Dogs Heart Moms
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On language and ideas:
Are you your cat’s owner? Your dog’s mom? Guardian? Caretaker? Pet parent?
There’s been something of a revolution in how we describe the relationship between people and the dogs and cats who share their homes. The once-common term “owner” has fallen out of favor — maybe not so much in newspapers, where it still seems to reign supreme, but in just about every other arena, including the legal one, “owner” is increasingly rare. [...]
The movement to call owners “guardians” has not been without controversy. Those who oppose it, notably veterinary organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association, worry that it will lead to a rise in lawsuits, particularly in the area of malpractice. Others believe it’s the first step in an animal rights campaign to elevate animals to the status of humans under the law.
I feel silly calling myself a “mom” to my dog in public so I say “owner.” Although I don’t think that describes my bond with her accurately, it’s still easier to say. But I have noticed that the various vets and other professionals will say “are you Charlotte’s mom?”… or “Charlotte’s mommy needs…” It took me by surprise the first time I heard it but it seems like it’s getting really common now!