Michael W. Fox, vice-president of the Humane Society, said that, "to call an animal with whom you share your life a ‘pet,’ is reminiscent of men’s magazines where you (a figure of speech, don’t take it personally) have the Pet of the Month."  It is supposed that the continued use of the word "pet" to designate dogs or cats threatens to reduce their level of respect to the current status of twentieth century North American women.  Now that’s radical.  ~The McGill Red Herring