Are you saying that if anyone “elevates” the pets to the status of family member, that one is making a fool of one’s self? If so, I feel sorry for you.
Don’t fret over me.
I will explain.
If my child contracts a serious illness I will spare no expense in saving that child.
If my cat gets sick I will make a judgment on what I can afford in my budget.
I will not take out a loan to finance surgery for a pet (I know people that have spent thousands on surgery for pets and they were not wealthy people), If the cost of saving the pet is not affordable within the monthly budget; sorry kitty.
I’ve had some wonderful dogs in my life and a few sorry good for nothing relatives. I’ll take the dogs any day.