Quote:
Originally Posted by yvanleterrible
I have waited a long time to answer this one because I wanted to carefully choose my words as not to offend anyone. But I know it will.
I love animals, all animals, even squirrels, and especially cats and dogs. I've had both at the same and at different times. Loved them all.
Sadly, two years ago I've had to have my two cats put to sleep because after a 5 year relationship they started a disatrous marking habit with urine(they were both neutered). My wife and I tried everything for a full year! We painfully gave up...
After a long lonely period I came to the thought that it is wrong to have an animal, wrong to its nature. Ther is no right way about it.
Since then I've devoted my time to people instead. That is where our care should be. My personal reasons for having animals were for selfish reasons. Deep down they are, trust me. No animal can live freely under man's conditions.
If ever I get involved with them, it will be a relation of respect in the wild. One where I will only try to tame for a short while, just enough to enjoy a peek.
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I think its very brave of you say this, in a room full of such animal lovers. I can definitely understand your sense of sorrow.
The last cat we had was put down because of illness and inability to control his bowels. We may have been able to cure that, at great expense, but chose not to. Was that wrong? (Theoretical question here, no need to answer folks.)
Some would ask if a member of the family would receive the same treatment. I loved my cat, but still, realized it was an animal.
Did it affect us? Yes, my husband refused to even think of another pet for years.....and fought mightily to NOT have the cat we have now. Of course, the kitty decided HE was the favorite immediately, and stays on his lap most of the time.
The way I look at it, we're giving this kitty years he would never had have. He wouldn't have lasted another few days on the street in his condition.
My own personal gut wrenchers are zoos. Regardless of the 'humanitarian' reasons to have them (Breeding soon to extinct species, etc.) I cannot abide watch the poor animals in cages.
Do you know, In Arkansas, there is a man who keeps Cougars in cages, breeds them and sells them as 'exotic' pets? Its legal.