Hi Friends!
In America, the pet industry is big business. Americans own over 86.4 million cats and 78.2 million dogs. The number of households that have pets even tops the number that have children. In 2013, Americans spentnearly $60 billion on pet expenditures.
Pets are a beloved member of American families. Our love affair with dogs and cats has produced luxury pet spas, home-cooked doggie meals, and countless children begging their parents for a pet.
In a recent online survey by Kelton Research. Of 1,000 people tested, more people are considering their dogs as part of their family and are also referring to them as children. Here are some of the results:
- Nearly 60 percent say that their dogs play a different role than the dogs of their childhood
- 54 percent call themselves “pet parents” instead of “pet owners”
- 58 percent have nicknames for themselves, such as “mommy” and “daddy”
- 35 percent call their dog their “son” or “daughter”
- 62 percent of the dogs have their own chair, sofa, or bed
- 81 percent of dog parents know their pets’ birthdays
- 77 percent have celebrated their pets’ birthday by buying him or her a birthday present
- 23 percent of pet parents have a photo album dedicated to only pictures of their dogs
- 16 percent have started scrapbooks for their pets
- 71 percent of pet owners admit that they have at least one picture of their dog that they carry with them (although the convenience of storing photos on mobile devices may have added to this percentage)
The above statistics relating to a family keeping scrapbooks, pictures and photo albums of their pets is a perfect segue for a wonderful opportunity I will soon be presenting to you. The opportunity can be moments to be cherished over a lifetime as well as benefitting animals in need of a forever home. So, please stay tuned!
A recent Purina Pet survey's statistics further confirm our nations' collective anthropomorphization of our pets.
*61 percent of women tell their dog about their problems.
*31 percent of women feel their dog is a better listener than their partner.
*24 percent of men use their dog to talk to a good-looking stranger in the park.
*14 percent of men say their dog showed them more affection than their loved ones.
And if engaging in deep conversations with our pets, as these statistics outline were not enough, we are also guilty of heaping wads of cash on them as well. In fact, The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association estimates that American pet owners spent more than $41 billion dollars in 2008. While a big chunk of our pet investments include feeding and medical care, we also sock plenty of cash into pet massages, manicures, seats on specially chartered jets, school/daycare, designer jewelry and the list goes on.
Well, don't pets deserve to be pampered, as long as it doesn't put the generous parents in the economical or emotional doghouse."
Certain aspects of anthropomorphizing our pets can be a positive thing.
Realizing and understanding our pets have feelings, needs and emotions improves the care of our pets. Still there is a down side to anthropomorphization; it is "spoiling" in the true sense of the word, and ultimately could lead to the possibility of "ruining" our pets. For instance, when dogs or cats are treated as dolls to be dressed up and carried around, owners run the risk of turning their pets into an anxious mess.
Small dogs are more often anthropomorphized than larger dogs, however a dog is a dog, the cute little Chihuahua in the pink sweater needs exercise and training just like the big Doberman with the spike collar. On the other hand, large, menacing looking dogs are often demonized and treated cruelly because people think they are evil or mean.
Ultimately, for pet parents it boils down to this: appreciate your dog for being a dog. All dogs need the same things: daily exercise, play time with dog friends, healthy food, toys and chew to play with, obedience training, and attention from their owner. Being a great dog/pet owner is about meeting your dog's needs first and then your own. If what you are doing to your pet doesn't benefit them, or if it's embarrassing or mean then it may be time to putting an end to such activities.
Here's to the love shared with our furry, feathered, and scaly family members!
Warmly,
Paul
Paul F.
Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC
"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"
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