Question:
How disgusting is it when parents (or sometimes adults shopping for themselves or other adults) buy pets that can be "disposed of" when they are no longer cute or when they become unhealthy?
THe worst is when someone destroys or lets their pet die from injury/illness, THEN GOES OUT & BUYS ANOTHER!!!!
I know there is nothing I can do, but I just had to get this off my chest.


Answer:
Originally Posted by neuroleptical
THe worst is when someone destroys or lets their pet die from injury/illness, THEN GOES OUT & BUYS ANOTHER!!!!
Neuro, I understand your frustration with people who feel they can "throw" their pet away. However, this comment kind of irked me.
Originally Posted by neuroleptical
THe worst is when someone destroys or lets their pet die from injury/illness, THEN GOES OUT & BUYS ANOTHER!!!!
Sometimes people put their pets down so that they don't have to suffer through something incurable and terrible. It doesn't make the pet owner a bad person, nor does it mean that they shouldn't get another pet.
If a person puts their pet down because it's "out with the old and in with the new" , then I am with you !! But if a person chooses to allow a pet to pass away out of kindness for the pet, then I think that's a different story.


Answer:
Lisa,
I have to agree and I hate that people decided that if an animal dies from illness a persons never to have another pet. I know from experince that illness and disease can go through a herd of animals and no matter what you do, how much you spend how much you care sometimes you cant do a thing about, But that also dosent mean that person should never have an animal.
As well as the thing that seems that any parent that buys a pet for there child is automatically looked at as bad.
Okay ill admit im a *itchy mood today so ill apologzie now if I sound to much like a witch.


Answer:
I think Neuro probably meant an easily treatable illness...like an infection. In a case such as that, where the owners refuse to treat a common illness, I would be furious as well. I have heard of and seen many cases in which owners put their pet down (or abandon it) because it develops mild health problems. IMHO, those types of people shouldn't ever be allowed to have pets again. On the other hand, I know of several people who are the most compassionate owners and would do anything for their pets. But there comes a point when the pet has been through enough and needs to be able to go in peace...whether it be a guinea pig or a dog.


Answer:
Its a strange scenario I find .. some people .. me included .. love their animals and treat it as a member of the family and would do anything for it ... but after a certain point of suffering due to illness and the sort ... they are put down ... but when it comes to an actual human family member or friend ... no matter how much suffering ... they want them to live and would never "put them down".
I know ... to some people .. its two completly different cases ... but like I said ... I see them both as being equal almost ... just a thought I had.


Answer:
I think that those who get a pet, (usually kitten or puppy) because it is "cute and cuddly" without giving it any real thought toward the lifetime commitment they should be making to that pet should be shot- after years of working animal rescue, I have seen way too much of it. Generally, in the cases I have seen, as soon as the pet matures and becomes old enough to "go into heat" or begin spraying, they get dumped on a back road somewhere, and the ignorant owners just go find another somewhere and repeat the cycle.
quote from snr-j "but after a certain point of suffering due to illness and the sort ... they are put down ... but when it comes to an actual human family member or friend ... no matter how much suffering ... they want them to live and would never "put them down". " I see your point, and agree- personally, I had to watch my mom die of cancer, and she and I both felt that euthanasia should be offered to people in cases such as hers, but unfortunately those who make the laws don't agree.


Answer:
I had to watch my mom die of cancer, and she and I both felt that euthanasia should be offered to people in cases such as hers, but unfortunately those who make the laws don't agree.
I'm so sorry Margaret. I also wish that euthanasia were available to those who are suffering but I wonder how much it would be abused.


Answer:
It will probably eventually occur in Canada ... the tricky part is when they are unconscious ... can not tell if they do or do not want to go with it ... it has to be based on the judgement of the directed decision maker. Which is another tricky thing with animals ... I had one kitten put down because she got severly sick from pesticides in a neighbor's garden ... but I don't know personally if she wanted it or not. Judging by how she was, and advice from the vet saying she will eventually die ... it seemed like the proper decision for her ... but maybe she didnt want it. Tricky ...


Answer:
It is tricky...but I think you have to gather as much info as you can and make an informed decision...not only with your heart but considering all the possibilities and probabilities.


Answer:
Evolve Damnit, I agree w/ you about euthanasia... properly administered it can improve human & other animal quality of life. Sorry to hear about your mother.
I guess I posted what I did because this time of year is so bad for people dumping their old pets to get "cute" babies for their kids or whatever.
If someone can't provide medical care for a sick pet, that is horrible & they should DEFINITELY not get another after that pet dies (or gets dumped) until they can afford vet bills. I am saying this as a dirt poor person who still keeps that in mind when getting pets. Animals should NEVER be disposable. If a kid wants something permanently cute, get them a stuffed toy.
I hope santa Claus reads this thread, but it's inevitable that many children will wake up Xmas morning to a puppy, kitten, chin or other pet who may lose their lustre sooner rather than later.