Posted on 10/23/2008 5:09:55 AM PDT by Daffynition
— "Oh, isn't he cute? My little smootchie-wootchy!" Some women talk baby-talk to their boyfriend or husband.
Some folks talk baby-talk to, well, babies.
And some of us talk baby-talk — to our animals.
"You shouldn't use the D-word, as far as we're concerned," Diane Turner said. Turner is the proud owner of a pug named Madison, and, as the local pug meet-up group organizer, she's speaking for the entire pug-owner world.
"Madison is my baby, and that's the beginning and end of everything."
So, what's wrong with this picture? Some experts say that humanizing your pet — anthropomorphism — is just not the right relationship.
"People humanize dogs and don't understand their psychology as pack animals," , also known as the Dog Whisperer, said on his Web site. Millan has made a business — and a small fortune — by helping people live happily with problem dogs. He's been known to turn a nonstop barker/biter into a pussycat in a matter of 30 minutes.
"I begin by showing the dog that I am the pack leader," Millan said. "I fulfill the dog's need through exercise, which is walking the dog in the correct way. I give the dog rules, boundaries, and limitations ... and then affection." Millan said that especially in America, dog owners tend to overdo it on doggy love. They "give affection, affection, and more affection, when what the dog really needs is exercise, discipline — and then affection." Turner contends that, at least for her pug Madison — and any other pug for that matter — the outpouring of affection is in no way detrimental.
"She is our baby; they're part of the family and have the consideration anyone else in the family has. They send (Madison) cards, she sends cards, gives and receives Christmas presents.
(Excerpt) Read more at seattletimes.nwsource.com ...
Interestingly enough, some of my girl friends have similar views on dogs and men. Ask about their love life, and their response is “I’d rather have a dog”. In either case, they tend to be much better in those departments than most humans I know.
Where was that taken? Looks like ‘way down south.’
Nice looking dog by the way.
It was taken along Bayou Tortue (Turtle Bayou) outside of Broussard, LA. There’s a lot more pup pics on my homepage.
Ya gotta’ love a dog with a grenade launcher!
OooRah!
Feet the size of dessert plates practically! Poor baby has to go to the vet, though. I’m afraid he has a problem with his esophagus or stomach. I’m pretty worried.
Oh dear .... sending positive thoughts and wishes for a happy outcome.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.