Scale-less BP photo!

[Mephibosheth1]

It all comes down to quality of life.


For dogs I list the following:

Golden Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia.

German Shepherd Dogs are prone to hip dysplasia.

Basset Hounds are prone to luxation of vertebral discs.

Rotweilers are prone to anemia and ACL tears.

Shar Peis are prone to skin fold pyodermas.



For Cats I list the following:

Scottish folds are prone to arthritis later in life, and also carry a lethal recessive gene.

Persians are prone to breathing difficulties, skin fold pyodermas, and have a constant self care deficit.

Sphynxes are prone to getting cold at night, and also are more likely to have dry skin.




However, in each of these cases, the animals are able to be properly cared for and have a good quality of life with only MINOR changes to "normal" husbandry practices.


Spider Balls are no different. The wobble is passed with the gene; anyone who is against it is free to stop making them, but the fact is that the wobbliness (in most cases) does not affect the animal's quality of life. If anything, it can increase it–everyone seems to take extra good care of their spiders BECAUSE they have the propensity for an issue.


This Scaleless morph will be seen by the general public in a few weeks (days??) and as more information goes out about it we will get the REAL story....not some speculation based on 2 pictures, or phone calls to those who have glimpsed the animal. Then it is up to you (and the breeders) to decide what will happen with it. If there is solid evidence that the morph is challenged to the point of inability to properly survive, I have no doubt that all RESPONSIBLE breeders will cease mass production, or at least will work with the gene privately in an attempt to rectify the problems.

However, if there is no issue with the morph–it is able to breath, shed (if that's a thing with them), eat, poop, and interact safely–and there would only have to be slight modifications to husbandry to keep them healthy and happy (no spiney substrate, only F/T meals, etc.), then what would the difference be between a Scaleless BP and a German Shepherd Dog with hip dysplasia?? They both live happy, healthy, meaningful lives, and only require SLIGHT modifications to their diet/exercise/housing to deal with a non-lethal issue that is "natural" to their breed.


If anyone is of a different mindset, and would like to express their view, go for it!! Maybe you will get some converts...diversity is a good thing.
But if you want to get others to agree with you, you need to have SOLID REASONS for how you feel (not just feelings), and you CAN"T attack the other person for their beliefs. Quarreling never persuades anyone; if just polarizes the issue even further. The only way to convince someone else that their view needs adjusting is to acknowledge their viewpoint, put your hand around their shoulder, and lead them gently to your side of things; dragging them over while calling them names will only result in anger and dissent.



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