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1 in 7 dog owners would give up partner to prolong Fido’s life

How much do North Americans love their dogs? Apparently, sometimes more than they love their spouses. A 2025 survey of nearly 2000 American pet owners, commissioned by a high-end dog-food company and cited in the National Post, revealed some intense feelings. Half of owners say they would clone their dog if they could, with ten percent claiming there was “no limit” to what they would spend to do so. Over 90% felt their dog’s health was “as important” or “more important” than their own (though many felt guilty for neglecting their dog’s dental care). And one in seven admitted they’d give up their relationship with their partner/spouse to extend their dog’s life by three years. The survey (and other data) shows a progression through the generations, with millennials more likely than Gen Z or the baby boomers to identify their dogs as full family members, and to consider themselves as “pet parents.” Now, dogs can be a wonderful blessing, providing unique unconditional love and real support. And if we take on the care of a pet, we should certainly be kind and humane owners (Prov. 12:10). But it’s a troublingly upside-down world when pet neglect is met with outrage, while human life is often held cheaply. and when we know how to love our pets well, but not our neighbor as ourselves.