Daisy is my Baby

An online survey by Kelton Research, shows pet owners today seem to blur the lines between children and pet dogs in many ways. For example, 81% of those surveyed consider their dogs to be true family members, equal in status to children. It appears dogs have become such an important part of the family that 54% of Americans now consider themselves to be "pet parents" rather than "pet owners". The rest of the survey, which isn't that surprising to me, is summarized by Psychology Today.

Other things the study points to:

• Pet owners nickname themselves "mommy" and "daddy"
• Pet owners celebrate their pet's birthday
• Pet owners talk to their pets like they were family members
• Pet owners have two or more nicknames for their pet
• Pet owners have photos, photo albums, and scrapbooks of their pet
• Pet owners talk more about their pet than the topics of politics, work, or friends.

As much as Daisy and I are a family, I don't talk about myself as "mommy" and my parents are not her grandparents. They are "Mom" and "Dad" to me, so that is how she knows them. I think this could be because I am the sole human in the household, so there is no one saying my name. Aside from that distinction, it is pretty accurate and I don't think the survey declares anything outrageous.

One thing I consciously resist is comparing my dog or my experiences with her to someone's child. I know how untactful that would be. However, this is my blog, so I am going to forgo the tact.

Reason's Daisy is like a Child:

1. Every outfit of mine has drool and/or dog hair on it.
2. Bowl movements need to be cleaned up.
3. Shopping trips always include something bought for her.
4. Wake up time is dictated by her.
5. She gets all the toys out of her toy box and doesn't clean them up.
6. I have photos of her in my office, on the frig, and on my iPhone.
7. Her name and/or a story about her spring up in every conversation.
8. Sitters must be found for weekend trips.
9. I talk to her when I am getting ready in the morning to keep her entertained.
10. Bath time is stress time.
11. I'm so proud when she behaves or shows off something new she learned.
12. Strangers stop me on walks to ask about her.
13. When she gets hurt or scared, I baby her.
14. I cuddle with her.
15. My schedule is dictated by her.

One way she is different from a child:

1. I can lock her up in a cage and leave her home alone. Although on the flip side, I can't bring her in restaurants and grocery stores and events.