Solid post.... our dogs have been there for us, when the chips were down so to speak. Death of Father and Mother years back, they were emotionally in tune with us. Now of course they didn't come talk to me lol but they could sense things weren't right. Amongst other life issues over the years. Many of ours have been rescues as well, they sense that trust you have placed in them and vice versa. My 'crew' is a team, the way I look at it....and good for you on the scrambled eggs! I might have to do that this wknd for the girl lol....I unfollowed this thread and deleted my original post because I didn’t want to cause this thread to be a devolution into flaming.
I have had dogs my entire life. Some have been the only companions I had when my family completely ostracized me and left me homeless.
and guess what? In a joking, satirical way I do consider my dogs “fuzzy kids”. Do I literally consider myself to be their father? No of course not. Have I ever tried to anthropomorphize them into actually human children? Heck no.
but I care more about my canines in a literal sense than many people I know who have children who have no business procreating, care for their children
and honestly, if I am someone who tries to make sure my pup has the best diet possible, has the best enrichment I can provide, and realizes that I’m quite literally in charge of my pups entire World… why is my relationship with my dogs a problem?
I know my current pup is an animal. I also know we humans quite literally created dogs, and they depend on us. And despite the fact he had been a stray, was injured, and shows all the signs of having been a bait dog prior to being a stray, he adores me and my family. He has given me his trust and love.
so again, what’s the problem if I call him my fuzzy son in a satirical manner?
OP, I think you’re compliant is more focused on whether or not some people have any business being responsible for any other creature, rather than how some of us view our companions.
and yeah, when it’s my dogs birthday, I get them something special. An extra favorite chew treat. Maybe I make them some scrambled eggs.
I love them. And I choose to show my love in that way.