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Poiuyt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Sep-03-05 10:30 PM
Original message
How many of you could leave a pet behind in the case of an emergency?
I'm not sure I could. I don't think I could live with myself. Carl is like a child to me.




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Kat45 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Sep-03-05 10:49 PM
Response to Original message
1. Carl is so pretty.
I like that picture of him against a black background.
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Poiuyt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Sep-03-05 11:57 PM
Response to Reply #1
19. Thanks. I was setting up to take a portrait of someone and Carl just
jumped up onto the stool and looked at me as if to say, "I'm ready!"
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ContraBass Black Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 01:02 AM
Response to Reply #19
28. I was gong to ask
how you got him to sit for a picture.
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Tallison Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 11:11 AM
Response to Reply #1
44. Yes, that's a beautiful cat
and a great picture of him, too.
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allalone Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Sep-03-05 10:51 PM
Response to Original message
2. my cat goes where I go
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Robb Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Sep-03-05 10:52 PM
Response to Original message
3. Good lookin' kitty
I'm not sure I could, partly because given the kind of emergency I'm likely to face, my pups are transportation and heat. :)
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blonndee Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Sep-03-05 10:54 PM
Response to Original message
4. Not me. No way, nohow. I live in Tornado Alley and my out of state family
chides me for this, but my dogs ARE my immediate family and I would stay with them if I had the choice between going to a community shelter (no pets allowed) and hiding in a closet. I took on the responsibility of caring for them and they have no one else to care for them.

THEY ARE MY RESPONSIBILITY and my FAMILY. Mock me if you will (not the OP, but people in general) but I would protect them as though they were my own children, simply because when I adopted them, I feel as though I made that promise.
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friesianrider Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 01:28 PM
Response to Reply #4
83. Me, too, blonndee.
I feel the same way about promising them when I got them that I would do whatever it takes to give them what they need. I mean, if I don't go above and beyond to save their lives, no one else will (especially in an emergency).
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Mutley Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 07:48 PM
Response to Reply #4
90. Same here.
I would never mock you for it. I could never leave my babies behind.
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SoCalDem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 09:30 PM
Response to Reply #4
93. I spent many a night (in Kansas)
huddled under a big desk in a dark spidery basement wqith a howling dog , two yowling cats, and 3 kids under 5 (one a few months old) for HOURS at a time while things slammed into our house..

They didn;t like it, but I would never leave them to fend for themselves
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Dastard Stepchild Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Sep-03-05 10:55 PM
Response to Original message
5. Nope... I would just drive and drive and drive....
Until I found a place that would take all of us. Of course, I say this with supreme thanks for the fact that I have the financial resources to do so.
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chknltl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Sep-03-05 11:03 PM
Response to Original message
6. In emergencies the first thing folks rush back into their homes for:
...is pets. The second thing they rush back into their homes for is their photos and the third thing is their valuables.... I am like most folks on this. Long live pet owners and photographers! (Ok so I am biased by being both)
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HuskerDU Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Sep-03-05 11:05 PM
Response to Original message
7. My g/f and I have 3 babies.
They happen to be cats. I told her the other day that I would not rest until they are all safe with me if disaster strikes.
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enigmatic Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Sep-03-05 11:06 PM
Response to Original message
8. Nope
No way. Ever.
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jessicazi Donating Member (458 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Sep-03-05 11:09 PM
Response to Original message
9. WOW! your cat looks like my cat kinda...
weird.
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miss_kitty Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Sep-03-05 11:10 PM
Response to Original message
10. I couldn't
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philosophie_en_rose Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Sep-03-05 11:13 PM
Response to Reply #10
12. He looks like my dogs.
What kind of dog is he (or she)?
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miss_kitty Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Sep-03-05 11:22 PM
Response to Reply #12
14. she is some kind of terrierist
Cairn, mixed maybe with Schipperke.

