THE GOOD

Even though Brownie may have soiled your couch multiple times, this will not urge you to just leave him out on the streets. You know Brownie loves you and he will be sad if you leave him. You will imagine him hungry, cold, and lonely, just as an abandoned human would feel.

In other words, anthropomorphism allows us to be more considerate of our furry buddies. Because we anthropomorphize, we become more empathetic with non-human animals. We are more likely to help animals in distress, give homeless cats and dogs

food, and, at the very least, avoid causing them harm.

Likening non-human animals to us can also be a tool for animal conservation efforts. In campaigns for the protection of elephants against the ivory industry, for example, the human-like attributes of elephants have been commonly highlighted, such as their impressive intelligence, ability to suffer, and family bonds. We respond well to these messages. Because we can relate to the elephants, we become conscious consumers, if not activists for the cause.