I think the concept of "forever home" is at least somewhat useful for those involved in pet fostering and animal rescue.
The point isn't that the word has a meaning or concept. Its that people say the word devoid of that meaning because it makes them seem more virtuous, smarter, or just to emotionally manipulate.
90% of the people who say "forever home" will still return the pet if they need to move, or it hurts someone, or every other generic and normal reason people give up pets to begin with. You know, the exact thing that "forever" is meant to say you won't do. Its not like pets have legally binding contracts that you sign saying "forever" so its purely performative.
Most people who say "forever home" are only doing it because they know they will get criticized if they don't because of the issues you outlined. So they say the words to ward that off, and nothing else.
Words like "democracy" and "fascism" and "incel" also have meanings, useful definitions, and valid applications. But in the same vein, they become completely meaningless the majority of the time used because people just throw them in uselessly.
what's funny is I've never even heard that term before, and the one and only time I had to give up an animal for adoption (couldn't afford to deal with a health issue he had), it just about broke my heart in two.
The point isn't that the word has a meaning or concept. Its that people say the word devoid of that meaning because it makes them seem more virtuous, smarter, or just to emotionally manipulate.
90% of the people who say "forever home" will still return the pet if they need to move, or it hurts someone, or every other generic and normal reason people give up pets to begin with. You know, the exact thing that "forever" is meant to say you won't do. Its not like pets have legally binding contracts that you sign saying "forever" so its purely performative.
Most people who say "forever home" are only doing it because they know they will get criticized if they don't because of the issues you outlined. So they say the words to ward that off, and nothing else.
Words like "democracy" and "fascism" and "incel" also have meanings, useful definitions, and valid applications. But in the same vein, they become completely meaningless the majority of the time used because people just throw them in uselessly.
what's funny is I've never even heard that term before, and the one and only time I had to give up an animal for adoption (couldn't afford to deal with a health issue he had), it just about broke my heart in two.