Pets becoming ‘surrogate children’ as couples seek fewer responsibilities
Couples are increasingly adopting pets instead of having families as economic realities mean they are delaying having children.
A pet dog or cat may become a “surrogate child”, and be given the family position of a boy or girl, without many of the responsibilities such as clothing or schooling. However, many are not prepared for the emotional investment that a pet requires.
According to one psychologist, “Animals are surrogates for children and appeal to our need to nurture. We’ve even selectively bred dogs to make them more like children... to be attuned to our emotions and to give unconditional love.”
“Owners need to be aware that pets don’t behave in the same way as children,” said Mark Singleton of the Pets4Homes.co.uk pet classifieds and advice website, “and it’s easy to fall into the trap of treating them as a human and ending up with all sorts of behavioural problems.”
“Your dog or cat isn’t a little person even if they act like a toddler. Some things - such as giving them certain human foods - can be positively dangerous.”
“Through our free to access articles on Pets4Homes.co.uk we offer significant help and advice on pet training to help your pet find its proper place in the family unit.”
As long as owners are prepared for the responsibilities, there’s nothing wrong with treating a pet as a fully-fledged family member.
With progressively complex pet toys, clothing, and fashionable grooming - families with a disposable income are increasingly spoiling their animals, but that need not necessarily be a bad thing.
“Responsibility as a parent and responsibility as a pet owner are very much the same thing,” said Mark , “As long as they’re treated with care, a pet can quite easily become a ‘surrogate child’. And like a child, they’ve got to be treated with care and respect.”
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Weather for Wisbech
Saturday 18 May 2013
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