sleeping in my bed, getting hair everywhere, etc. And, they're definately country dogs. They love playing in the mud, splashing in the lake, rolling in the grass, and all of that - so they can get pretty dirty. We do groom them regularly, but they still get dirty pretty quickly and I wouldn't want them in the house.

I honestly didn't mean to cause any debate or upset anyone. I just thought it was interesting to see what other people thought. I'm glad that so many people have such wonderful relationships with the animals in their lives. I really think that's wonderful! But, I'm sorry, to suggest that my dogs (a husky and a Dalmatian mix, by the way) are abused or neglected becaue they are outdoor dogs, or to say that we shouldn't have dogs at all, is just plain silly.

We live on five acres of beautiful land out in the country, right on a lake. I guess I could turn it around and ask why on earth we should mistreat the poor things by keeping them cooped up inside all day when they could be out running, playing, chasing squirrels, barking, rolling in the grass, and all of that stuff that dogs love.

 

[mrsltg]

They're both my babies. Maybe because I nursed them both back from the brink of death? Actually, no, I've always felt that my animals were more then pets - they are the truest companions and it breaks my heart to see them aging.

Erin

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

What's the purpose of having a dog if it is going to live outside? I want to be around my dogs, them being outside I would never see them. I am not going to stand outside all day. I don't know, I just don't understand why you would want to keep a dog outside to live.

I totally agree!! I have 2 children and now 1 dog, but at one time had 3 dogs. I could not even imagine my dog staying outside. (I show my dog in confirmation, to grow coat, the breeder suggests she stay outside or she will never become a champion) My response, guess she'll never be a champion, because she's not going to be outside.

She is my "baby" as I call her. My kids adore her, and I want them to be around her , not go outside once or twice a day to throw ball for her and visit her at her doghouse. She is not on the same level as my children. And if you asked me that before I had kids, I would never believe those words would come out of my mouth. But she is a major part of our family, as were our other 2, before their departing to the Rainbow Bridge. She gets birthday and Christmas presents and gets her picture taken yearly with the kids. If you remember my previous pic, it was a family picture complete with the 2 dogs.

But I also agree that it all depends on how you were brought up. Our dogs were always part of our family, from the time I was little. I know alot of people brought up on farms who believe animals are for outside and have a job and purpose. I don't feel the same.

 

[allie&mattsmom]

Our chocolate lab, Jake, is definitely a member of our family. Not on the same level as our kids, but still a "member" but in a different way. And I'm sure my DH would say he doesn't consider him his "baby", but I must admit I do! He even sleeps on our bed with us (and he's 100+ lbs!). He does get a lot of "outside" time though. He loves to play catch and could do this for hours! We had a cocker spaniel that died a couple of years ago and my DH and I got her before we had kids. She really was our "first" baby. I really miss her. BTW, I don't see anything wrong with having "outside" dogs as long as they are well taken care of and loved and given warm bedding etc. like GEM describes her dogs. They sound very loved & happy!

 

[mickeyfan2]

I am our pets mommy. They are my babies. I take care of them the same way as I would a baby.

 

[GEM]

BTW, I don't see anything wrong with having "outside" dogs as long as they are well taken care of and loved and given warm bedding etc. like GEM describes her dogs. They sound very loved & happy!

Aw, thanks. Jake sounds like he has a great home! I honestly meant this to be a fun and interesting thread. I never dreamed I would end up feeling attacked for keeping two huge and active dogs outside, where they certainly seem to be very happy and are well cared for!

 

[Chicago526]

hmmm...someplace in between. I wouldn't go so far as to say Missy is a member of the family, or my "baby", but I do see her more as just a pet, too. I see dogs as thinking, feeling beings who are worthy of a bit more consideration than "just a pet". On the other hand, human interests of the household trump the dog's interests almost every time. It's kind of hard for me to put into words.

 

[hiwaygal]

Our 3 "dogs" are our babies...no doubt about it! And I wouldn't have it any other way.

