Pets a ‘Wasteful Economic Category?’

By Stacey Y.

I just read the article written by Rutgers Sociologist, Lionel Tiger, “Doting On Animals In Hard Times - Why pet owners don’t feed their beloved creatures generic brands.”

Okay, let me take a deep breath and calm down…

Quoted from his article:

‘Now, when markets drip tears and For Rent signs appear over products in shops that were once For Sale, people still spend almost as much resources, time and energy as ever on a completely wasteful economic category: pets.”

Lord Jesus, Help Me!

I admit, I am not an Economist or an expert by any means.  I am a humble pet owner of 3 rescued dogs.  I also understand that there are clearly people who are not pet people or even people, people.  Things have to add up, make sense and I guess that is why we have Economists (yet our economy is screwed up even with the expert advice of these Economists).   I am probably irrational in their very logical view - I did not obtain my pets for protection (so they do not have a job), nor do I not look at them as property.

I wanted a dog; a companion and friend.  Now don’t get me wrong, I have friends and companions, but there is truly something special, even spiritual about a connection to a pet that no Economist can measure.  Thank God, I have that special, spiritual connection - for it enriches my life every day in ways that money can’t buy.

A little while ago, I posted a poll at Squidoo.com/dogfoodhut, that asks the question; ‘In the light of today’s economy, would you ever give up your pet(s)?‘  So far the answer has been NO; I guess there are other irrational individuals out there too.

I am living with extremely limited finances and there are days when ‘mama’ eats a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but I make sure that my dogs get the very best in nutrition.  I have learned the hard way, that cheap (generic or  bargain) foods are a quick formula for a sick pet.  Now, when weighing the cost of Vet bills against the cost of buying high quality pet foods that help maintain the optimum health of my pets — um, I rather pay the price to know they will be healthy.

Many pet owners realize this and have thanked me for the info provided in my blog at dogfoodhut.com, ‘Top Ways to Pick the Best Pet Food Brand.’

When I got my first dog, Buttons, I was a new pet owner.  I trotted down to Petland and consulted with the salesperson and got the very best food they had to offer.  Soon after, Buttons developed hot spots all over.  She itched and scratched and looked miserable.  I took her to Vet after Vet, whose treatments included cortisone shots, ointments and medications.  I spent a lot of money on treatments that weren’t guaranteed and expensive medications.  Buttons’ condition didn’t improve one bit.  At one point, she was suffering so much, that I even briefly considered putting her down if only to relieve her suffering.  I was at my wits end!

I just knew there had to be another answer and thankfully I researched and found that her condition was treatable, even curable.  I pumped that dog full of herbal preparations, cleansed her system and changed her diet; which included eliminating chicken (her major allergen).

Now why would I waste my time and energy on a completely wasteful economic category such as pets…because I LOVE my pets.  They are not a possession, like a flat screen t.v. or microwave.  They are not disposable, like a newspaper.  They are not replaceable, like a plant that dies and you go out and get a new one.  Each of my furry babies is special, each has there own unique personality and each one gives me a window into things immeasurable like; unconditional love, affection, presence and forgiveness.

No, thankfully I am not a rational human being.  I am a being, that interacts and cares for other beings and realizes that money, value or worth is not how life is gauged.  Maybe if we all adopted this purely irrational ideal, things would be a lot better for all.