Rights and Responsibilities of Pet Spouses

    Spring is unquestionably my favorite season in Minnesota.  The weather is near-perfect; the mosquitoes have yet to hatch; and all the world is outdoors in the warming sun.  It is the time to dig out our softball equipment, to oil up our inline-skates, and to think about adopting the perfect pet.

    Cute, cuddly, faithful, and attentive to our every mood, pets offer us unconditional love, constant companionship, and a sense of security.

   

    On bright summer days, they energize us to go forth and greet the world, while on grayer days, they make good listeners, never failing to take our side, no matter how outrageous or inane our behavior.

    But, realizing that I travel far too frequently to tend to a pet adequately, I have arrived at a mature decision:  I need to be around long enough to form an adult relationship with another rperson before I endeavor to adopt a pet.

    Yes, pet ownership is healthy and desirable, but as the local Humane Society can point out, taking responsibility for a pet is a big step, a larger task than most of us realize.  Before you adopt, you need to be ready for the downside.

   

    I have had many friends who have found they lack the time, finances, or maturity to provide for their pet’s needs properly.

    Human relationships have their responsibilities as well.  They have their downs as well as their ups.

    In our current rush to pursue queer-marriage rights, we need to be aware of the same considerations.

    We agree that the queer community is ready for legalized marriage commitments, but “adopting” a spouse can make pet issues pale in comparison.  We need to identify clearly our moral and legal obligations before we pursue this human responsibility.

    Are we ready for the consequences:  divorce, alimony payments to ex-lovers, ambiguous common-law arrangements, and expensive settlement agreements?

    Do our “open-though-committed” relationships then become bigamous, polygamous, or simply adulterous?

    Should extramarital lovers be granted certain rights and recognitions?

    Should a “friend with benefits” be granted visiting rights to the cat?

    Certain gay-marriage opponents already have set their sights on the concept of no-fault divorce. L You could be stuck forever with that person you picked up at the bar – or that person with you.

    Marriage should be seen as fun and enjoyable – an arrangement to be desired.

    Just remember that when you enter into a legal commitment with someone, you cannot just shut the door on responsibility and walk away.

Original published 29 April – 12 May, 2005

Lavender Magazine, v 10 No 259

Minneapolis, Minnesota