I imagine if we had decided to have human children, that might change or be different...but since that isn't going to happen...we have our furry kids! I've always been a dog person!

They do get presents at Christmas, and just because. We don't celebrate their birthdays since they are all adopted and we don't really know their birthdays.

I do admit, though, they don't sleep with us....three dogs and two humans do not fit well in a king size bed!! The only ones who would get any decent sleep would be the dogs! And I need my sleep!

As to keeping a dog indoors or out...it depends ALOT on the breed. If, perhaps GEM had a Chinese Crested (or some other equally "not as hardy" breed), then keeping them outside could very well be considered "abuse"....but GEM has strong, "hardy", OUTSIDE type breeds. And, to some extent, keeping those breeds inside can be considered "abuse" for them. Some breeds need to run, and play, and hunt, and swim, and roll in the mud more than others.

 

[GEM]

As to keeping a dog indoors or out...it depends ALOT on the breed. If, perhaps GEM had a Chinese Crested (or some other equally "not as hardy" breed), then keeping them outside could very well be considered "abuse"....but GEM has strong, "hardy", OUTSIDE type breeds. And, to some extent, keeping those breeds inside can be considered "abuse" for them. Some breeds need to run, and play, and hunt, and swim, and roll in the mud more than others.

That's totally true, and knowing we prefer outside dogs, we would never get the type of dog that really needed to be inside most of the time. That would be cruel. Knowing what kind of dog owners we would be played a big part in choosing what kind of dogs to get for our family!

The husky (Frosty) LIVES to dig and roll in the dirt. Seriously. It's her passion. (Her nickname is Dirty Dog.) The Dalmatian mix (Freckles) LOVES to run and chase rabbits and squirrels. She adores it! They really are happy, loved, and well taken care of. I promise!

 

[MickeysMommy]

My baby, of course

 

[Muffy]

Our dog is now 10 y/o and we have had him since he was a pup. He is definately our baby. Even our DD15 treats him like a baby. If he is outside with my DH we are constantly checking on him, etc. Pets really do depend on us for everything. I love reading about all your pets!

 

[leighe]

Our dog is a member of our family but still a pet. She's not my baby. We love her dearly and probably spoil her too much but I have never felt like I'm her "mommy." Our puppy lives inside but I grew up with outside dogs and don't think keeping dogs outside is cruel at all - especially if they get plenty of love, attention, and exercise. In fact, my dad always told me (he grew up on a farm) that it would be cruel to big dogs to keep them in the house all day. He always said some dogs are just outside dogs.

 

[DVCLiz]

Ooohh, this is a "pet" peeve of mine. I have always had animals as pets, but I could never treat an animal on the same level as a person, and people who won't leave their pets so they can go on vacation drive me insane. I just could not imagine saying, "Well, I guess we'll just stay home because I can't make suitable arrangements for the animals." WHAT???????

I have a six year old dog and a two year old cat. I feed them, keep them clean, give them medical attention, brush them, play with them, talk to them, and love them. But the minute they are in my way or otherwise irritating, they go outside or are put in another room - I'm not going to put up with a dog who is barking because a delivery person happens to be at my house.

I don't mind the treats, presents, pictures, Mommy/Daddy kinds of things, because everyone should be able to be as silly as they want to about those kinds of things. If I talk to my dog in a special voice or have fun making him bark for a treat, that's my personal business. But when the concerns of the animals override what the family could be doing, I draw my line there!!!

 

[Tuffcookie]

If you provide shelter from the elements, fresh food and water, and vet care and interact with the animal on a daily basis I don't see anything wrong with keeping a pet outdoors. This does not mean leaving the pet chained to a stake. It sounds like Gem is being a responsible pet owner.

TC

 

[DVCJEN]

Our cats are a part of our family without a doubt. Do I consider them my "babies"? Not really, but I love them and care for them so I can see why some people refer to them as their "babies".