No, you're not a pessimist as I see it. You are being realistic. Different perspectives from different experiences. You are right in that, we do have responsibility to take care of our pets, because the animals don't have choice and will take all they can get. And some people do mistake with thinking pleasing their pets with treats is love, and not seeing or predicting the consequences. We have one dog the shelter named Babar, so that name tells all, with him being 15 pounds over weight for his size when we got him, due to an owner pleasing him non-stop with treats. He couldn't even walk. We were able to get his weight off and he is doing well, and now 16 years old. He does have hangry issues though, as his habits are hard for him to beat and he has no choice. I sincerely hope your mom will be able to turn it around for her beloved dog.I guess I'm a pessimist because I don't see it that way. I see it as my Mom is killing her dog by spoiling her with treats. That's not love. Loving someone is providing the best diet. She did the same thing with me as a child, she let us drink soda everyday and eat junk food from a young age. No boundaries. I wasn't saying the dog is ugly, but it's clear she's very unhealthy and will die young unfortunately. They know this but continue feeding her. Even though my step Dad says "I'm going to kill myself if she dies'. It's not a healthy relationship.