Do you let them plan sneak attacks on houseguests?

Not so much "let" as "train them to." Does that count?

I have to say, the term 'furbaby' makes me nauseous.

I am right there with you.

Furbaby makes me think of a teratoma.

Cat's don't greet you at the door?

I'm very outside the pet loop.

But my tradition doesn't see them as family. It sees them as possessions. Responsibilities, but possessions.

It will come as no surprise to anyone that Bartleby is the center of my universe. When I thought I might die last year, the only concern I had was that he be taken care of. There is a list of 10 people (two hopped on in the last week) who have vowed to ensure his safety and care should I no longer be able to take care of him. In this, I am at peace.

He is a dog. I treat him as such, not because I am a dominionist but because it is unfair to infantalize animals for our amusement. Canines have evolved to adapt to primate society but not to our neuroses. We should give them the care they need as dogs, not as children.

Do I put a jacket on my dog when it is very cold? Yes I do. He hates it, by the way, but it is important to keeping him clean, dry and healthy.

Does he sleep in my bed or claim anything in this world that belongs to me? Never. Not because he wouldn't want to, but because I know it is bad for him.

Cortez has been asleep on the sofa when the kids next door come over. Total noise and chaos, and he doesn't even lift his head.

Furbaby

It makes me think of a fetish. Yuck.

Teratoma Fetish!

I never call my dogs my "kids". They're very different things.

I can't keep a plant alive but, evidently, have no problem keeping pets alive into advanced old age.

A pet keeps reminding you of its existence. A plant, not so much. I could probably keep an indoor plant alive if it would scratch at the door for more sunlight and looking longingly at the faucet.

A pet keeps reminding you of its existence. A plant, not so much.

Exactly.