Odd Observation

[rebeccabecca]

The thing is NEVER name your feeders/food. I'm sure you couldn't butcher a cow named daisy but just a cow you would. We have emotional bonds and as soon as you"name" that animal it's a no go with killing it unless it's at the end of it's life. I would feed a snake a kitten because cats are way too numerous that's why I fix all my cats and I only take in strays not ones bought from a petstore.

[MasonC2K]

It boils down to what animals have been humanized to an individual.

To most Americans, dogs and cats are companion animals that are viewed as members of the family. Feeding one of them to another animal would be like feeding your own child to one.

Bambi did a lot to humanize deer. Sure there are still plenty of hunters but a lot of the people that are against hunting have seen Bambi and other cartoons that have humanized these animals.

I honestly don't think I could kill a cow or a chicken because i myself have been so exposed to cartoons that humanized these animals.

I can kill a fish all day long though. I was taken fishing many times as a child and got used to gutting and scaling fish long before I ever saw Litttle Mermaid or Finding Nemo.

[joepythons]

What is the relevance of this on a public SNAKE FORUM?

Yea

[rebeccabecca]

Because this is the off topic area!

[blackcrystal22]

People often forget that they are animals themselves. Mammals in fact.

Just because we are the leading species on this planet does not mean we get our own little kingdom. It's the animal kingdom, and we're in it too.

[filly77]

i feel bad everytime its feeding day but i know as a snake owner/lover snakes eat rodents, until they come out w/ snake kibble anyway (lol that'll NEVER happen)

do i feel as bad for a rat vs if it was my dogs or cats? no, theres no bond stronger then the love a dog & their owner shares. Cats well.. lol they are super lovey/friendly on their time. im completely happy w/ that too because when they do feel like being friendly, its SO worth it

but to throw your theory outta the water.. some super tiny chihuahuas can weigh less than some small critters.. ive seen many rabbits bigger then my 6lb chi. i had ferrets weigh more also. broke my heart when they died of old age but it still dont compare to the loss of a dog or cat or horse (can only assume this cuz i dont have any but they are my favorite animal..)

its all about the bond you share w/ your pet, not the size

[aalomon]

Sugar gliders are tiny, but if it was between them and a cat they win every time.

[disabled.101]

All my frozen mice and rats have names

[BPHERP]

Not all animals are equal. Not all life forms are equal. Not even all people are equal.

In response to your specific observation about dogs.. dogs are often seen as family members, not just pets. They socialize, teach, learn, help raise kids, change diapers(ok i exaggerate a little but you see what i'm getting at)

The height of arrogance is one life form deciding arbitrarily what other life forms are worth.

[littleindiangirl]

The height of arrogance is one life form deciding arbitrarily what other life forms are worth.

Great post!