What kind of dogs do you have?
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philosophie_en_rose Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Sep-03-05 11:41 PM
Response to Reply #14
18. Not sure.
I think they're miniture terriers of some kind. Like more shaggy yorkies.
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miss_kitty Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:01 AM
Response to Reply #18
21. Maybe they're related
my dog was owned by a homeless kid and freeperlessinseattle found her by the freeway early December, and I've had her ever since. I think she's about a year and a half old.
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philosophie_en_rose Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:05 AM
Response to Reply #21
22. Nope. I know where they came from.
I'm very glad that you and your puppy found each other though. :)
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samplegirl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 11:59 AM
Response to Reply #10
53. and Toto too!
how cute
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philosophie_en_rose Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Sep-03-05 11:12 PM
Response to Original message
11. They could both fit in the same backpack.
I'd take them. I'd feed them first. Frankly, they'd give me a reason to keep going.
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Lady President Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Sep-03-05 11:20 PM
Response to Original message
13. Nope
I drove with my cat in her carrier next to me in a level 3 snow emergency looking for shelter for the two of us after I lost power last Christmas. My apartment was freezing (and I do mean below 32 degrees) and there was no chance I was leaving without her.

We spent 4 nights in a Holiday Inn which allowed pets because of the weather. :)
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ofrfxsk Donating Member (817 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Sep-03-05 11:24 PM
Response to Original message
15. I wouldn't leave my pets no matter what.
Carl is adorable.
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hyphenate Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Sep-03-05 11:24 PM
Response to Original message
16. I think I would rather die myself than abandon
my furkits. They are my kids--and always will be. I could no longer leave them behind than I could think of leaving a human child behind.
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SW FL Dem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Sep-03-05 11:33 PM
Response to Original message
17. Never, My furkids are family and they go where I go.
Luckily, I am in a financial position where I can make that choice. In an emergency, we can drive out and we will take our furbutts. I can't imagine those people who didn't have a choice. It would haunt me forever.
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DeposeTheBoyKing Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:00 AM
Response to Original message
20. I couldn't
There's no way I could leave my baby kitties. If they find my waterlogged or burned body in my home, so be it; I'm not leaving without Monty, Simba and Morrissey! (and I do mean AND; all of them would have to come along)
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Lindsey Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:28 AM
Response to Reply #20
23. Nope...where I go, my kitty goes....no question. n/t
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GoddessOfGuinness Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:33 AM
Response to Original message
24. No...We take care of each other
because we're family.
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Redstone Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:35 AM
Response to Original message
25. In a heartbeat. My family is much more important than
Edited on Sun Sep-04-05 12:35 AM by Redstone
any animal.

I like animals a lot, but wouldn't endanger the lives of anyone in my family (or any person at all, come to think of it) for the sake of one.

Redstone
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yvr girl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 07:52 AM
Response to Reply #25
31. I agree with you completely
If I could take my pets with me, I would, but if I couldn't find them, my first priority would be to get people out of harm's way.
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Tallison Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 11:14 AM
Response to Reply #31
45. No one in my family would budge
unless the cats were accounted and provided for. Saving the fam would entail saving the pets.
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friesianrider Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:46 PM
Response to Reply #45
62. VERY well said. My pets ARE my family, too.
Yes, they are animals, but that does not discount the fact that they are my family the same as any two-legged variety.

No one in my family would leave without all the kitties, bunnies, and horses. It would be like leaving a child behind. When they came into my home, I made a commitment to them to treat them as such. No way I'd leave without them - and my family shares this commitment as well.
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yvr girl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 01:04 PM
Response to Reply #62
71. Your house is on fire
Your child is trapped at one end and your pet is trapped at the other. Most likely, you can only save one. Who do you choose? Who do you go for first?

I've loved all my pets. One of my 'party tricks' is to be able to cry on cue - I do that by thinking of when my first pet died, I was completely devasted by it. BUT I woulld never risk the life of my child (if I ever have one) or anyone else's child to save a pet.
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Cyndee_Lou_Who Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 01:08 PM
Response to Reply #71
72. OK, another perspective. Knowing others love you and need you,
and love you... would you risk your OWN life to have a chance at saving the life of your pet? What about if you were a mother?

I am so very curious on this topic...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=3956884&mesg_id=3956884


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friesianrider Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 01:12 PM
Response to Reply #72
76. Yes, I would absolutely risk my life to save my pets.
Edited on Sun Sep-04-05 01:14 PM by friesianrider
Would you risk your life for your human child? You likely would. My pets are to me what your child is to you. I would risk my life for them, yes, and I have before when my horse's barn caught fire. I was only 14 years old and risked my life to save my horse's, and would do it again in a heartbeat.

My family knows my commitment to my pets, and they understand that. Beyond that, they feel the same way that I do.

