Pets Are People Too

Have you noticed lately that the beasts have dominion over man? It’s everywhere. They’re wearing clothes, sunglasses and hats. We talk about them at the office, trading stories of their adventures and their clever accomplishments. I’m guilty myself.

Just last week I called my friend at 7am to let her know that my cat finally used the toilet, a feat I’ve been longing to see since that scene in the movie, Meet the Parents. It was the highlight of my week. Pretty sad. Another friend of mine has her “cat voice,” the one she uses when she speaks on behalf of her cat, “George, not W”. She has a different voice for her dog. My husband uses a silly, Boston accent to convey messages from our Boston terriers. Have we all totally lost it?

Every February we have a Mardi Gras dog parade in the town where I live. This thing has grown to proportions frighteningly resembling the real thing in the French Quarter. The dogs and their people crowd streets, shops and restaurants until it’s impossible to move for blocks and blocks. But it’s really a lot of fun. And their costumes are outrageous.

I don’t know if we’ve just become so indulgent as a society that we’ve extended the pampering to include furry family members without even thinking. Or maybe it’s because today’s often hostile world provides little comfort and reassurance. These creatures give such pleasure and unconditional love when we drag our battered psyches home that we want to repay them by treating them royally.

Then I think about ancient Egypt where cats were glorified, revered and bejeweled. Their attitudes continue to reflect this early treatment.

A new business opened here not long ago. It’s called the Royal Dog Hotel. The property boasts cottages, complete with air conditioning, cable TV (set on Animal Planet of course), private fenced yards and so on. I’m told they stay booked. Tonight I saw a commercial about some new cable station or programming, “Television for your pets.” Absolutely! What else are the poor things going to do while we’re at work?

Every morning I’m envious as I trudge into the shower followed only by the big bug eyes of my Boston Terrier, Beatrice. They are the only part of her not under the covers as she luxuriates in the bed. I know she’ll be there all day, alternately dozing and catching a little TV while I run around doing people things. She stretches and yawns, wiggles around in the soft sheets and blankets. I sigh and wish I could be her.

I don’t know one person who doesn’t have and adore several animals. We laugh and make fun of ourselves and others for our outlandish fawning behavior toward them but we all know they deserve no less.