"Pets are like members of the family to some. Why does it then seem strange that they would do anything for a few more months? Most people would do that for their human child in a heartbeat."
Because a pet isn't a human child. To draw comparisons would be to insult intelligence.
Those people may be willing to ascribe whatever deeper bonds or connections they want into their animals -- which is certainly admirable and romantic, even -- but just remember:
- Ascription is a human faculty
- Romantic is also defined as "not compatible with reality: idealistic, quixotic"
Being a mature human being is knowing where the line exists, when you are doing what is compassionate and humane, and when you are assuaging your own grief and denying the inevitable.
Because a pet isn't a human child.
To draw comparisons would be to insult intelligence.
Those people may be willing to ascribe whatever deeper bonds or connections they want into their animals -- which is certainly admirable and romantic, even -- but just remember:
- Ascription is a human faculty
- Romantic is also defined as "not compatible with reality: idealistic, quixotic"
Being a mature human being is knowing where the line exists, when you are doing what is compassionate and humane, and when you are assuaging your own grief and denying the inevitable.
Who are those extra months for?