No one in my household or immediate family would budge if the pets weren't coming right along with us.
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friesianrider Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 01:10 PM
Response to Reply #71
75. I would go after whichever I could get to first.
I wouldn't step over my child to get to my pet, but if my pet is sitting right there and I can save their life, I will. I would save whichever I could get to first.

:shrug:
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Liberalynn Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 09:12 PM
Response to Reply #75
92. I don't have a human child
Edited on Sun Sep-04-05 09:37 PM by Liberalynn
but if I had to get to someone first it would be my mother and my sister.

However, I would go back in and try to save my dog Maxie, even if that meant risking my own life. I would not leave her I would stay behind to care for her, if she could not go too. I made a promise and a commitment to take care of her to the best of my abilty when I brought her into my home and I will honor that even if others may not understand that.

She is a living being and whether it is love or simply instinct on her part, I don't care, I know she guards me with her life and because of that I owe her the same loyalty. You know there are Monks who raise German Shepards because it is believed that it teaches them how to care for something besides themselves and helps them learn compassion and service?

Plus Maxie's my best bud and is my family too. I love her too much to just leave her the whims of fate.

I really don't think I believe in God at this moment in time, I'm just not sure, and I'm not sure prayers are answered, I don't really think so and I really don't often try to pray anymore, but like Progmom said, I just hope and only for lack of another word "pray" that I am never faced with that choice.
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xmas74 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:20 PM
Response to Reply #25
59. Exactly.
I'd feel awful about it but my daughter comes first.
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progmom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:46 AM
Response to Original message
26. i hope i never have to face that question for real.
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GoddessOfGuinness Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 07:33 AM
Response to Reply #26
30. Amen to that, Progmom.
With 3 cats, a hamster, and a dog I'd have a tough time getting them all out by myself.
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Ladyhawk Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:48 AM
Response to Original message
27. Had to once. :(
The police knocked on my door, said there was a fire in the apartment next door and that I had to get out NOW. I had no choice. I grabbed Gabby, but had to leave another parrot and my snakes behind.
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Withywindle Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 02:07 AM
Response to Original message
29. What a handsome boy Carl is!
To answer your question, no way.

I agree - when we adopt them, we make a commitment. My SO agrees with me - the cats are coming with us as long as one of us has an arm left to carry them with.
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Left_Winger Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 08:05 AM
Response to Original message
32. I could not...
They are family members.

I saw on the news that pets were not allowed on the busses evacuating people from the Superdome and a little poodle was tossed off to the side by a law enforcement officer after the owner(s) had boarded the bus. How callous and uncaring can a person be?
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solinvictus Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 08:06 AM
Response to Original message
33. Nope...
if my dogs don't go, the SO and I don't either and that's a mutual decision.
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Rabrrrrrr Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 08:12 AM
Response to Original message
34. Sure.
Though I wouldn't care for the option, if it was down to the pet or me, I take me.

I certainly wouldn't stay behind and die for a pet.
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El Fuego Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 08:16 AM
Response to Original message
35. I wouldn't.
I would find a way to bring my cat.
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Wcross Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 08:34 AM
Response to Original message
36. I couldn't leave my guys behind.
I have 6 dogs and 2 cats. They are my friends and you don't let a friend down-ever. I would either stay or load them up and bring them with me.
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liberalitch Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 08:46 AM
Response to Original message
37. Where I go, they go.... I'd live in a camp site in suffolk with...
these two cats on leashes.....
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CherokeeDem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 09:20 AM
Response to Original message
38. Never
Absolutely, never would I leave my two little kitty guys behind. It is just obscene that more provisions are not being made for animals. I live in Miami and there is now a shelter for people and their pets and I work at an HCA hospital (yep, the Frist guy's...i know, but it's a living) and we will take the staff's pets in a specific area in crates if the storm is Cat 3 or better. At least it's a start.
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arwalden Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 09:31 AM
Response to Original message
39. I'd Stay Behind And Protect This Fur-Baby
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Pool Hall Ace Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 09:47 AM
Response to Original message
40. I have never been intentionally hurt by an animal, but I have been
hurt by humans, so I don't really buy into the "people are more important" line of thinking.

My husband agrees, the dog is part of our family. He goes where we go.
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Cyndee_Lou_Who Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 09:50 AM
Response to Original message
41. Yes. I could. I am a mother to my child first and foremost. He needs me a
lot more than my pets do. I would not put my life or his on the line for a pet.
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 10:00 AM
Response to Original message
42. It would literally have to be a choice
between my cat and an immediate family member. One of those "you can only save one" situations. I love my fur baby, but I'd probably save the human first. But my God, that would suck. Bad.

