Black Girl in a Doggone World™

Black Girl in a Doggone World™

No, Pope Francis, it’s not ‘risky’ to ‘deny motherhood’

Get off pet owners’ backs about choosing dogs over babies

Shamontiel L. Vaughn's avatar
Shamontiel L. Vaughn
Jan 17, 2022
∙ Paid
Photo credit: PNW Production/Pexels

Every year, approximately 6.5 million companion animals are sent to nationwide animal shelters. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, approximately 1.5 million animals (670K dogs and 860K cats) are euthanized annually.


ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage for every purchase with my referral link.
TopPacific Schnauzer Metal Sign “God is Great Dogs Are Good People Are Crazy” Metal Tin Sign 12x16 Inch

In the middle of me typing those first two sentences, I had to fix five typos. Why? I have a Hound mix whining and scratching at my arm to come play with her. Pets. Need. Homes. I genuinely believe very few people can argue with that. Pets (dogs especially) are attention-seeking, energetic, a handful (definitely as puppies and two times as much during the teen years) and cherished by pet lovers. But here comes Pope Francis to pick on pet lovers.


ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I know some consumers are choosing to boycott Amazon for its DEI removal. However, I enjoy promoting intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses who still feature their items on Amazon. All four of my Substack publications include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a VERIFIED Black-owned business. If you still choose to boycott, I 100% respect your decision.
Gerrard Larriett Aromatherapy Pet Care: De-Stress Aromatherapy Dog Shampoo Itchy Skin Relief and Conditioner - Lavender Dog Shampoo with Aloe Vera

Photo credit: Vlada Karpovich/Pexels

According to a CNN report, Pope Francis stated, “We see that people do not want to have children, or just one and no more. And many, many couples do not have children because they do not want to, or they have just one — but they have two dogs, two cats … Yes, dogs and cats take the place of children.”

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2026 Shamontiel L. Vaughn · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture