The other day, we were driving around with Katy in the backseat of the car. As we waited for a light to turn green in an intersection, a homeless woman approached our car begging for some money. Hubby rolled the window and put some in the cup she was holding. As the woman walked away, she stopped by the backseat window and started waving and talking to Katy, who looked up at her while happily curled up on a soft pillow. Instantly, I felt my throat tighten as I realized that the little pup seems to be living such a comfortable life compared to this woman.
These days, to live like a dog isn't necessarily a bad thing especially in America. A study I read said that the estimated total pet expenditure in the US in 2007 is $40.8 billion, that includes the pet purchase, food, supplies, vet care, medicines, grooming, boarding, etc. I wonder if that figure includes the ridiculous things that people who've gone overboard buy - i.e. pet strollers, complete pet furniture sets, wardrobe, designer collars, leashes and carriers, etc. That staggering amount can feed thousands of families in third world countries. Heck, it can pay a small country's debt.
It's a sobering fact that we, humans, sometimes tend to go overboard and get our priorities all wrong. There's something wrong with the picture when dogs and cats in the park are better dressed and accessorized than some of the people that are hanging out or sleeping on the park benches; when our four-legged companions are well-fed when some people are foraging for whatever food they can find in the trash .
It's difficult not to dote on our pets, especially when they sometimes behave with more loyalty and unconditional love than some people. We have been hurt so much by our fellow human beings that a lot of us have channeled our affection to our pets.
I guess all this is a symptom of an even deeper issue in society... and I have barely scratched its surface.
These days, to live like a dog isn't necessarily a bad thing especially in America. A study I read said that the estimated total pet expenditure in the US in 2007 is $40.8 billion, that includes the pet purchase, food, supplies, vet care, medicines, grooming, boarding, etc. I wonder if that figure includes the ridiculous things that people who've gone overboard buy - i.e. pet strollers, complete pet furniture sets, wardrobe, designer collars, leashes and carriers, etc. That staggering amount can feed thousands of families in third world countries. Heck, it can pay a small country's debt.
It's a sobering fact that we, humans, sometimes tend to go overboard and get our priorities all wrong. There's something wrong with the picture when dogs and cats in the park are better dressed and accessorized than some of the people that are hanging out or sleeping on the park benches; when our four-legged companions are well-fed when some people are foraging for whatever food they can find in the trash .
It's difficult not to dote on our pets, especially when they sometimes behave with more loyalty and unconditional love than some people. We have been hurt so much by our fellow human beings that a lot of us have channeled our affection to our pets.
I guess all this is a symptom of an even deeper issue in society... and I have barely scratched its surface.
1 comment:
I totally agree with you. At least with pets, they really show their deep gratitude when you show them your affection. Whereas with fellow men, there is always the skepticism that the cry for help is merely an excuse for not trying themselves. On the other hand, that is when unconditional care and love for fellow men do lie... when we show any kindness without any prejudice nor expectation. It is a hard balance. However, some people just dote on their pets to an unreasonable amount, which does seem irresponsible to some point.
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