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LisaL Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 11:06 AM
Response to Original message
43. I really hope I am never in a situation where I have to.
These poor people-I can only imagine their hearts breaking because they have no choice. Pets are not allowed on buses, and the people can not stay with the pets. It's another outrage.
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KatyaR Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 11:16 AM
Response to Original message
46. I couldn't do it.
My Maggie gets so scared when we have bad, loud storms--I couldn't think of leaving her behind. The one time we had to run to a safe place because of a tornado, I loaded her up in the car with food and water, and off we went to an underground parking garage to wait out the storm. If it had been worse, I would have lived in the car--she's not being left behind. She's a rescue dog and was lost once--it's not happening again if I can help it.

I know a lot of people didn't have any choice, and I feel so horrible for them. The first photo that actually got to me this week was on the LA Times website, a picture of a dog sitting on a piece of debris in the middle of a flooded area, no one else in site, just waiting for someone to rescue him. I cried for an hour.

The whole damn thing is absolutely heartbreaking.


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Cyndee_Lou_Who Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 11:21 AM
Response to Reply #46
47. I am curious... can you please read this and let me know how you feel?
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KatyaR Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 11:36 AM
Response to Reply #47
48. I guess I look at it a little differently than most folks.
I have very few people that I call friends, and I'm not really that close to them. What few family members I have I haven't seen or heard from since my mother died six years ago, and many of them live less than an hour away. So there's really not anyone to really be concerned about me, except my employer who would have a stroke if I didn't show up to work, but that's his problem, not mine.

I have what most people would call a "really different mindset" about the whole survival thing. I won't get into it, but my main concern would be for my safety, but Maggie's a part of that, and if she doesn't go, we go to Plan B. Part of this comes from having lost my last doggie thanks to a very stupid choice I made, and I think that affects my feelings more than anything else. If something happens to her, it won't be because I didn't try with everything I had to prevent it.

I bet you'd find that many of these people who stayed behind because of their pets were olders folks for whom their pets are their closest companions. I can see my late grandmother or mother not being able to make that decision, either. Thank god they never had to.

Again, I emphasize that this is just how I see MY situation. I know for others it's totally different, and I have to respect the decisions they make. It breaks my heart to think that anyone has to make that choice.
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Cyndee_Lou_Who Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 11:47 AM
Response to Reply #48
50. Breaks my heart, too... and I understand your choice. I do... but as a
parent... a single parent (only parent, for that matter), I think I'd make a different choice.

Not judging; a loved one of mine would make same decision as you, which may be why I am so perplexed by this.

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KatyaR Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:10 PM
Response to Reply #50
55. Well, everyone has to make their own choice, and I don't know
what mine would be if I had children or others to think about.

I think part of it also has to do with denial--god knows I've been through lots of that myself, and that denial has contributed to screwing my life up in ways that I never thought possible. Many times it's hard to face reality, especially if there's a real threat to your safety, and it happens all the time. We see it here in Oklahoma constantly during tornado season. People won't leave their homes because they feel safer there. They run outdoors to watch the storm go overhead when there's a tornado right in front of them. I could go on and on.

I guess it's kinda like knowing that you're safer wearing a helmet when you ride your motorcycle but not wearing one because it's uncomfortable. It's a choice, and that choice doesn't always turn out well.

It's an interesting thought to ponder, though.
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KatyaR Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:10 PM
Original message
Delete
Edited on Sun Sep-04-05 12:11 PM by fifthgendem
Sorry--problem with my internet connection.
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KatyaR Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:10 PM
Response to Reply #50
56. delete
Edited on Sun Sep-04-05 12:12 PM by fifthgendem
nt
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friesianrider Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:54 PM
Response to Reply #50
65. IMHO...
And I'm saying this as a non-parent, but there would ALWAYS be someone to care for my child in a disaster. That isn't the case with my pets. If I don't go to great lengths to save their lives, you can bet not too many people on this Earth will.

Maybe I'll never be in "that" mindset that I would step over 60 other people/pets to get to my child...so maybe I won't ever be able to be an effective parent. But my animals are my children, no different. I wouldn't step over my hypothetical human child to get to my pet, but if I came to my pet first I would get my pet.

