I saw a meme about some humans who take their dog, Ruckus, to see the Christmas lights. The dog loves it! Oh, also, the humans don’t have any children. I said, “Imagine how happy Ruckus would be if his humans gave him some kids to play with!”
“John, you insensitive jerk! Some people can’t have kids! Your comment is hurtful and mean!”
Gosh, I thought we were talking about stuff that makes dogs happy. These humans take the dog to look at Christmas lights because he loves it! I’m just suggesting other things that Ruckus would love. What’s wrong with that…?
…unless…this meme isn’t actually about making a dog happy. Maybe, just maybe, this meme is about how great it is to be childless.
“OMG!! John, you’re the worst person who has ever lived!!! Didn’t you hear me say that some people can’t have children even though they want them??!!!!”
Hey! I didn’t make this meme. It wasn’t my idea to mention the absence of children above a picture of a dog staring out a window. If anyone is being insensitive, it’s the humans celebrating their pets as replacements for kids. I mean, there are women struggling to become mothers right now. Flaunting your ‘fur baby’ shows little regard for their feelings.
But let’s get real. For every person telling me they’re wishing for kids, there are 10 smug feminists telling me they prefer dogs (or even cats!) The message of this meme is that Ruckus lives a great life because he doesn’t have any competition for his human’s affection and that’s by the choice of his owners.
That’s fine! I’m not wishing children on Ruckus! I hope he lives a long, happy life. I hope his humans find fulfillment in lavishing love upon him. I really do! My sincere hope is that dog ownership will provide them with so much joy that they no longer feel the need to reference the offspring missing from their Christmas pictures.
(Psalm 113:7) He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes,
with the princes of their people.
He settles the barren woman in her home
as a happy mother of children.
Praise the Lord.
One Response
Lots of dogs like riding in a car, Christmas lights or no Christmas lights. And what does having kids have to do with whether or not the dog comes?
You are right. The dog is being offered as a substitute for children, but they cannot come out and say it. Not yet.