Current Events > I don't fully understand vets/people moving figurative mountains for animals

(+) Yeah! (+)

I appreciate this makes me a monster and if you are someone who cries because you saw an animal on reddit you should stop reading now.

You know those videos on facebook or whatever and someone is basically dedicating all their time to caring for a dog that they rescued from a kennel that is missing 2 legs and is 12 years old and deaf and has renal cancer. But this person really just keeps dropping all their finances into keeping the damn thing alive. They'll build them sophisticated artificial limbs and take them in for 7 rounds of surgery. The video always has inspirational music and scenes where the dog gets to eat some wagyu steak or something.

It bothers me on several levels. One, this happens mainly for what are perceived as cute animals. Generally it's not like this is someone attempting to protect the balance of an ecosystem. You rarely see someone do this for a pygmy hog or whatever. It's generally a baby tiger or fox or one of the attractive dog breeds. I genuinely think some people attach way too much anthropomorphised love to certain kinds of animals because they grew up watching Disney movies. I think this extends to how certain animals get a neverending fund to keep them alive while others (inarguably more important) are dying because they're just not cute enough. Pandas can fuck off already.

It also bothers me because of cost and resources too, and sometimes it even seems cruel. The utterly insane amount of money people are prepared to throw at a dying animal so that it can live another month in pain. My partner is a vet and this is a daily conversation with people. Your dog is dying and you want to drain your kids college funds to keep it wailing in agony for another week?

Alright, so i get if this is your boy and he's been in your family for 10 years and you're attached and there's a good chance that with some money and care you'll save his life. I get more confused when it's like, a bat someone found on the side of the road and then decided to take to a vet clinic to save.

In short. pinky is a monster because he is generally not moved by the rescue of a common forest squirrel that got 7 million likes on social media

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pinky0926 posted...

In short. pinky is doesn't understand why people choose to do things as they see fit

what if they moved literal mountains

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sLaCkEr408___RJ posted...

In short. pinky is doesn't understand why people choose to do things as they see fit

I mean sure, people can do what they want. They can eat well done steaks, watch golf and identify as a brony. There's no argument from me that people do things because they like them. I just sometimes don't understand why

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same. I would never pay $1000 for, say, a family cat or something.


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if we were all psychopaths this wouldn't be a problem! there'd be more murders though so...

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Oh pinky

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BignutzisBack posted...

Oh pinky

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It just sounds like youre probably one of the poors

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not reading

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pinky0926 posted...

I appreciate this makes me a monster and if you are someone who cries because you saw an animal on reddit you should stop reading now.

You know those videos on facebook or whatever and someone is basically dedicating all their time to caring for a dog that they rescued from a kennel that is missing 2 legs and is 12 years old and deaf and has renal cancer. But this person really just keeps dropping all their finances into keeping the damn thing alive. They'll build them sophisticated artificial limbs and take them in for 7 rounds of surgery. The video always has inspirational music and scenes where the dog gets to eat some wagyu steak or something.

It bothers me on several levels. One, this happens mainly for what are perceived as cute animals. Generally it's not like this is someone attempting to protect the balance of an ecosystem. You rarely see someone do this for a pygmy hog or whatever. It's generally a baby tiger or fox or one of the attractive dog breeds. I genuinely think some people attach way too much anthropomorphised love to certain kinds of animals because they grew up watching Disney movies. I think this extends to how certain animals get a neverending fund to keep them alive while others (inarguably more important) are dying because they're just not cute enough. Pandas can fuck off already.

It also bothers me because of cost and resources too, and sometimes it even seems cruel. The utterly insane amount of money people are prepared to throw at a dying animal so that it can live another month in pain. My partner is a vet and this is a daily conversation with people. Your dog is dying and you want to drain your kids college funds to keep it wailing in agony for another week?

