Why do humans have pets?

[Mixolydian]

What is it about little creatures that makes us want to have them around? :hmm: Whether it's a dog, cat, bird, reptile, fish, you name it - humans love having animals in their lives.

 

[Rakehellion]

Other animals have pets too.

 

[luv2liv]

humans need to give as well as receive love.
there's a lot of single people in the city i live and i see them walking their dogs every day.

 

[lxskllr]

Other animals have pets too.

I'm not sure that qualifies as a pet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwegzhXAqaQ

 

[slayer202]

same reason that people have kids, selfishness

 

[OCGuy]

Anthropomorphism, necessity, and companionship.

Humans are instinctually attracted to babyish/helpless animals, aka "cute." With dogs, after they grow out of the "cute" puppy faze, they can be basically part of the family (mans best friend blah blah)

Bonus points for the more intelligent animals that we can project or see human-like characteristics onto (dogs, cats, dolphins, horses), even if it is misguided (dog-shaming).

It probably started with necessity due to actually using domesticated animals as tools and food. Dogs are great for hunting. Horses are great for working. Pigs are great for smoking and eating whole.

 

[edro]

Form of entertainment.

Case in point, I give you shark cat on roomba chasing duckling:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3tU_SYSfOU

 

[JulesMaximus]

Some of us are nurturers.

 

[Doppel]

I'm not sure that qualifies as a pet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwegzhXAqaQ

In the full version of that video the thing t-bags the frog, and that is definitely pet territory there :whiste:

Also, that is arguably the worst (i.e. best) video on the internet. Worse than goddess bunny.

 

[Jodell88]

same reason that people have kids, selfishness

 

[DrPizza]

Companionship, entertainment, protection, profit, other utilitarian purposes - hunting dogs, herding dogs, sled dogs, etc., recreation (horseback riding), hobby, competition,

 

[IronWing]

Cute works.

 

[T9D]

They are needy

 

[baydude]

Why do you humans go chop down trees every year and place them inside their homes and decorate the trees w/ various objects?

 

[OlafSicky]

same reason that people have kids, selfishness

X2
Pet owner are usually very needy selfish people. All forms of pet ownership should be banned. It's cruel to keep animals as pets. Pet ownership contributes to the destruction of our planet. The resources should be diverted to more worthwhile endeavors.

 

[dighn]

dunno, it's kind nuts really. i want a bird, but the responsibility scares me. so no bird

 

[OCGuy]

X2
Pet owner are usually very needy selfish people. All forms of pet ownership should be banned. It's cruel to keep animals as pets. Pet ownership contributes to the destruction of our planet. The resources should be diverted to more worthwhile endeavors.

Exactly...cruel as hell. There should be a massive sweep where all pets are eliminated in front of their owners. If the owners will not comply, they should be eliminated as well. Preventing cruelty is serious.

 

[Brigandier]

Exactly...cruel as hell. There should be a massive sweep where all pets are eliminated in front of their owners. If the owners will not comply, they should be eliminated as well. Preventing cruelty is serious.

It is more cruel to live a life of slavery than to take one thankful breath.

 

[OCGuy]

It is more cruel to live a life of slavery than to take one thankful breath.

Freeeeeeeeeeeeedom!


*castration scene*

 

[schneiderguy]

I keep pets around for the same reason I keep women around.

 

[IronWing]

I keep pets around for the same reason I keep women around.

Holy crap! Dogs can cook?

 

[OCGuy]

I keep pets around for the same reason I keep women around.

You don't want anyone to find out that you actually do not like pets?

 

[cherrytwist]

When I met my wife she had one older cat. When he passed about 3 yrs later, it took about a week and me asking every time we passed the humane society (it was near her home) she finally said "yes." He is 13 now and we have adopted 3 others since.

I hadn't had a pet since a dog for about a week when I was a kid before I'd met my wife. Our cats are affectionate (to a fault). Most cats aren't this way. They nurture each other (all boys, neutered) and never leave the house except for vet visits.

We all have a bond and there is a definite pecking order. The oldest one is the fattest, but the youngest protects him. Just watching them is more entertaining than television most nights.

 

[DrPizza]

X2
Pet owner are usually very needy selfish people. All forms of pet ownership should be banned. It's cruel to keep animals as pets. Pet ownership contributes to the destruction of our planet. The resources should be diverted to more worthwhile endeavors.

Our german shepherd LOVES to play fetch with a ball - usually a basketball or soccer ball. She can easily grab either in her mouth. Damn thing thinks that the watermelons in the garden are balls. I keep opening the door to find more watermelons sitting there. The weird thing is, she doesn't puncture the watermelons with her teeth. But, when I was teaching her to fetch a beer for me (wanted to get her to get the beer out of the fridge), she punctured every single can. Eventually, I gave up. Well, only temporarily. Someone suggested putting all the cans in koozies in the fridge. Training shall resume.

Oh, another reason for pet ownership:

"Gia, get me a beer!"

 

[thedarkwolf]

Holy crap! Dogs can cook?

Mine are pretty good at cleaning the dishes.