"Pet" and "Critter" now deemed derogatory names ;)

[sgath92]

Agreed, although PETA doesn't even want "companion animals" they want us to release them all into the wild to frolic in a Disney-esque musical sequence!!

They do like the terminology because it fits into their long term agenda.

See they want people to start using the phrase "companion animals" because it human-izes them. They are hoping it will get people to slowly see them as individuals with rights which would make pet ownership a form of slavery. They actually admit this is their plan if you can stand to watch some of their propaganda videos & speeches online.

[babyknees]

Just getting comfortable with the new terminology! Didn't want to offend anyone by saying that PETA doesn't like "pets". Pet is offensive.

[gardenfiend138]

It all depends on how you view your keeping... I prefer and have been using the term companion animals for years now, although I'm not always comfortable using it because people become very judgmental when they hear it.
My reasons may not be aligned with whoever made it a national issue, but the words pet, owner, etc. are very loaded words, and are a result of the domination discourse that have been, and still are, so strong in our society.
Relationships with reptiles aren't like those with domesticated mammals--to me, it is much more of a "let's see if I can provide you with an adequate environment, and I don't care that you won't ever wag your tail when you see me" kind of thing.

I have no issue whatsoever with people continuing to use traditional terms for the animals they keep, it's a personal choice, but don't knock the general use of the term just 'cause you don't agree with it. No one can make you use the term, it's all about your worldview and perception of the matter.

Just my opinion, not claiming I'm right by any means, but please people, it's a personal choice--always has been, and always will be.

[angllady2]

I'm glad I've never been PC.

Gale

[spitzu]

the words pet, owner, etc. are very loaded words, and are a result of the domination discourse that have been, and still are, so strong in our society.

I spent quite a bit of money attending dog training classes to learn how to be dominant member of the pack. If ball pythons lived in packs I would absolutely try to manipulate them using the same tricks. Maybe they'd eat when I told them to.

[gardenfiend138]

I spent quite a bit of money attending dog training classes to learn how to be dominant member of the pack. If ball pythons lived in packs I would absolutely try to manipulate them using the same tricks. Maybe they'd eat when I told them to.

Dogs are very unique, as they are only around as a result of co-evolution with humans. And dominant in the way you use it it synonymous with leader; I am speaking of the discourse of domination over nature--our attempts to control, own, separate, etc. rather than seeing ourselves as an intrinsic part of it. using the term companion animal instead of other terms is just a different way of viewing the relationship. It doesn't change the relationship, the animal, the owner at all, just the perception of the relationship. Like I said before, call it whatever you want =]

[Kymberli]

Oh, this was a good laugh.

I'd just like to say, I see no problem with being deemed as the "dominant owner" in the relationship between myself and my animals. If I did not assert my dominance and train them to accept being handled properly, I would be in a world of chaos with the amount and types of creatures I own. Lol.

[Cendalla]

Pet? Companion animal? One's shorter and rolls off my tongue easier. I still think their are more important issues that the 'powers that be' should focus on.

[Iryendir]

Sigh. I call my dogs my companions, but that's just because I think of Mocha (my terrier) as something between a baby and a pet. My lizards? Those are pets. I own them.

Last time I checked...? They don't let us claim our 'companions' on our tax returns, so they're property.

[LizardPants]

Good point. If we're supposed to call our pets 'companion animals' now, I want to claim them as dependents!