Alright, so i get if this is your boy and he's been in your family for 10 years and you're attached and there's a good chance that with some money and care you'll save his life. I get more confused when it's like, a bat someone found on the side of the road and then decided to take to a vet clinic to save.

In short. pinky is a monster because he is generally not moved by the rescue of a common forest squirrel that got 7 million likes on social media

Awful lot of words to just say "I'm a sociopath"

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Youre definitely a monster and will be tagged appropriately. Not even worth debating about something you have 0 compassion or feelings for.

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--Zero- posted...

Youre definitely a monster and will be tagged appropriately. Not even worth debating about something you have 0 compassion or feelings for.

Okidoki. For clarity though, I didn't say 0 compassion. I said my compassion is limited because I think the response sometimes is over the top, like people will set aside their entire life for a forest animal that is almost certainly going to die. I don't get it.

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Don't justify yourself to these bleeding hearts. I totally get you. You don't think people should bankrupt themselves for an animal.

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Is this a Duncan topic?

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This is why I have zero respect for dog owners, humans in the past used dogs for utility like hunting or guarding livestock. Now theres a large dark industry that makes a lot of these animals suffer, very disturbing breeding practices, abandoned dogs, abusive dogs trained to be aggressive and mean to other dogs and or humans. Some dog owners will value their dog more than a homeless person, I see that all of the time. I have zero respect for dog owners.

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pinky0926 posted...

Your dog is dying and you want to drain your kids college funds to keep it wailing in agony for another week?

This logic can be applied to humans too to be fair.

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ColdRainAndSnow posted...

This is why I have zero respect for dog owners, humans in the past used dogs for utility like hunting or guarding livestock. Now theres a large dark industry that makes a lot of these animals suffer, very disturbing breeding practices, abandoned dogs, abusive dogs trained to be aggressive and mean to other dogs and or humans. Some dog owners will value their dog more than a homeless person, I see that all of the time. I have zero respect for dog owners.

Lmao

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I love my cat but I would not have her undergo chemotherapy or whatever the fuck cancer treatments if she got it. I'd do my best to make her life comfortable as she has left, but to some extent it's not clear how much is helping the animal versus just helping myself or whatever.

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ColdRainAndSnow posted...

This is why I have zero respect for dog owners, humans in the past used dogs for utility like hunting or guarding livestock. Now theres a large dark industry that makes a lot of these animals suffer, very disturbing breeding practices, abandoned dogs, abusive dogs trained to be aggressive and mean to other dogs and or humans. Some dog owners will value their dog more than a homeless person, I see that all of the time. I have zero respect for dog owners.

imagine saying u hate dog owners and one of the reasons being "dogs without owners"

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I hope someone shows this level of compassion for you in your hour of need.

Choco posted...

imagine saying u hate dog owners and one of the reasons being "dogs without owners"

I don't necessarily agree with the person, but abandoned dogs come from irresponsible owners who decide they can't keep a dog after it stops being a cute puppy, so it's still a problem that's caused by "domesticated dog ownership".

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@Choco its because you fail to use logic and be educated. Abandoned dogs meant they already got betrayed by a owner maybe for a cuter dog or because they got lazy of being a owner

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ColdRainAndSnow posted...

Subscribe to The Young Turks
www.twitch.tv/tyt

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People care more about heckin puppers than they do poor people or people of color.

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While I think that the scenarios presented in this topic are pretty exaggerated and the average person extending the life of a pet is not usually in such a cruel or desperate situation, I get the point and it's pretty reductive to be like "lol nope you're a sociopath." Great argument.

_Rinku_ posted...

I hope someone shows this level of compassion for you in your hour of need.

I wish we allowed humans the level of compassion we sometimes show animals in that we allow them to be euthanised rather than suffer needlessly.

But at least humans can consent to whatever treatment is inflicted on them.

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ColdRainAndSnow posted...

