Should There Be More Social Recognition For the Roles Our Pets Play In Our Life   

I completely agree that there should be more social recognition for animals. I do think we should be able to do certain things. I know some people would say it's a "cop out", a way to get out of work, or whatever else we need to do, but the people who would say it, have more than likely, never been a pet's guardian/a pet owner. I know that when my pets have died in the past, it has truly affected me and right now, I see the two cats I have as members of the family. It would emotionally affect me if something were to happen to them. Anyway, I think you're right. There needs to be more social recognition for it.

I think that as you said society is just starting to change the acceptable viewpoints on animals and how important they truly are to their owners. I was grief stricken when I had to put my Bakkar down and YES, I did take a day off work and luckily for me I was self employed then too. But I still had to call a few staff and tell them to take a day! So what was a day of mourning for me was an unexpected bonus for them.

If I'd been working for someone else, I still would have taken the day more than likely but would I have given the real reason, not so sure on that part!
There is a wonderful website that I am sure some mylotters have read in my comments. I am not affiliated with them in any way, It was my local vet that told me about them when Bakkar had to be put to sleep for Cancer. It's the Rainbow Bridge, there is a delightful poem that I adore and found so comforting as well one can create a virtual memorial for their pet.

With close friends, I do send a sympathy card and write in my own message. When my sister was inconsolable about her beloved little dog, she stayed in bed and cried all day. I called her 4 or 5 times that day to check in on her and just be there as best I could. Society needs to grow in understanding not only the value of the love of a pet but their innate right to kindness and respect for their intelligence. There is a long way to go on many fronts in this world of ours but to never know the true abiding unconditional love of a pet is a sad thing to me. Maybe if more people had real relationships with animals the world would be a better place...eh? Take care!! Be Well!

i usually take time off irregardless.
i'll just tell them something else rather then letting them anger me with "it's just a pet".
as much as i'd like to see berevement time for pets,i doubt work will ever do it.

I think there should be at least something. I find when it comes to pets, life is so hypocritical. We have orgnizations such as the ASpcA, but when it comes to a pet owner needing help for a sick pet, the vet is like "pay me now or I won't treat your pet". Which is heartbreaking. Some feel that if a person is that strapped for cash they shouldn't own pets in the first place, which is dead asss wrong. So yes something should be done to give equelity to pets. I mean we are animals too so what makes us more better off and more deserving then them?