[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by jet10s

I guess people really cannot grasp the idea or interpretation that what we spend on pets is merely a symptom of the larger problem brought on by the “relativism, narcissism, [and] consumerism” of our culture. When we personify our pets, when we devote and expend our best energy and attention on their care and attention, at the expense of other people, then we have gone too far. It becomes narcissism — a form of self-love — only “a caricature of love” — that involves satisfying our own desire to love and think ourselves loved. I have been a healthcare provider and nurse practitioner for over 40 years and my motto is obviously one which few of you seem to share -- First, people. Then, pets. From an interview given by Pope Francis (before he became Pope)(linked here), an excerpt of which (at around the 3:00 mark) is transcribed here, he says:

One interesting fact about this paganism….. the amount spent on non-necessities worldwide. Let’s put aside spending on necessary things such as food and medicine. Of those things that are not necessities, or superfluous things, the greatest amount is spent on pets. The most unnecessary spending is made on pets. Pets are idolized. And there’s the idolatry to buy, to rent, to have a feeling to give as I want, where I want, without needing a response, isn’t that true? It’s all a caricature of love. And the second largest amount of money is spent on cosmetology. Cosmetics. I don’t remember exactly the amounts worldwide, but there are millions and millions spent on these two things. Meanwhile the Pope is talking about children who are dying of hunger in underdeveloped continents like Africa, Asia and America. First come pets. And then if there is something left we throw it to the children…..”

You post on a thread about the new dog park to lecture us about the evils of spending our hard-earned money on pets?
Seriously?

[GypsyBuddy]

The park is beautiful and big, but no one has mentioned that there is not one bit of shade in either dog run. No trees, maybe because it's all under power lines, but still, no shade? When I walk my dogs, my Welsh terrier has to move from one shady spot to another most months of the year, so we will not get to enjoy the park unless the sky is full of clouds or it's a chilly winter day.

[Bonnevie]

The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

Mahatma Gandhi

he said this despite the poverty in India.
Just returned from Europe. Dogs are taken everywhere and no one bats an eye.

[RickeyD]

[QUOTE=Bonnevie;1100743


Just returned from Europe. Dogs are taken everywhere and no one bats an eye.[/QUOTE]


I love dogs, but they have their place. Anyway, I get perturbed when people compare Europe to the United States. When they learn to manage their continent properly then maybe I'll listen. Until then, there is nothing we can learn from Europe.

[TV MAN]

I mentioned the shade issue in an eariler post.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by RickeyD

I love dogs, but they have their place. Anyway, I get perturbed when people compare Europe to the United States. When they learn to manage their continent properly then maybe I'll listen. Until then, there is nothing we can learn from Europe.

Can't think what in the world that has to do with how they feel about dogs.

We are not an isolationist country. There are indeed things we can learn from Europe. I'll start with how to ensure the security of credit cards...

[llsartist]

Nothing better than watching a sweet little puppy enjoying the outdoors. I have a Pekinese and a pug… they love to get out …I'm looking forward to this new dog park opening. Do you have any idea when it will open?

[Bonnevie]

Originally Posted by RickeyD

I love dogs, but they have their place. Anyway, I get perturbed when people compare Europe to the United States. When they learn to manage their continent properly then maybe I'll listen. Until then, there is nothing we can learn from Europe.

maybe that huge portions and excessive eating leading to sky high obesity rates isn't the best way to live....

[RickeyD]

Originally Posted by Bonnevie

maybe that huge portions and excessive eating leading to sky high obesity rates isn't the best way to live....

It's called freedom. If you don't like looking at obese people, then move to France.

[GolfGirl122]

Maybe I can donate a tree for the new dog park - next to one of the new benches. I think a European tree would be nice.

[Bonnevie]

Originally Posted by RickeyD

It's called freedom. If you don't like looking at obese people, then move to France.

I hope your replies are facetious. It's not looking at obese people and of course people have freedom of choice, though I doubt anyone would choose to be obese. it's their health issues. Obesity leads to diabetes, heart disease, the list is endless. and tax payers pay for it via Medicare, Medicaid. Now children are becoming obese. It's a health issue.

Please stop throwing barbs at me.

[RickeyD]

Originally Posted by Bonnevie

I hope your replies are facetious. It's not looking at obese people and of course people have freedom of choice, though I doubt anyone would choose to be obese. it's their health issues. Obesity leads to diabetes, heart disease, the list is endless. and tax payers pay for it via Medicare, Medicaid. Now children are becoming obese. It's a health issue.



Please stop throwing barbs at me.

Then don't throw barbs at my country.

[RickeyD]

Originally Posted by GolfGirl122

Maybe I can donate a tree for the new dog park - next to one of the new benches. I think a European tree would be nice.

As long as it's not invasive, I welcome it as well.

[Bonnevie]

Originally Posted by RickeyD

Then don't throw barbs at my country.

I said in France that people are more laid back about dogs. I said their obesity rate is lower. Show me where I disparaged the United States. I consider myself blessed to have been born here. I don't want to live anywhere else. I don't think I said anything to indicate otherwise. You keep directing "love it or leave it" remarks to me when I don't think it's indicated or called for.

so I ask you again, please stop it.

[RickeyD]

Originally Posted by Bonnevie

I said in France that people are more laid back about dogs. I said their obesity rate is lower. Show me where I disparaged the United States. I consider myself blessed to have been born here. I don't want to live anywhere else. I don't think I said anything to indicate otherwise. You keep directing "love it or leave it" remarks to me when I don't think it's indicated or called for.



so I ask you again, please stop it.

I'm sure you're blessed to be born here, after all this country is the greatest country that civilized man has ever created. You alluded to the fact that people in Europe are not overweight but Americans are. I don't disagree with you. What I don't like is the tone so generally used by many Americans in that we are somehow inferior or ignorant or stupid in many ways to the lifestyles lead by Europeans perceived by many Americans as superior to ours. I say we have nothing we can learn from the Europeans. If we have a lesson to learn we'll learn it on our own when we want and at the pace we want. I am not disparaging you specifically. Simply disenchanted with the general feeling of many that we are not different from the rest of the world, just an extension of the global oneness that many want to head into. I say, we among all others on this planet are exceptional and as such have saved others from global dominated tyranny and remain free from such tyranny because we are different and we think for ourselves.