Australians love their pets and consider them as part of the family. The majority of Australian households – not lonely singles in need of companionship – have a pet.
But some researchers characterize this as “humanizing” animals and cite examples of people identifying as the “mother” or “father” of their pet.
The implication is that the relationship between a companion animal and a person duplicates or replaces a human-human one.
What do you think?
Is your relationship with your pet as important as any other?
Is it a valid relationship in itself or a replacement?
Would there be a distinct void in your life without your pet?