Pet Weddings-Insulting?
Is anyone else a little offended by this? First of all I would like to explain that I am rather a-political and don't normally like to instigate such discussions. However, I am a lesbian and I want nothing more than to be able to have the honor and the privilege of marrying the woman that I have loved for some time now. I have resided in Texas for a long time with my partner and I am saddened and hurt that the government refuses to grant us the basic right to have our relationship acknowledged officially. I feel insulted when I see commercials during some of my favorite We shows about this upcoming show where people throw elaborate weddings for none other than their pet dogs, when many of these same people would not to begin to acknowledge my wedding should it ever occur. Does this not seem wrong?
Dear PrettyLindsey, I genuinely am sorry that you and your partner are victims of such discrimination. I find it ironic that in this country we support war & violence yet we DO NOT support people who simply want to celebrate their love for one another and build their lives together. The double irony is that the adversity comes mainly from Christian populations who "in the name of the Lord" are so vehement and hateful about this issue AS IF the Lord himself told them directly what was what. I am no longer a Christian but am Spiritually driven to paths that promote tolerance, truth and kindness. I simply cannot imagine Jesus himself (historically, a profound and great Teacher) behaving in such a crude manner - he truly MUST be ashamed as to how his Teachings and words have been so distorted and utilized to promote such aggressive points of view. I would think if I were a Christian the goal would to be how to respect & accept all human beings - the challenge would be towards those different than ourselves. From what I have come to understand & experience from my own Gay friends is that being Gay is not all about sexuality as seems to be the tag lined focus of those adverse. I fully support Gay marriages and any union that is about respect, joy, love & celebrating the very short lives that we live. Doggie Weddings are well....whatever. I wish the people who "dress" and use their dogs like "accessories" would take that time and money and spend it a bit more wisely. Maybe on Training that engages and stimulates the dog, strengthens genuine communications with them and thru this education, helps people minimize the trips that we tend to lay on our dogs. They can be loved as our family, treated with respect, but they are dogs and it's about time we start understanding who they are & what they REALLY need and desire vs. what we need from them. Dressing them up in ridiculous costumes is one step from Circus Elephants. Perhaps if my own 4 little rescue's showed up one morning dressed all by themselves in a goofy outfit, THEN I might consider it as it was their choice. But it seems this country isn't big on allowing people and beings to make their own choices. Apparently not yours nor the dogs forced to participate in such a sadly silly & superfluous show like Doggie Weddings. I wish you much happiness with your Partner. Life is hard enough. I really don't know why people try to make it so much harder. G in New York
I understand how you must feel but it is not personal or anti anything to love your pet & want to do something for them! Besides the government doesn't recognize Animal Cerimonies either. I don't think you should take it as a negative against you or any other couple! If you want to just have a wedding anyway! If Uncle Sam doesn't understand well you do & you can still announce your love with out some piece of paper from the government!
Next...another person talked about anthropomorphism. However, when you spend time with your pets you can see how they feel & think for them selves & usually understand & like what their owners do. Almost all of my pets climb into clothing on their own. I don't make a habbit of putting it on them or even buying costumes but my ferrets especially love to be in outfits & wrapped in blankets! They also play with them when they are not wearing them! But I do agree with forcing animals to make you happy!
Most animals are not forced to do stuff like that though even for doggie weddings! Most animals understand the connection & cerimony not in the way we do but the attmosphere & intent of the owner. If the average dog knows the meanings for about 200 human words why shouldn't some of those be about love & permanent bonds or even your spiritual beliefs! More & more Churches are recognizing that dogs should be allowed to join their owners in those rituals. I personally don't belong to a church or have a political conviction! I do completely have faith in the basic rights of all living things to live & have serious & silly lives as they see fit!
Personally I find that people who arrange dog/pet marriages probably should seek mental counseling...its one thing to joke about it...another to actually dress them up and perform a ceremony. That just tells me that they have very little friends to get out on the town with.
Anyhoo, YES I do agree with you that it IS insulting to both lesbians and gays. What they are demonstrating is that its socially acceptable for dogs to get married before its socially acceptable for a lesbian or gay couple to be married.
Unfortunately, there are strict regulations when it come to unions but that said i think that you/or anyone else shouldn't take personal offense to those that throw elaborate weddings for their pets. Those ppl just don't really know what else to do w/their money so they spend it on throwing a "wedding" for their pets. lol...