Teach Your Substitute Children Well

"Cakes has developed a taste for
Kentucky Fried Chicken." (WSJ)

It's not news that the Wall Street Journal ran an article on fat cats. However, this time the phrase was meant literally.

So many people have struggled with weight gain during the pandemic that the term “Covid 15” has gained currency, a variation of the familiar “Freshman 15” weight gain in college. Their pets aren’t far behind...

Among 1,000 dog and cat owners surveyed in October by Banfield Pet Hospital, the nation’s largest general veterinary practice, with hospitals in 42 states, 42% said their pets had gained weight during the quarantine, up from 33% in May.

One dog cries during a Zoom business call to extort a treat from her owner. Other pets divide and conquer by exploiting their owners' failure to communicate with each other about how many treats have been doled out.

For many people cats and dogs are substitute children. Like real children, pets have learned how to get what they want from their parents.

Note: during the past year wild animals have gotten fatter, too. In Foster City the portlier ducks didn't flee and gazed half-expectantly when I approached them. Where did they learn that behavior?