Things?

One of my pet peeves is when someone has a pet and they always call their pet "it" or "thing" If you know know your pet is male or female , say "she" or "him" or better yet, use their name. I can understand if you don't know your pet's gender yet and you haven't thought of a name, OK, understood. Even so , most pet lovers use a temporary, universal, nickname like "honey" or "Sweetie." When I here someone say , " Oh that thing over there, it smells and eats too much, it's getting on my nerves." or even if used in a nice way " I give it treats everyday and clean it's cage." to me it sounds like the person doesn't have much regard for their pet, or even a relationship. When people use the terms "thing" or "it" I get the impression the pet is just there or a possession and not really all that liked or loved, and definitely not a part of the family. I could be totally wrong in my theory and feelings, but it is just how I feel when I hear someone speak of their pet that way.