Quick thoughts and thank you Craig for posting. I saw this idea as part of another article by the same person, I think, but it was late a few nights ago and might have been that I read two articles.........................
Anyway.
Anthropomorphism is BAD when we people put their emotions and feelings onto their pets, of any kind, and assume they think like us OR that emotions rule and logic and scientific knowledge doesn't apply, or we put ourselves first and not the animal we are caring for.
Anthropomorphism is GOOD when people realize, that like us, animals can feel pain, discomfort, hunger, fear, and in many cases, joy or comfort. Caring about an animals well being and taking responsibility for that is good as is understanding that how we treat creatures that rely on is (and even children and adult friends and family) matters.
I think big people care for those that need caring, not neglect them or hurt them.
Don't forget the Golden Rule for the sake of being a good human being, not for reciprocities sake.
Not to say we don't get much from our animals in return, but it isn't exactly Quid Pro Quo. My dogs have yet to buy or cook me dinner, for example. Although they have brought me treasures from the back yard, so maybe they are trying, I just don't want them.
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