Are pets the adult verson of teddies?

[MrsRajeshKoothrappali]

Something/someone to be friends with, love and talk to.

Always there for you, don't argue and love you unconditionly.

Someone to cuddle.

What do you reckon the psychology behind pets is?

Just caught up with this @ 'then I bit him' ruffusmum - Good Girl! :)

Hope you don't get a 10-match ban, though, ruffusmum.

I openly refer to my cat as 'my favourite child'. My human children have taken to asking how much I am putting in their therapy funds. They suggested a sharp increase would be necessary after realising that the screensaver on my phone was not one of them, but the aforementioned furchild.

Movingtimes

I'm the 'MummyCat' in this house!
Good job my work colleagues who know me as a tough cookie haven't heard this!!

I don't know really. I didn't have teddies or any other cuddly toy after the age of around 10, but I've had ponies/horses, dogs and cats all my life. I love them and they are certainly companionship but they are not a child/friendship substitute.

I am wary of people who don't like animals. It seems so strange and anti-human somehow. We have valued animals as companions, especially dogs, for millennia, so when someone says something like 'I hate dogs' I really don't want anything to do with them.

"so when someone says something like 'I hate dogs' I really don't want anything to do with them."

Same here!

I remember a temp job I had a few years ago, the woman sitting next to me turns round and tells me that she hates all animals and music.

'What, even Puppies and Kittens? I asked (incredulous) - especially puppies she said'

So glad it was a temp job - couldn't stand to be anywhere near the her after hearing that.

Bibi what a joyless soul! I don't trust people who dislike animals - I totally get that some people prefer not to keep pets, can't be doing with the hassle etc, but to actively dislike all animals is just not right! Although I'm sure some people feel that way about me because I don't like children...

Unlike my ex DPs my dog listens to my probs without comment..
Is always pleased to see me...
Doesn't get drunk...
Doesn't leave the loo seat up.
BUT he has bad breath and craps all over the lawn.
Plus he farts all evening and eats like a pig. Just like my exes.

"especially puppies" . Do you think she was having you on? Sounds like something I'd say!

I think pets are like teddies for some people. My mum has a beloved dog that she hauls about like a teddy and fusses over. She was never affectionate with me or my sibling, I find it very strange.

Can't take the credit for this one....

Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
(1) eat less,
(2) don't ask for money all the time,
(3) are easier to train,
(4) normally come when called,
(5) never ask to drive the car,
(6) don't hang out with drug-using people;
(7) don't smoke or drink,
(8) don't want to wear your clothes,
(9) don't have to buy the latest fashions,
(10) don't need a gazillion dollars for college and
(11) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children

They are pets. They don't have to be a something for anything. They are just pets.

Teddy bears are just for cuddles or for adornment.

So you simply can't compare them to a living creature.

My dog is my sanity he got me out of the house and meeting people when I most needed it.

I am staff to my cats I am no illusions that I do nothing more than exist to serve their needs.

not teddy substitutes here but they are certainly company when there's nobody else around - my youngest is at uni now, & although all of my kids come & go, the cats are a constant

I didn't get them because of that - honest! but it is true nonetheless. & we 'chat'. the house would feel very empty without them

One of my cats is definitely a teddybear replacement - snuggly, cute, lovely to cuddle in bed.

Mind you, I was chatting to someone once who told me (in all seriousness) that she had always imagined having a boyfriend to be a bit like the grown up version of having a dog, and that the reality had been destroyed. I don't know if she meant she thought they need to be deflead and wormed regularly or what, but it was a bit odd.

...don't de-flea or worm my DP. Am going to try that tonight.

Mimsy I think she was probably expecting boyfriends to be Good Boys and happily follow her commands. Obviously forgot to factor in the "human" element.