I guess some of us are just much more committed to our pets than other people are.
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Cyndee_Lou_Who Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 01:00 PM
Response to Reply #65
68. "but there would ALWAYS be someone to care for my child in a disaster."...
See... I feel that way about pets WAY more than kids.

I don't think it's a question of commitments to pets as human nature to nuture our children.

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friesianrider Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 01:08 PM
Response to Reply #68
73. Yes, but my pets ARE my children.
Edited on Sun Sep-04-05 01:09 PM by friesianrider
The way you feel for your child is the way I feel to my pets. If I had children, my pets would be a part of my family the same as my human kids.

"I feel that way about pets WAY more than kids."

Well, 8 million dogs and cats are killed every year just because they do not find a home before their "time us up." Last I heard, they weren't euthanizing children in orphanages just because no one had adopted them.

If I hand my kid to a police officer in an emergency, he won't shoot my child or put him to sleep. If I hand my pet to a police officer in an emergency, my pet will likely end up killed.

I guess the difference is just one of the level of commitment each one oe us has to our pets - some people are more committed than others I suppose.
:)
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Cyndee_Lou_Who Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 01:09 PM
Response to Reply #73
74. You agreed with the word 'betrayal' - do you belive that in all cases?
Just wondering...
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friesianrider Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 01:14 PM
Response to Reply #74
77. More than likely...
But I guess I'd have to hear the scenario. I honestly cannot think of any reason (off the top of my head) that I would abandon my pets...
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Cyndee_Lou_Who Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 01:16 PM
Response to Reply #77
78. I say again... this is not whether I value *MY* life over my pet's....
... but

whether my life is more valuable to others who love me than my pet's.

I am a mother, so it is. End of story.

I would always make the choice to be there for him over saving a pet.
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friesianrider Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 01:21 PM
Response to Reply #78
82. I disagree completely.
Edited on Sun Sep-04-05 01:24 PM by friesianrider
"...but whether my life is more valuable to others who love me than my pet's. I am a mother, so it is."

I am a mother, too. To kitties, bunnies, and horses. Leaving them would be leaving my child.

I don't think the few people here who would abandon their pets understand this commitment. You hear that we say "they are our children" but really you don't understand I don't think. When I say they are my children, I mean it. Leaving them for me would be like you leaving your child. I mean, say you had two kids, and could only take one. Would you take the youngest and leave the other? How could you choose? It's the same for me. I could not choose to evacuate with my human child and leave my pets, any more than I could only take my pets and leave my human child.

Clearly we have a difference of opinion, but your life obviously doesn't apply to mine. You asked my opinion and I gave it. I understand that you would abandon your animals if it came down to it, but I'm sorry I just don't think I can ever think that that is an ok thing for anyone to do. It's just my opinion. :shrug: Even if I had human children though, if my pets could not come with us to evacuate, my child and I would stay. And more than likely, any child I would have would not leave without the pets, either.
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Cyndee_Lou_Who Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 01:28 PM
Response to Reply #82
84. Well, you're right we disagree. And that's OK.
Edited on Sun Sep-04-05 01:29 PM by Cyndee_Lou_Who
Someone I love shares your opinion. He's also not a parent. I guess that's why I am so interested in opinions and discussion on the matter. I'm not judging or using words like 'betrayal'... just trying to fully understand, is all. No hard feelings here and I hope none there...
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friesianrider Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 01:31 PM
Response to Reply #84
85. None at all :)
Edited on Sun Sep-04-05 01:32 PM by friesianrider
I work for a shelter, and see many people who are so cruel and careless with their pets, so I am sort of toughened by what I've seen. I hope that even those who would abandon their fur babes in an emergency would do so grudgingly and do whatever they could to ensure the pets could survive (ie, not leave them tied to something like some people do in hurricanes/tornados/floods). It is interesting to hear that many opinions though, that's for sure!

:hi:
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Cyndee_Lou_Who Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 01:34 PM
Response to Reply #85
86. Cool.
And given my life circumstances, I sure hope that no one would consider it betrayal if I chose to be there for my son who needs me. I love my pets... immensely and would be torn to bits if I had to decide.

I feel for the people in the Gulf Coast and hope that they are not judged for the unfathomable decisions that they've been faced with.
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Coventina Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 11:43 AM
Response to Original message
49. The hubby, Sarah and I are a family. You don't abandon family.
Either we all go, or none of us do.

