The Case Against Treating Dogs as Children

This week, a report highlighted how many pet owners now see their dogs as children, which can be quite unsettling. The trendy term “fur baby” has also become a source of discomfort, as has the recommendation that dogs can serve as practice for parenting. Is training your dog to parallel park really the next step? Based on anecdotal evidence, those attempts usually result in dismal failures.

As a dog lover, I appreciate their unique qualities. However, I strongly believe that we should resist the temptation to anthropomorphize them. Dogs deserve the freedom to be themselves, without dressing in costumes or undergoing spa treatments that can degrade their dignity. Instead, they should revel in their natural instincts—running through fields, chasing after sticks, and performing their signature spin before settling down. In contrast, children don’t possess these behaviors. If my own son had ever been in a precarious situation, he would have been at fault for not being more cautious. Fortunately, he never faced such dangers, though he sure could have.

Reflecting on my childhood, I realize that dogs were simply dogs back then, without human-like names. They were commonly called names like Lucky, Rover, or Lady. For example, I had a brown dog named Hovis. Recently, I met a husky at a bus stop, and after requesting permission, I petted her. She was named Samantha, which I found mildly amusing. I also know a basset hound named Patricia, which is admittedly charming. But still, she is a dog, not a child.

It’s essential to clarify this distinction indefinitely. We need the “Dogs Are Dogs” campaign to emphasize that there is a significant difference between pets and children. For instance, there has never been a guide kid for the visually impaired, nor a child trained to detect substances like a drug-sniffing dog. Though there have been attempts to train kids to detect their diabetic parents’ blood sugar, the feedback has been far from positive. One parent remarked it was completely ineffective, leading him to find an alternative solution for his child’s care. Another parent, after multiple health scares, decided to take a drastic step to ensure safety.

Also, consider whether one could breed a “flat-faced” child as is done with certain dog breeds, despite potential health issues. While some might find that appearance endearing, it opens the door to questionable ethical practices. Comparatively, children engaging in undesirable behaviors—like drinking from toilets or rummaging through unpleasant things—should warrant concern. Typically, if you’re dealing with constant barking at the postman or any passerby, you likely have a dog, not a child.

To conclude, it is crucial to recognize that dogs and children are inherently different entities. While some parents might find some success in teaching children tricks, that child will eventually question the reason behind it, which could lead to resentment.

The Case of Lucy Connolly

Taking a different turn, I want to address Lucy Connolly and her recent actions. After carefully considering the situation, I believe she deserves to face significant consequences.

This goes beyond the idea of “free speech.” Lucidly, she was judged and found guilty for inciting racial hatred through her written content, violating the Public Order Act 1986. The concept of accountability is essential; breaking the law carries repercussions.

Following the tragic Southport murders, Connolly tweeted inflammatory comments based on false allegations regarding the assailant’s immigration status, calling for mass deportations and violent actions. Her post garnered 310,000 views, leading to significant unrest, including violent riots and attacks on innocent individuals, fueled by her words. If this constitutes free speech, we are in dire trouble. Historical precedents show that inflammatory rhetoric can lead to disastrous outcomes. It is imperative to hold individuals accountable for their actions, particularly when those actions can inspire real-world violence.

The law was violated with an intent to provoke harm; as a consequence, jail time seems appropriate. This should be a straightforward matter. Yet, perhaps I would be better suited to stick to discussions of dogs versus children in the future. Parents should know that every child grows up, and they won’t always want to engage in certain behaviors.