Transcript American Pets - Oberlin College

AMERICAN PETS
by Athena Tacha
© 2009
It is a paradox that the USA has developed both the meat industry and the pet industry.
Americans ignore the torture of animals that they slaughter and eat daily,
while they pamper their pets to an absurd extreme,
spending
excessive amounts of money for their
presumed welfare.
“Your pooch will enjoy this mountaineering Lodge,” outdoors or indoors ($145).
A Pet Doorbell “helps your pets tell you when they need to come in or go out”
($69.95).
“Our Guardian Gear Roadster lets you stroll easily with your pet in safe and sporty style…
Mesh panels offer ample ventilation and privacy…Front panel and hubcaps have a fun paw print
design…”
You can also use a hand Pet Carrier
with a nautical design, or even
a climate controlled carrier to “keep
your pooch in warm comfort” or
prevent it from panting in the heat.
PupSTEPs with carpeted threads for
older or tired pets, “to get up onto their
favorite couch or bed for a welldeserved snooze” sell from $39.99 up
to $199.95.
And you can buy a non-slip ramp
walkway to ease your dog out of the
car and prevent dangerous jumping,
for $119.
There is no end in the variety and
quantity of pet foods available in every
food market. Cats and dogs in
America do not eat people’s left-overs,
especially no fish bones (because
they might choke), although dogs are
allowed to chew on artificial leather or
rubber “bones.” Special treats include
a tray of Gourmet Cookies or an
Dogs’ strongest sense is smell, so
they stick they nose or tongue into
everything, especially another
dog’s pee or bottom, and they
love to leave their own pee on
every landmark, from trees, to
bushes, to fireplugs.
Yet, many Americans think nothing
of kissing their dogs,
or sleeping with
them.
Most American pets are spayed.
Neuterised cats and dogs that have
no sexual pleasure are much less
aggressive, transfer their affection to
humans, and substitute sex with
eating.
And most owners overfeed their pets.
(No need for hormones!)
cats are also huge U.S. industries,
comprising spas such as Olde Towne Pet
Resort, “Smooches and Pooches mobile
grooming salons” and fashion lines such
as the East Side Collection or Zack &
Zoe’s on the
Darling Pet Boutique’s web site.
Clothes range from “basic” knit pullovers,
“snow parks” and quilted jackets for the
winter,
to elegant “night” dresses of fancy
materials.
“Dress your pooch up in this arctic
proof coat! Features super soft faux
fur and suede lining, adjustable and
attachable chest and belly straps,
decorative pockets and buckles
(starting at $66).”
“This high fashion, lace satin dress is
the perfect way to add some class to
a pet’s wardrobe. A glamorous black
lace overlay is the perfect look for a
Your dog can also enjoy such luxury
items as a ”uniquely shaped animal
robe that envelops it with comfort and
makes baths fun!”
But your cat has even more fun every
year when you dress it up for a
Halloween party in “this one-size-fitsall
red devil costume that reflects
its mischievous nature.”
Not to mention enchanting garments
such as the Kitty Crusader suit
with trimmed plastic boots,
or the most imaginative
“Dogzilla Dinosaur…
perfect for trick-or-treating.”
One may ask: If Americans
adore and anthropomorphize
their pets so much, how can
there be 5-7 million abandoned
pets in shelters yearly?
money on
pets allow
as many
homeless to
roam in
their cities?
Or worse still, how can people who spend so much money on
pets
allow even more million homeless to roam in their
cities?
Perhaps neither love for animals nor compassion
are the stronger incentives. Pets may be mainly
the remedy for human loneliness. The homeless
need them as much…
Story by Athena Tacha © 2009
Photos from Google Images and Web ads.
(Above left: © Gelty Images. Above right: Photo Kirsten
Bole.)