@Choco its because you fail to use logic and be educated. Abandoned dogs meant they already got betrayed by a owner maybe for a cuter dog or because they got lazy of being a owner

ok and why do u hate ppl who rescue abandoned dogs and care for them and love them

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Ive never been big on prolonging the life of a dying animal. It sucks but sometimes its kinda like benefiting yourself at the animals expense if you keep getting them treatment.

If its an issue that just effects quality of life like a missing limb or something thats different. I certainly wouldnt willingly take on that financial burden but if you got the cash to burn and it makes you feel good then get that pup some robo legs.

This topic seems like hyperbole, but I've been in a situation where a pet required very expensive surgery. We drove 4 hours and paid $1500 for our cat to have a dental surgery to keep infections from spreading from her teeth to her brain. She's now much happier and more playful than ever.

It was a lot of money and care afterward, but it was worth it. She's part of the family

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I kind of agree with the OP. It seems silly for people to plunk down serious money just so their pet can live a little longer(maybe in pain, i don't know). If I was on my deathbed, I wouldn't want to be kept alive for a few more days or weeks in potential agony if I am not going to get better.

i love dogs. I had one as a kid, and I babysit some dogs for a friend of mine once in a while, and they're cool and like me a lot, but some of the logistics of pet ownership kinda pass me by.

AllegraD posted...

same. I would never pay $1000 for, say, a family cat or something.

I mean it depends on your situation

were getting close to that for our kitty, whos been sick for a month and has possible kidney problems. It adds up quick, but in the grand scheme of things $1k isnt a lot of money to us so its worth it

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Lot of people in this topic loudly screaming that they should never own pets.

Also, paying for medical care =/= needlessly prolonging your pet's suffering.
pinky0926 posted...

I wish we allowed humans the level of compassion we sometimes show animals in that we allow them to be euthanised rather than suffer needlessly.

But at least humans can consent to whatever treatment is inflicted on them.

Are you a vegan? Since you seem so hung up on the consent issue, I have to presume you are also against the slaughter and forced impregnation of the animals used to make things like milk, cheese, etc.

_Rinku_ posted...

Lot of people in this topic loudly screaming that they should never own pets.

Also, paying for medical care =/= needlessly prolonging your pet's suffering.

Are you a vegan? Since you seem so hung up on the consent issue, I have to presume you are also against the slaughter and forced impregnation of the animals used to make things like milk, cheese, etc.

This is a weird attempt at a gotcha...

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This is why people should have pet insurance.

pinky0926 posted...

This is a weird attempt at a gotcha...

You didn't answer my question.

It is a pretty weird gotcha though considering a lot of the people TC is describing aren't vegan either. The value they place on animal lives depends on if they get food from them and/or how cute they are

_Rinku_ posted...

You didn't answer my question.

Don't have to. The dairy and meat industries are excessively cruel and should be improved. People also should consider if they really have their pets best interests in mind when they seek out treatment, and not just their own.

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I just put my dog down 2 months ago. A lot of the decision making in the end wasnt just about his quality of life, it also became about the financial burden to me at some point.

Thats a shitty situation for anyone to be in. Weighing the cost of a loved ones life. Thats what they are though, loved ones. To anyone that wants to try and move mountains to buy one more day, I feel for them. Thats their choice to make but its a choice they will have to make. Its not easy, thats for sure.

Im appreciative of the fact we have the ability to choose when it comes to our pets. To not let them suffer a day more than they have to, dont even extend that to ourselves in most cases.

But a loved one should never be a financial burden. And Im talking principal here. It fucking blows how expensive vets and medical care is. And for that to even be in the equation is horse shit.

But again, its your loved one, your money, your time. What you choose is up to you and I dont judge anyone for their choices. Its a fucked up system no matter what way you look at it.

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GrabASnickers posted...

It is a pretty weird gotcha though considering a lot of the people TC is describing aren't vegan either. The value they place on animal lives depends on if they get food from them and/or how cute they are

It's a valid question since he's so hung up on the consent of the animal. He's also conflating life saving care with needlessly prolonging the suffering of an animal, so he's not making a good faith argument in the first place.

pinky0926 posted...

