For the Love of Pets

Exactly when is one's love for a pet too much to stand? I'll be the first to admit that my dad's love for our dog, Baxter, is pushing the limits. Now, if you were one of those kids who dressed their dogs up in clothes and talked to them like human beings (don't tell me I was the only one) then that's acceptable, unless you were 13+ (just for the kids that may have done it for too long). For example, this was my families Christmas card picture when I was... let's go with 7:

This is slightly creepy.

So this picture may be pushing the limits but hey, you have to admit it is pretty funny. Now when I was in 6th grade (PETA members do not read.) my friend Amanda Mabry and I came up with an interesting game of hide-and-go-seek. Instead of us hiding from each other (playing with just two people is always boring, admit it.) we decided it would be much more entertaining to hide my dog, Snickers. Meet Snickers: 

She's not the most "fit" dog out there, but she's a lover not a fighter. She's also about 50 lbs overweight and standing tall at maybe a foot from the ground....maybe. When I say we used to "hide my dog" I don't mean under a blanket....we would hide her in my dresser drawers, in pillow cases, etc. Really responsible. Mom, if you never knew this, you know now. Sorry. 

Hiding your pets, or dressing them in clothes is pretty acceptable, or maybe I'm just saying this so I'll feel better about myself. However, one limitation on loving your pet comes from the internet, and by this I mean Facebook. Giving your a pet a Facebook can sometimes be funny (Taffy Ray is my pledge sister Courtney Ray's dog, friend her, it was recently the Maltese's birthday) but when you actually pretend to be a dog and give the dog Facebook statuses, it's a little much. Who in their right mind would do this you may ask? Well, I'll tell you. My father. Tim Fletcher. Here are a few statuses that my birth father, the man I call "Dad" has written (don't judge, I beg you...): all you humans whining about the heat. grow some hair, let it cover you from head to toe---and then---this is where it gets good, when you have to potty, you go OUTSIDE! Yeah... this heat stinks; the joy of a cool floor is infinitely more enjoyable than "spa days" for you ladies, or "grab sports illustrated and head to the master bathroom" for pops; and What's up party people? Finals have been a "bear"! Whoo! hardest part about studying?? keeping the "patron" chilled inside my kennel!! Whoop Whoop! Who's with me?

So if you think your parents talking to your dog, or maybe your room mate only wanting to spend time with their cat is abnormal, just go friend "Baxter Bear Fletcher" on Facebook and be thankful. Hope this brightens your Monday, good evening, and goodnight.