Should We Stop Keeping Pets?

[Standing Wolf]

I don't agree with it either. But I suppose Indians (Dot, not feather) think we are sick for eating cows.

In all fairness, I think you have to consider the underlying basis of the cultural differences in each instance, and they're not the same. Hindus, while they don't, contrary to popular belief, consider cows to be sacred, do practice a form of militant vegetarianism that considers the cow to be a special symbol of docility and service to the public good, and which is rooted in Hinduism. Vigilante mobs in India have killed individuals who were suspected of killing a cow or eating its flesh.

Americans and most Westerners know dogs to be highly intelligent, loyal companions; our feelings about dogs are based, not on religion or even tradition, but on familiarity and personal experience. Hindus care deeply about the concept of the cow and what it means in the context of their society and religious practice, but they allow individual cows to wander around uncared for and sometimes starve to death. (In all fairness, some Americans are equally callous about stray dogs, but that attitude represents a small minority.) We value and care about the individual dog and its welfare, not the dog as a symbol.

[FindersKeepers]

That's just sick.

What's worse is that they sometimes hang the dog up and beat it in an attempt to release endorphins into the dog's muscles to tenderize the meat.

Personally, I think anyone who does that -- should receive the same treatment, completely with beating and then the slitting of the throat. If a human being cannot understand that their actions are putting an animal in great distress, they don't deserve to breathe the same air I breathe.

But that's just me.

[The Sage of Main Street]

That's pretty horrible. I don't understand how anyone could do that.

The Third World Is the Enemy of Our Species



Then, under orders from those who place themselves above us, you are inhibited from understanding the difference between the civilized and uncivilized races.

[The Sage of Main Street]

Etymological Detective



Dog comes from a prehistoric word meaning "pointer." Its root shows up in the Latin digitus, meaning "finger" and the Greek paradeigma, meaning "example." Hound is related to hunt.

[Dr. Who]

I don't agree with it either. But I suppose Indians (Dot, not feather) think we are sick for eating cows.

It's Hindus that revere the cow. They are vegetarian - they don't eat dogs.

[Dr. Who]

What's worse is that they sometimes hang the dog up and beat it in an attempt to release endorphins into the dog's muscles to tenderize the meat.

Personally, I think anyone who does that -- should receive the same treatment, completely with beating and then the slitting of the throat. If a human being cannot understand that their actions are putting an animal in great distress, they don't deserve to breathe the same air I breathe.

But that's just me.

People who would do that to an animal have no soul.

[stjames1_53]

folks, meet BoomerAttachment 26929
wolf husky mix 12 weeks old. this is his rug.
As you can see, it also doubles as one of his chew toys

[AZ Jim]

The only thing I like about some of you is your love of your animal. In my view this would be a sad world without our furry little friends. I had dogs and cats my whole life but now my being disabled and alone prevents it. Not a day goes by that I don't miss having a kitty or dog.

[Standing Wolf]

The only thing I like about some of you is your love of your animal. In my view this would be a sad world without our furry little friends. I had dogs and cats my whole life but now my being disabled and alone prevents it. Not a day goes by that I don't miss having a kitty or dog.

It's none of my business, Jim, but are you really so disabled that you couldn't provide a home and companionship to a small dog or cat? I'm not asking for a detailed description of your physical condition, but I mean I've known of folks who were in pretty bad shape and unable to get around on their own too well if at all, and their lives were immensely improved by having an animal roommate. You might even consider calling the Arizona Humane Society and discussing it with somebody there.

[AZ Jim]

It's none of my business, Jim, but are you really so disabled that you couldn't provide a home and companionship to a small dog or cat? I'm not asking for a detailed description of your physical condition, but I mean I've known of folks who were in pretty bad shape and unable to get around on their own too well if at all, and their lives were immensely improved by having an animal roommate. You might even consider calling the Arizona Humane Society and discussing it with somebody there.

My problems are twofold. I have emphysema and two knees out. I cannot walk without my rolator. All of my yard is rocks and I cannot use my rolator on it. No good way to have either cat or dog though I would love to. I use oxygen when needed and it takes only a little effort. Thanks for asking....Jim