As I was out feeding, watering and playing with the cows, horses, goats and pigs last night I was contemplating their lifespans. I've lost many a relationship (and don't regret it) because I wouldn't give up my animals.

I find myself paying attention to people who do have animals as to how they have had, or will have their pets. It amazes me there are people out there who get and get rid of animals so fast. They keep them around till their old and dump them.

Am I the only one who considers how a person who has animals and acts with them is a good indicator of how they will be in a relationship long-term?

In the Isle of Man, a new married couple would receive a pair of lovebirds. Lovebirds live 25+ years, and the birds symbolized the long-term pairing and love for the couple. I'm looking at 20 years for my cows, 35 years for the youngest horse, another 20 years hopefully for Chance. 40 yrs for one of my parrots. I can easily do long term with them but why does that seem so out of reach with a person?

I think it's a partial indicator but not something to base a lifetime on.As far as the lifetime of the animals there is no comparison. An animal lover loves them unconditionally because the animals are not expected to do anything other than what they do. This is no way to approach a relationship as they are totally different .Humans are too complex to be compared that way.JMO!

I consider my dog family, almost like a child. She's always the same dog no matter what... always so excited to see me when I walk in the door even if I was only gone for 5 minutes. People are not and will never be that way, we are too complex. Animals love us for taking care of their basic needs and loving them, if only we could be so simple.

I would not give up my pets for someone. I think it does say a lot about those who do, though, and it would make me wonder what else they'd give up down the road. As for those who ask someone to give up their pets, I'd wonder what else they'd ask the person to give up down the road as well.

I agree with this statement totally.However if I knew someone was an animal abuser or didn't like them I would not be with them at all.
Animals are too much a part of my life.

I don't know Startraveller, I think its still a valid overview of how a person will be. There's plenty of people who dump their animals when they get tired of animals peeing on the carpet because they weren't housebroken properly. Or an ill-mannered biter when it was the persons fault to begin with. I know a couple of people who go through animals fairly quickly but only because they take in the old sick dogs and let them live out their lives quietly, be that a month or a year.

People don't seem to learn about the animals they want or have and then toss them when it becomes to hard. Kind of like relationships.

Well I did say it was one indicator of a persons attitude and beliefs but it should not be a decideing factor .I love animals but every once in awhile you will find one that despite your efforts is unmanageable .What do you do then ?Give it to someone who is better equipped to handle it or live with it miserably?I would vote for #1,Does that ruin me in your eyes ?Sorry but thats reality and thats what humans do as opposed to animals make decisions .Thats why they do'nt compare.

Because domesticated animals need people, people...don't really need other people, we just want other people. If necessity was there it would be completly different.

Animals don't complain, they don't yell or curse, become belligerent or ignorant...they are not arrogant or narcisstic, selfish or greedy. Animals would almost be perfect if not for humans.

If they weren't so darn tasty!

..because most people generally suck..would be my guess..animals rock!!!...

My cat is between 10 and 14 years old. I wouldn't be with anyone who would want me to get rid of him for them. I love animals and would never think about asking another person to give up their animals.

I didn't know cows, horses and birds lived that long. That's amazing.

I totaly love and adore my little Cliffy

(I think everyone knows that already!)

when someone doesn't like animals I cringe

I find them cold-- no feelings. I can't hug them. They stiffen up. Lol

it's total love when your interacting with your animals!! Shows a big old heart!! Someone who's easy to cuddle with!!!

I love cuddling with a man and my cliffy. And if he can cuddle with a dog.

He's my kinda man!!!!!

@ Startraveller - In extreme conditions, I can understand that. But then I could understand giving a child up in extreme circumstances to provide them a better life. That said, anyone I've known, who has given up an animal in extreme conditions, usually keeps in touch with the other person out of caring and concern. 95% of the time, it's not nearly as extreme as one makes out, but the individual just plain didn't want to deal with it.

@ Fear - To some extent you're right. Most domesticated animals won't survive. Though I think far more would then people give them credit for.

@ Metalwing -

@ Tombraider - I agree wholeheartedly. I was highly amused while I was watering when one of the steers, Hart, came over and licked my arm. I started scratching his chin and neck and he steps up and rested his chin on my chest and closed his eyes while I scratched his neck, head, ears, and around his horns.

@ Totage - Most folks don't. My dad had a Holstein cow that was 25 when she passed away. He was absolutely devastated. The larger parrots and macaws can do 75 years easy, and there's a huge thing in trying to make people AWARE of it, and make sure their birds are in their wills to protect them, so the living family members don't essentially toss them. Heck, a chicken, allowed to lay naturally, can live 6-8 years.

@ Gossipmpm - Oh yeah!

I love animals, and I've had quite a few.

None of them ever tried to change me.

I agree 100% with Lex!!

When I'm PMS'ing my brains out....

Sobbing over a girlie movie...

Cursing like a truck driver.....

Wake up lookin like a crackhead....

Sleep in my clothes....

Fart and scratch my ***....

He's always there

tounge hanging to the side

butt wAgging

saying "ilove you" with those big brown eyes!

See guys

that's all ya gotta do

hang that young out!
Shake that butt!

Hmmmm...Equus....I like your way of thinking....

if one compared the committment of owning animals that live a long time...to the level of committment in a romantic relationship...most people would find it hard to commit to a goldfish!

Instant gratification and constant upgrade seems to be the flavour of the month for this modern society...

I am way more of a Luddite...and prefer longevity...

Well number 1 any man that doesnt find U adorable must be crazy!!!!!# 2 if someone dont like animals that dont have a CHANCE with me!! #3 see above did I say U are an awsume lady?