Thoughts on people committing their time and resources on animals

[Suze]

I have been concerned for several years about the relationship between the American people and their pets. Be patient, I'll try to explain.

There can be little question that focus, attention, and spending on our pets has increased exponentially during the past several decades. Very few households are "pet free" and our pets are pampered now more than any time in our history. It is now nearly a crime (sometimes it is illegal) to house your pet outside the home. They get designer food and better health care than many of our fellow citizens; despite its exorbitant cost. They have become welcomed travelers (not so a very few years ago) and it is increasingly common to see them in our grocery stores and restaurants. We even have public parks now, exclusively dedicated to pets. Except for the high cost of vet care, I have no issue with any of these.

My issue is this; is there a connection between our continued elevation of pets and the continuing de-valuation of children (and the elderly) in modern society? (Our declining birth-rate and the total disinheritance of our elderly are just two of many supporting statistics).

While we chase the god of self-fulfillment, pets have become the "easy" replacement. They place far fewer demands on our time and treasure. They also become an easy replacement for the love and attention we would normally expend on our children and others.

Try as I might, I can find no parallel in God’s word.

Yes , pets r much easier to love than many humans r , they r less demanding , they don't disagree with u , they don't give u very much trouble at all compared to how a human can drive u crazy . We need to remember that none of this is the animals fault . It's our fault that we devalue human relationships , not the animals fault .

 

[JaumeJ]

Yes , pets r much easier to love than many humans r , they r less demanding , they don't disagree with u , they don't give u very much trouble at all compared to how a human can drive u crazy . We need to remember that none of this is the animals fault . It's our fault that we devalue human relationships , not the animals fault .

My Jack Russell is a brown and white small version. Aadopted ten years ago, it seems she trains me more than I do her. Actually, I vowed never to discipline her in any manner, other than a louder voice. The worst abuse from me she has ever had is a slight tug on her leasche, but I have never tugged her as forcefully as she does when she gets exite or is in a hurry.
After ten years, though she be totally spoiled, her affection is constant, het when I call her when she is outside, she jusst wanters all over the garden until she is good and ready to come my way. Go figure!

 

[SirSolaScriptura]

What are your thoughts on people devoting their time and resources on animals (versus humans)? This could involve people choosing certain professions such as veterinary science, committing time/volunteering at animal shelters, zoos, etc., and/or giving monetarily more/primarily towards animals and animal causes?

Some people seem to have a more black/white reaction on spending a lot of money on animals (vet bills, donations, etc.). Does this necessarily mean that they are prioritizing animals over humans? I think most everyone would prioritize a human whom they loved over a pet. Maybe the people they love at that point in time are not as needy compared to their pet? If you say, "Well, this person could have given $X to the poor instead of paying for vet bills/donating to wildlife charity," what is to become of the animals? A lot of these animal charities are very low on resources, hence their constant fundraising.

And what about people committing most of the waking hours towards animals either through work or volunteering?

All Creation is waiting for its day of salvation too,
"For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him (Adam) who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." (Romans 8:19-23)

The Apostle Paul makes a distinction there between the rest of creation and us Humans. So its clear that creation is waiting for its day of freedom from decay, pain, and corruption. The Animals were pulled into sin, they did not make the choice, Adam and Eve did, that is why it says "unwillingly" in Romans Chapter 8, Verse 19. In my view people who tend to animals are living out this verse, the sons of God revealing themselves to the rest of creation.

St. Francis of Assisi even believed in preaching to creation, he would tell sermons to the birds and etc. Animals do seem to respond, and even plant life, I had a Christ statue and cross in our garden, the ivy grew around it, not over it.