Don't have to. The dairy and meat industries are excessively cruel and should be improved. People also should consider if they really have their pets best interests in mind when they seek out treatment, and not just their own.

You kinda do if you want a leg to stand on with regard to your argument of consent.

You seem to have this binary view on pet care. You are aware that lots of people make the extremely difficult decision to end their pet's suffering even if they could afford further treatment, right?

_Rinku_ posted...

It's a valid question since he's so hung up on the consent of the animal. He's also conflating life saving care with needlessly prolonging the suffering of an animal, so he's not making a good faith argument in the first place.

See post #38. Wanting the meat/dairy industries to be better and thinking sometimes people seek out medical treatment for pets for selfish reasons are not mutually exclusive ideas.

If you're still curious, I'm not vegan. And if you want to point out that animals don't consent to being eaten, of course. But I don't think eating animals is inherently the same as putting them through senseless pain.

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_Rinku_ posted...

You kinda do if you want a leg to stand on with regard to your argument of consent.

You seem to have this binary view on pet care. You are aware that lots of people make the extremely difficult decision to end their pet's suffering even if they could afford further treatment, right?

You read the part where I said my partner is a vet right?

Yes, I am aware of the complications on the topic, since I generally deal with her literally crying about it on a weekly basis. Breaks her heart when a dog needs treatment and they have to put it down because the owners can't afford it.

Equally, it breaks her heart when a dog needs to die but the owners insist on putting it through extensive chemo because they just can't bear to lose it.

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pinky0926 posted...

See post #38. Wanting the meat/dairy industries to be better and thinking sometimes people seek out medical treatment for pets for selfish reasons are not mutually exclusive ideas.

If you're still curious, I'm not vegan. And if you want to point out that animals don't consent to being eaten, of course. But I don't think eating animals is inherently the same as putting them through senseless pain.

And again, you are needlessly conflating the issues the ideas of life saving care and "senseless" pain. Maybe you have it in your mind that most pet owners are doping up their animals explicitly to prolong a life just so the human isn't sad and that just isn't how it works. I'm sure there are a few people, but most pet owners DO consider the pet's wellbeing and happiness. They DO consider whether or not the pet needs this help to otherwise live a happy life.

And for the record, I'm not vegan either. I'm not even vegetarian. Plant-based diets inflict their own unique damage on people (particularly workers harvesting plants) and the planet. There's very much no ethical consumption under capitalism, so I try not to worry about excessively.

_Rinku_ posted...
And again, you are needlessly conflating the issues the ideas of life saving care and "senseless" pain.

Show me on the doll where I conflated those ideas


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You're a generally cool poster but you honestly make some weird as fuck out of the blue topics sometimes

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pinky0926 posted...

You read the part where I said my partner is a vet right?

Yes, I am aware of the complications on the topic, since I generally deal with her literally crying about it on a weekly basis. Breaks her heart when a dog needs treatment and they have to put it down because the owners can't afford it.

Equally, it breaks her heart when a dog needs to die but the owners insist on putting it through extensive chemo because they just can't bear to lose it.

Pretty bizarre that you would make your original rant then.

I feel bad your partner; veterinary care isn't easy. I'm sure you're aware of some of the grim statistics of the profession.

pinky0926 posted...

Show me on the doll where I conflated those ideas

pinky0926 posted...

Okidoki. For clarity though, I didn't say 0 compassion. I said my compassion is limited because I think the response sometimes is over the top, like people will set aside their entire life for a forest animal that is almost certainly going to die. I don't get it.

pinky0926 posted...

I wish we allowed humans the level of compassion we sometimes show animals in that we allow them to be euthanised rather than suffer needlessly.

But at least humans can consent to whatever treatment is inflicted on them.

And of course your original post.

Sunhawk topic.

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You could have simply not posted this

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