What's in a Name??

On Sunday’s broadcast, I heard the most ridiculous thing on NPR’s “Wait…Wait…Don’t Tell Me.” The announcer discussed a story about some group that strongly advocated calling our pets “animal companions.” We should not use the term “pet” anymore.

I have heard this concept mentioned in books and magazines. In fact, Bark magazine seems to be a big proponent of its usage.

Seriously??? Do you really think that using the term “animal companion” would have kept Michael Vick from using his dogs for dog fighting? Does it stop the euthanasia of millions of animals every year? Does it prevent someone from neglecting the animal, leaving it tied outside to a chain without food, water, and shelter?

My pets are treated better than most children. They eat good food and visit the doctor more frequently than I do. They want for nothing. For Pete’s sake, I spent the better part of Saturday making a very nice dog bed for Gracie. So, am I a bad pet owner (another bad term) because I call them my “pets?”

Here’s a revolutionary idea. Why don’t we solve the problem of pet abuse and homelessness first? Then, we can worry about what we call our pets.

Rescue Mommy