I’m glad you found purpose in the responsibility of caregiving. Truly. But that doesn’t mean your dog loves you, I’m sorry. It is an animal whose entire existence is dependent upon you, and a child of a long line of selective breeding and conditioning designed specifically to perform for you. You chose your dog, your dog had no voice in the matter.
Also, after thinking about it, your argument isn’t really that different than a baby small child being preconditioned to love its family without the cognitive ability to do so.
Don’t love your mom? Well that wasn’t your choice. You were unfairly preconditioned to do so against your will.
You are severely discounting what the love of a pet can give you in return.
In a lot of ways, my dog saved my life. I genuinely don’t know if I would be here if it wasn’t for my dog.
My dog keeps me going when I’m having a bad day because they need me.
I’m a big proponent of a charity that tries to keep homeless owners with their pets.
The love of a pet can absolutely save lives and give people a reason to not give up on trying.
I’m glad you found purpose in the responsibility of caregiving. Truly. But that doesn’t mean your dog loves you, I’m sorry. It is an animal whose entire existence is dependent upon you, and a child of a long line of selective breeding and conditioning designed specifically to perform for you. You chose your dog, your dog had no voice in the matter.
Also, after thinking about it, your argument isn’t really that different than a baby small child being preconditioned to love its family without the cognitive ability to do so.
Don’t love your mom? Well that wasn’t your choice. You were unfairly preconditioned to do so against your will.
Did you birth your dog? Do you share DNA? Then these are not equivalent.
My point wasn’t whether the dog loves me or not (he does). I was countering your implication that pets have no value and are a social scourge.
Your view point is incredibly narrow and shortsighted.