Animal Person

NOVEMBER 1, 2010

And I received confirmation of something I've known since 2004, when we adopted retired racing greyhound, Violet Rays: That there's sort of a critical period for dog-behavior acquisition, and if it's missed, the dog isn't likely to mature into the type of loving being whose behavior we've come to associate with "pet" dogs. And he details why.

Dogs 100

Dogs Pit Bulls Greyhounds Kennels 100

Animal Person

MARCH 18, 2010

When referring to cats, dogs and horses of unknown sex, the children would randomly assign sex, with the conventionally "prettier" animals being called "she." I remember that as a child I called all cats "she" and dogs "he" in the absence of a name. We need language that doesn't support a divide between "pet" animals and everyone else.

Gorillas 100

Gorillas Pets Vegan Speciesism 100

Animal Person

AUGUST 3, 2009

We have a tendency as a society to anthropomorphize our animals, especially our pets. None of this is objectionable; our pets provide us with a tremendous amount of love, companionship and joy and deserve the best care we can give them. We give them human names and provide them with the same amenities we enjoy as humans.

Emotional 100

Emotional Farm Animal Farmed Animals Agenda 100