Truly, I think I've had enough

[gbb]

It could be argued that keeping dogs or any other creatures as pets is wrong in the first place....

This always, well sometimes, causes me some conflict.
We have always had dogs (one at a time) and while we have always given them the best we could...on the other hand, we both work and all our dogs have been left at home for several hours a time, every working day.
Having watched that programme last night (secret lives of dogs ?) reminds me its far from a perfect situation at home. And yet, we've never (knowingly) had issues with our dogs, and yet i do feel guilty, but thats countered with the fact ive given about 6 dogs long and healthy, happy lives as part of my 'pack'

You could argue the dogs would'nt have much of a life without us...or a life at all. Perhaps a fuller, more intense life without us, but a shorter, possibly more brutal one.
Its all six and two threes, like everything in life.

 

[Col5632]

It also really angers me, I can totally understand about people who can no longer afford the pet or circumstances change but why just dump it, what chance does the poor dog have

 

[Roadrider48]

The poster stated "If i see a homeless person, I can walk on by and do nothing." - If people take this approach how is a homeless person supposed to help themselves?, with no money they are not going to be able to obtain food or shelter.
Like the dog these people are neglected, troubled and in need of help. The ability to knock on a door does not mean you are going to get the help required, you have to be fortunate enough to come across someone who cares, someone who is not willing to turn a blind eye and walk on by.
Our town the country over have people begging on the streets and asking for help, yet many many people choose to walk on by.

I would even suggest that the pretty little, cute dog has more chance of getting help than a smelly, filthy, unshaven and down beat man as people do not wish to admit how society continuously neglects and fails the latter.

Very well put.

 

[nickyboy]

Are people angry because the dog is suffering or angry because a human has caused it? The large majority of wild animals die in the winter from starvation.
Whilst I have no time for individuals that buy a dog and then abandon it, the suffering of the dog needs to be taken in the perspective of millions of other animals that die from starvation in the UK every winter. Dogs, badgers, foxes, deer......all the same to me

 

[Doseone]

There is a saying from the Chukchi people in Eastern Russia, "How you treat your dog in this life determines your place in heaven".

 

[sazzaa]

Are people angry because the dog is suffering or angry because a human has caused it? The large majority of wild animals die in the winter from starvation.
Whilst I have no time for individuals that buy a dog and then abandon it, the suffering of the dog needs to be taken in the perspective of millions of other animals that die from starvation in the UK every winter. Dogs, badgers, foxes, deer......all the same to me

Angry because it's a pet most likely, a human has got that animal used to depending on him/her, trained it not to be a hunter or feed itself, then abandoned it. Height of cruelty.

 

[Col5632]

Are people angry because the dog is suffering or angry because a human has caused it? The large majority of wild animals die in the winter from starvation.
Whilst I have no time for individuals that buy a dog and then abandon it, the suffering of the dog needs to be taken in the perspective of millions of other animals that die from starvation in the UK every winter. Dogs, badgers, foxes, deer......all the same to me

The difference being that dogs are pets and can't really fend for themselves in the wild, I'm angry because its a human that has caused it to suffer.

When we were at the SSPCA getting our rats they were telling us about people who have a dog for 10 or so years, get bored or it needs more vet trips, take it to a rehoming place then bugger off and buy a puppy in place of it, how people can just get rid of something that has been part of the family for years is beyond me

 

[sazzaa]

Me and my missus rescued a labrador puppy. Owner had fed an 8 week old puppy huge slices of rotten steak and blocked his stomach.
He didnt want to pay for vets bills because "its only a damn dog"

We took the dog there and then and after 600 quids worth of vets bills we now have a 7 month old labrador

I also have a rescue pet, his owner gave up on him "because she was pregnant". Such a lame excuse. He's a stunner too.

 

[Lanzecki]

Are people angry because the dog is suffering or angry because a human has caused it? The large majority of wild animals die in the winter from starvation.
Whilst I have no time for individuals that buy a dog and then abandon it, the suffering of the dog needs to be taken in the perspective of millions of other animals that die from starvation in the UK every winter. Dogs, badgers, foxes, deer......all the same to me

A little of both. The difference is that while both wild and domesticated pets don't choose their lives, Dog's and cats have been domesticated. Bred and trained for docility and looks. The average dog wouldn't be able to survive on it's own. Cat's are another matter.

Wild animals, as has been touched on, live a harder, faster life. Kill or be killed. Eat or die. They haven't been pamper all their lives.

 

[vernon]

<devil's advocate>

It's an exercise of futility trying to project one's own values onto the wider population.

For some*, dogs are a source of protein. Why should they be afforded a different sentiment to that given to cows, goats and sheep.

</devils advocate>

*Switzerland for instance - I bet that's a surprise

 

[gbb]

<devil's advocate>

It's an exercise of futility trying to project one's own values onto the wider population.


</devils advocate>

Forgive me for going off topic, the sentiment above just can't go without comment. That's precisely why i don't go into CAD. You'll never meet a more entrenched bunch of people in your life. Pointless discussions, bludgeoning each other with verbal insults..utterly pointless and futile (apart for percieved points scoring)
No emoticons on this PC, but written with a smile and a dollop of irony.
Sorry..back to topic.

 

[nickyboy]

<devil's advocate>

It's an exercise of futility trying to project one's own values onto the wider population.

For some*, dogs are a source of protein. Why should they be afforded a different sentiment to that given to cows, goats and sheep.

</devils advocate>

Switzerland for instance - I bet that's a surprise

China is an interesting example of this. For a long time dogs were regarded as purely a source of protein and were farmed for this (and jolly tasty they are too). However, the rich middle classes look on dogs as pets and therefore look down on the working classes that continue to eat them. The demand for dog meat in China is reducing as the population gets richer and regards dogs in a rather different light

 

[vernon]

Forgive me for going off topic, the sentiment above just can't go without comment. That's precisely why i don't go into CAD. You'll never meet a more entrenched bunch of people in your life. Pointless discussions, bludgeoning each other with verbal insults..utterly pointless and futile (apart for percieved points scoring)
No emoticons on this PC, but written with a smile and a dollop of irony.
Sorry..back to topic.

Who's entrenched?

It's not a pointless discussion.

It's just a challenge of an assumption that there's only one set of acceptable values.

 

[sazzaa]

Who's entrenched?

It's not a pointless discussion.

It's just a challenge of an assumption that there's only one set of acceptable values.

It's a cafe topic. Chill out.

 

[Beebo]

Who's entrenched?

It's not a pointless discussion.

It's just a challenge of an assumption that there's only one set of acceptable values.

It's alright Vernon, I know what you were trying to say:

Anyway, "I love dogs, but I couldnt eat a whole one." Is that better