Anything else is betrayal.
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friesianrider Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:59 PM
Response to Reply #49
66. Betrayal is right, coventina.
When I took my fur babes in, I promised them to protect them for their entire lives...the same as I would my children.

A few years ago I was pretty strapped financially, but still had a few hundred bucks saved (that I deposited only $5 or $10 at a time) that I had for emergency vet care AND for emergency disasters like a hurricane, flood, etc. In the event of an emergency (God forbid), I would have that money available to be able to just drive with my pets or drive until I can get to a family member's house or hotel that accepts pets.

If it came down to it though, leaving any of my pets would be exactly like leaving one of my human children. I simply could not do it. It would be like telling my human child, "sorry, my life is more important." I just couldn't do it :(
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samplegirl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 11:55 AM
Response to Original message
51. Never


he would be the first thing i would grab.
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samplegirl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 11:56 AM
Response to Original message
52. what a face
how could you leave him behind.
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samplegirl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:09 PM
Response to Original message
54. Calender Cat
how pretty
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AlGore-08.com Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:10 PM
Response to Original message
57. I didn't during the Northridge Quake
One of my cats (Boudicca) had run away and hid the day before, but the other one (Balzac) was a total coward and was hiding under the bed. After the quake hit, I went back into my apartment, and dragged him outside. It wasn't easy because Balzac was 20 pounds (no fat, all muscle) and was freaking out, trying to stay, and the aftershocks were going on while I was doing this.

It was a pretty stupid thing to do, and I could have gotten killed, but I wasn't thinking, I was just reacting to him being in danger.

Boudicca came back all on her own after the main quake and aftershocks, but Balzac was so wigged out he would come to the door and run away when I opened it - - for two more days. I left his food and water outside, and he eventually came back inside.
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Individualist Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:19 PM
Response to Original message
58. Not under any circumstance
I'd die before I'd abandon my furbaby.
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MalibuChloe Donating Member (431 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:20 PM
Response to Original message
60. no bloody way
my dog is small enough that i could stuff her under my shirt and let her peek out the top and that's where she'd go and i would go nowhere without her!
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sakabatou Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:41 PM
Response to Original message
61. I dunno about my dog
needs mediaction for his rhemutoid arthritis, he's old, and lazy. So I don't really know.
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friesianrider Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:48 PM
Response to Original message
63. Never, never, never, never.
When I brought my pets into my home, I made a lifetime commitment to treat them as an equal family member. Leaving them would be exactly like leaving my child...I'd sooner die. Couldn't do it.

I mean, if *I* don't fight for their lives and look after them as my own family, who the hell will?

My pets are more than pets to me - they ARE my family too.
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BrklynLiberal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 01:03 PM
Response to Reply #63
70. posted my answer without seeng yours, but obviously of the same mind.
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traco Donating Member (579 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 11:23 PM
Response to Reply #63
100. I agree with your opinion 100%
I could never leave my little girl!! She is a tiny little chihuahua/shih tzu mix. She is my baby!

I have 2 kids too. My oldest child, me and my pets lived through this scenario before. We had an electrical fire. I grabbed my daughter in one arm, my little dog in the other arm, and called my big dog to follow. Big dog jumped the fence into my mothers yard, I set little dog over the fence and then set my daughter over the fence. Went back into the trailer to cut the power to the electric so the fire could be controlled.

I would not have left without making sure ALL were safe!

(we have lost the big dog since this. She was 15 years old and suffered liver failure.)
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ernstbass Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 12:50 PM
Response to Original message
64. My dogs are my children
and I have a commitment to protect them. Ican't imagine the agony of the poor souls who had to make a decision to leave animals behind on roofs in the past days. There need to be shelters that accept animals.
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ET Awful Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 01:00 PM
Response to Original message
67. Couldn't do it. I don't care if I have to duct tape the cats to my waist
and wear a trench coat so nobody sees 'em. Where I go, they go.
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friesianrider Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 01:16 PM
Response to Reply #67
79. Now THAT would be an interesting picture :)
But hey, I'm right there with you, ET! :hi:

Did you ever decide on a kitty house? We loved the $159 one you posted so much, we bought it this weekend! :)
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ET Awful Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 01:19 PM
Response to Reply #79
81. LOL . . . Great!!!!
I'll probably order one next week or the week after. I haven't ordered one yet though.
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BrklynLiberal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 01:02 PM
Response to Original message
69. never never never never never
Edited on Sun Sep-04-05 01:04 PM by BrklynLiberal
I would die with them, rather than leave them behind.
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mzteris Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 01:18 PM
Response to Original message
80. I don't think I could
though if it came down to my pets or my human children - and I absolutely HAD to make a choice, I'd probably have to go with the latter. The animals would be better equipped to survive "on their own" than the kids.

