Pets aren’t people
For the record, I am a huge animal lover. I keep my bird feeders full. I give names to all of the neighborhood cats. National Geographic could learn a thing or two from me, as I vigorously photograph the birds, rabbits, and other wildlife at my favorite park. I enjoy the dogs, and even a cat once, that stroll by on leashes. Invariably, though, an excited pet owner will stop me and ask why I don’t own a furry child of my own. That is when I feel the need to remind the world that pets aren’t people. They actually have more manners sometimes. And there’s the rub, no pun intended. It’s not that I don’t like four-legged friends. Rather, I’m incredibly allergic to them and have even had an unpleasant encounter, or two, with pets. My son has two dogs. One bit me five minutes after our first meeting. My “grand pup” is now getting obedience lessons. A friend who invited me to her house has a dog and a cat. She suggested that I might be OK if I didn’t touch them. I went but got mixed signals. Her cute pup licked my hand then growled at me. Another friend messaged me: “ I do have my son's cat so maybe not a good idea for you to come over, but that's your call. You are certainly welcome!” No, I don’t want to take an allergy medicine appetizer and come to your house for dinner. I’ll be glad to meet you in a pet-free zone. Just brush the cat fur off your clothes first. My sister-in-law who lives in Florida has pets. Guess where I’m not going for vacation, but I’ve noticed that pets are very pampered these days. There is the gourmet pet food store and the doggie day care, and there are even activities. Dogs and cats can have their photos taken with Santa at the mall, and a huge dog park has replaced the field where deer used to graze. Like I said, I enjoy animals. But when animals get more respect than people, and invitations from pet owners are few and far between, I need to call fowl. Even the lady who has a bird that “stays in another room” is not exempt. Sarah Rivera is a freelance writer who lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She relies heavily on chocolate and a sense of humor.