Why do so many Americans treat dogs like if they were baby humans?

they haven't been wild since people had them domesticated. people love their dogs like that because they'll never grow up.they'll always depend on them for care. in many ways it is sad. however we did make them like that. dogs need consistency. yours are used to being outside. maybe you live where it's warm all year around. were i to do that my dogs would freeze to death before the winter is out but that's what they're used to. see the trick with kids is that they grow up and reach a point where they won't need you anymore. dogs or cats never will.