Pet, a Part of The Family by Lorelai Guida

Dog Eat Dog World

guid2905 — 2023-12-10 20:04:20 UTC

I felt that this image really ties together veganism, for humans to dress a beloved pet as what we would consider dinner, says something about how humans are selective on what animals they choose to love and what animals we choose to eat. Not only is it interesting that one animal is valued more than others but it says something that a person would dress their pet as food. It shows that even though dogs are held above chickens for example they are still held far below humans.

Pitbull in Pearls

guid2905 — 2023-12-10 20:16:31 UTC

It's ironic to dress an aggressive dog breed like a princess because it's a contrast between their representation and the image that is portrayed by this costume. Pitbulls have a reputation for being aggressive and scary animals, which contrasts the sweet and dainty image of a princess. Dressing them up in frilly outfits can make light of the stigma placed on this breed combatting the species divide.

Bad Dog

guid2905 — 2023-12-10 20:29:59 UTC

As humans we feel superior, we feel entitled to say "bad dog" when animals are acting instinctively. Humanizing dogs can be known to negatively impact their natural instincts. Dogs have unique behaviors and needs that are different from ours as humans. When we treat them too much like humans we suppress their instincts. And when they finally can act out their instincts they are punished for their misbehavior.

What a Treat

guid2905 — 2023-12-10 20:41:48 UTC

Although humanization of pets has negative consequences it is a gold mine for the economy. Pet owners are known to go above and beyond when it comes to spoiling their animals. Making stores like Petco and PetSmart so successful and giving jobs to so many people including pet care workers like groomers and pet sitters, veterinarians. If people didn't hold their pets so highly there would not be this influx in spending to boost the economy. It is interesting how dogs and all pets for that matter are so underrepresented because they are without a voice to advocate for themselves while simultaneously uplifting our economy on their looks alone.

You Are Your Fathers Son

guid2905 — 2023-12-10 20:58:03 UTC

This is a comedic representation of the humanization of how house pets are humanized. This image really shows how the identity of non-human animals can be stripped by something as simple as treating them like a part of the family by eating and sharing food with them. This obviously an extreme example of how this represents the species divide but it is a clear display of the erasure of animal experience caused by humans attempts to make them more like a child then a pet.

Best Man

guid2905 — 2023-12-10 21:01:30 UTC

This dog was a big enough part of the family that his owners had him in their wedding party. This is a big trend starting up in the last few years. Its sweet to see that people care so much about their pets to the point that they want them involved in their big life events. At the same time this is one of the highest levels of the humanization of pets. By dressing these animals in human clothes and labeling them grooms-men and brides-maid they give them an almost human identity separate from their true animal identity.