The concept of throw away pets
@highflyingxangel (9225)
United States
March 24, 2010 6:20pm CST
Does that concept bother anyone else? For instance, people tend to think that most animals are just animals that don't really matter so if they die, it's OK because it's just a cat, or a dog or a lizard or a hermit crab or whatever the animal/pet may be.
That concept really bugs me and I really feel like it shows just how cut off from humanity/living beings people truly are because they just feel like it's OK for anything but a human to die.
I've noticed that a lot of pet stores hold true to this concept. I'm a hermit crab keeper. I think the little guys are fascinating and very intriguing pets that have great personalities. I've noticed that a lot of pet stores tend to treat them very poorly because, 'it's just a crab'.
I don't think any type of life should be considered as easily thrown away. Anyone else? What do you think about this concept? Do you know anyone that feels this way about animals?
3 people like this
10 responses
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
25 Mar 10
I am with you. I absolutely hate that some people think of animals as "just animals." Animals are living, breathing creatures with feelings and emotions. They are loving, selfless, innocent animals that deserve to be treated right.
My animals are my life--and I don't see why anyone who has them believes anything less than that.
@jesssp (2712)
• Canada
25 Mar 10
I think that's a terrible concept. A life is a life, it shouldn't matter if it's 'just a crab' or 'just a hamster' or whatever. And what does that teach kids? Animals are garbage, you can just throw them away when you're done? That's not a cool perspective at all. If people aren't prepared to provide and care for an animal for it's entire life then they should not have pets.
@highflyingxangel (9225)
• United States
26 Mar 10
I feel like letting this concept take hold is why people don't respect anything today. Kids aren't willing to take care of habitats because they don't respect the fact that another life, aside from human life resides within the area. I think we need to move back to teaching our kids to respect everything, not just humans.
@ayumitakashi (4462)
• United States
29 Mar 10
Yeah it bothers me as well. I have seen people that just get pets to show them off but then they leave them outside and I just find that very disgusting and hard to watch. There many stray cats around where I live and I just think that it's awful that people would do something like that. If you are going to get a pet don't get it just to show off. I have a dog and I can't see myself throwing her out and leaving her outside as a stray. I love her way too much to do something like that, it would break my heart.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
26 Mar 10
I have recently lost a memebr of my family and his name was Uno. I can not imagine having loved him any less because he was a dog. He had personality and was unique. I know that there are people that think of them as just animals but I am not one of those people. They are our companions. I hate the fact that there is any such thing as throw away pets even considered. I think that some have just not opened their eyes as to how alive they really are.
@Matt90 (36)
• Switzerland
25 Mar 10
yes, I totally agree with you..there are many people who think just because there are animals must treat them as such..for me it still lives..whether for animal or human nature..I agree also the fact that the shops is treating tha animals badly..I happened to attend in person to scenes that I hope never see anyone else.
@setsuna26 (2751)
• Philippines
30 Mar 10
I dont think throwing away of pets is something i can live with. I love my pets cats mostly, whenever a cat of mine give birth to lots of kittens it pains me to know that i will give some of them to me friends because we cant afford to have 20-30 cats in our house 5 or 6 will do. What more if the concept of throwing them away? not my style and i will never ever consider such a thing. Its not just cruel but it also shows your lack of love and respect for the said pets. Good thing im one of those who dont like that act ;)
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
25 Mar 10
This is one of the things that really makes my blood boil. Any animal is a living thing and should be treated with respect, I hate it when I see animals being treated badly, any animals.
@tundeemma (894)
• South Africa
25 Mar 10
though i quite agree with you that a lot of people are throwing away their pets , they might have some reasons for doing so , in south Africa here , i think most pets run away from home and they find themselves lost and no one could trace them back to their homes
@l33tgirl (288)
• New Zealand
25 Mar 10
I hate this idea. In New Zealand there was a time where we had an influx of international students. They came to NZ to study for a year and in that time got themselves apartments and little handbag dogs.
After their year in NZ was up, they went off to the airport and dropped their dogs off at the shelter. Obviously the dogs that weren't adopted which will most likely be a lot of then since people tend to get their pets from stores or breeders were put down.
I think this is apalling behaviour.
When I bought my dog I knew it was a long term commitment and I couldn't give it up if it was too much work because he relies on us and there are far too many animals out there not being looked after properly.
I hate when people say it's just a dog since I consider him a part of my family.
@PocketRocketsAA (628)
• Philippines
25 Mar 10
I absolutely agree with you. Even if these animals are less than us we should not over look the fact that they too have lives and deserve to live quality ones. Every living creature on Earth, big or small has a certain innate importance and I believe that we as humans have the innate obligation to respect that.
I'm an advocate of animal rights, and I disagree about the concept of throwing pets away. There are already enough homeless cats and dogs in the street. Most strays suffer and die on the streets without even knowing what a kind human touch and a home is. It's a really sad thing. There are a lot of homeless animals out there and I wouldn't want to add to that. Poor, poor animals. 
