Animal lovers are offended by a mother of three children who says that referring to dogs as “fur babies” is “an insult to moms.”

“A pet, especially one that someone treats with a lot of love and kindness as if it were a baby,” is what the Cambridge Dictionary defines as “fur babies.” Pet parents who consider their four-legged offspring members of their family use this term of endearment.

The woman, who concedes that she might come across as a “self-righteous parent,” failed to notice that the term “fur babies” is actually used in the English language. Consequently, her elitist criticism of pet owners prompted an outpouring of comments from the online community.

There is growing animosity between people who see their dogs as babies and others who see them as just animals. According to Forbes, 76% of cat owners and 85% of dog owners, respectively, regard their pets as members of the family. Furthermore, from $123.6 billion in 2021 to $136.8 billion in 2022, Americans spent more money on pets.

A second study of 2,000 owners of dogs and cats found that 81% of respondents said they treated their pets the same as they would people and that 71% often put their pets’ needs ahead of their own.

In a survey done on behalf of Chewy, 47% of participants called their animals “babies,” and 31% said they were the “mom or dad” of their animal companion. Elizabeth Broadbent said that “that is an insult to moms.”

In an article she wrote for an internet publication in the summer of 2022, Broadbent advised pet owners to refrain from calling their animals “fur babies.”

The mother of three asserts that “kids and dogs are not the same” despite having two dogs and three kids.

However, we never referred to those cherished dogs as “furkids” or “furbabies.” As of the last time I looked, dogs aren’t people. “Your puppy is not your child, so stop saying that he is,” she says. Now that I have three kids, I can say with certainty that dogs and kids are not the same thing.

Internet people were outraged by the Facebook post and criticized her for her invasive remarks.

“She spends too much time doing nothing.Everyone is probably well aware of the distinctions. One says, “I have two kids and I love my fur baby,” and another responds, “She is exactly right, they are not the same, which is why kids are baby goats, dogs are furbabies, and children are skinpuppies.”

According to a third, “loved dogs are like babies with fur; if given the right care, they are the most loyal creatures ever.”This woman has no idea why she is asking people to do this terrible act.The world is free.

Broadbent continues by detailing the steps she took to babyproof her house, which included putting “safety locks on all the cabinets,” hiding “cleaning fluids,” and removing “strangulation hazards.”

“You removed all chewable, took up poisonous plants, and provided appropriate chew toys,” she stated in reference to puppy proofing.

According to The American Kennel Club, she missed a few crucial pet-proofing points, like:

Remove/hide all chewing hazards (cords, plants, food, medication)
Place cleaning supplies in a safe place
Secure cupboards with childproof latches
Raise blinds to avoid strangulation
Broadbent does however agree that “pet ownership is a serious commitment that should only be taken up by those who really mean to care for an animal for the rest of its natural life.”

Suggesting that “you can most ignore your dog,” she continues, “You’re stuck with your dog…except you’re not because you can leave. Before my husband and I had kids, we traveled all the time–dropped the pups by the doggie spa, paid extra for playground time, and hopped the plane guilt-free.”

Broadbent is one of the 60% of people who don’t take their dogs into account when planning a trip.

More over half (62%) said they wished they could take their pets with them when they travel, either “all the time” or “most of the time,” despite the fact that just 40% of respondents stated their pets affect the trips they take.

“Pets have become our whole world, so it’s no surprise to see them claim their rightful place of prominence in the household,” says Dr. Katy Nelson, senior veterinarian at Chewy. “This reflects the larger trend of ‘pet prioritization,’ or placing our pets’ needs above our own when considering major life decisions or planning our social calendars and daily behaviors.”

Online users in the “fur baby” camp are not pleased with Broadbent’s opinions.

One user writes, “So, I have two daughters and a fur baby. My daughters call the fur baby their little brother. My husband and I call him our son. He knows each of us by name. If my husband tells him to go to Mommy, he’s immediately at my feet. Some people cannot accept that these ‘fur babies’ are a part of our family.”

The post continues, “They are loved, and they love us back fiercely and unconditionally. I personally feel sorry for people who never experienced the unconditional love of a dog. Maybe then, they would understand ‘fur babies.’”

Another says, “She’s absolutely right, they are not the same. Animals are generally more polite and nicer to be around than some kids these days.”

Only a few of the over 16,000 comments support Broadbent’s viewpoint.

“I agree with her… they are pets…animals…not darling children,” says one in a comment that triggered hundreds of replies.

One fires back, “Why can’t they all be darling? I treat my fur baby as I would want to be treated. I show my son that same love and respect. I have enough love to go around!”

And another says, “Totally agree with you! My fur babies are more behaved than some “darling” children as well!!”

A fur baby lover writes, “My dogs, cats and whatever else I have as a family can be my “babies” whether they have fur, feathers, skin or scales. Each of them have a special place in my heart and life that gives them a loving title of my choosing. So don’t offend me with your tiny little closed mind, and crawl back under your rock.”

We adore animals and think it’s amazing how well people care for their four-legged children! Animals are such adorable, helpless little beings who need all the toppings that their human parents can provide in terms of unconditional love.

Please share this story and let’s see what others have to say about this mother’s opinion on fur babies!