Not So Different.

‘Bout to raise some hackles.

A case for anthropomorphism can be made when discussing the basic necessities and core emotions of sentient beings.

Like comparing children and dogs. Hear me out.

Similar to bringing a human child into your world, bringing a dog into your world will inevitably change your routines, habits, and general lifestyle.

We know from scientific research that dogs have the cognitive abilities of a 3 year-old toddler. And according to neuroscientists, our brains have a near identical composition as dogs’ brains.

Both dogs and kids seek safety, comfort, and joy.

Both dogs and kids can feel fear, pain, and discontent.

Both beings need loving guidance as they discover the world.

So why is it that we’re still casually dropping dogs into our lives like they’re furry droids, only to force our unrealistic expectations onto them?

Would you:
Bring a child into your life and expect nothing at all to change?
Assume that your baby comes into the world knowing how to act accordingly in every situation?
Bring your baby in public and expect them not to cry or fuss, ever? And get angry and annoyed if they do?
Punish your child for being scared?
Invalidate your toddler’s feelings and leave them to “deal with it” on their own?
Suppress the ways in which your child communicates with you?

Or would you:
Make concessions in your life in order to ensure that your child feels safe, heard, and loved?
Meet them where they are with curiosity and patience?
Prefer that your child looks to you for comfort and safety rather than fearing you as their punisher?

As a culture, we tend to hold these two similar creatures to much different standards. It’s seen as normal to change your entire life and life’s meaning for one, but not the other.

Just something to think about.