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AbbessHeloise Donating Member (24 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 06:16 PM
Response to Original message
87. No way
I would never leave my pets. The two cats and my husband are my family and they go or we don't go. As so many have said - we made a commitment to them when we adopted them and I won't break it. They are my responsibility as long as they live. And this may also seem callous, but I've never been hurt by one of my pets - only by people.
I would save my pets over some of the people I know.

It's pathetic when people in NO were not allowed to take their pets. Their pets are probably the only thing they have left.


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friesianrider Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 08:41 PM
Response to Reply #87
91. Welcome to DU! (and I agree wholeheartedly) :)
:hi:

I don't think it is callous at all to save your pets over some humans you know. I can think of many humans I'd step over to save my fur babies. I made a commitment to them when they set foot in my home to treat them as any other member of my family, which means we all go or no one goes.

And of course, welcome to DU! :hi: Good to have you with us!
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Karenina Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 07:34 PM
Response to Original message
88. What a GORGEOUS cat!
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Poiuyt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 11:21 PM
Response to Reply #88
99. Thanks, Carl is a very handsome cat, but he is overweight (15 lbs)
I'm very lucky to have him as my friend
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SOteric Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 07:46 PM
Response to Original message
89. Carl is a cutie.
I could never leave my little fuzzy buddy behind. I long ago sorted out a Red Cross emergency kit that includes provisions for my cat, grooming and litter supplies, and a pet carrier, - because he's never been a particularly happy traveler.

He's been microchipped, but in many emergencies, as is the case in New Orleans and parts of Mississippi just now, too many animals turn up at shelters to be housed and fed. Shelters have begun euthanising pets regardless of their tags, chips and obvious charm.

Part of the responsibilities of caring for pets includes their safety. He's my dearest little friend and my life has been made richer because of his presence. I go to considerable lengths to keep him safe with me.
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pitohui Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 09:57 PM
Response to Original message
94. yes i have done so
there are situations where you cannot justify putting yourself in danger, because of the risk to your family who will stay behind with you, or to rescue personnel who will be obliged to come after you

i had a situation where i had to evacuate & could not take all my pets, i left the ones who were most polite abt using their feeders & waterers properly so they would last several days

all survived very well, thank god

recognizing i had more than i could safely handle, i have since sold some of my pets (reluctantly but it was the right thing to do) & i was able to evacuate all i now own in small carriers in advance of katrina, as far as they know, they are just on a slightly-longer-than-normal vacation

please be aware that you are told NOT to take pets when you evacuate, you are ordered to leave them behind, they are not allowed in shelters or in many hotels, indeed, i had to smuggle mine into the motel, i've gotten reports of ppl turned away from motels because they had a pet w. them

it is not fair to yr family to sacrifice yr own life by refusing to evacuate because pets are not allowed, yet, ppl do it every hurricane season

to avoid being forced into this difficult choice, i have a couple suggestions --
--make sure yr pets are trained to go in and out of carriers quickly, do not allow them to assoc. the carrier only w. unpleasant events like trips to the vet, make it a game to go in & out of the carrier, when time is of the essence, you will be glad yr not fighting to get the pet in the carrier
--make sure you own no more pets than can be crated in carriers and transported in yr vehicle, if you are a breeder or do rescue & have too many animals to transport, you WILL have to leave some of them, so you need to have alternate plans, such as food & water feeders that can dispense over a number of days
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Cyndee_Lou_Who Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 10:01 PM
Response to Reply #94
95. Thank you for your post.
Very informative. Clearly not an easy decision, but one that needs to be rationally thought out.
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ScreamingMeemie Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 10:10 PM
Response to Original message
96. I would like to say no, but I really don't know. I have two children
and a husband. If the situation were dire, my first efforts would be geared toward my children, then my husband, then the pets. It's the way it has to be. Unfortuantely
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DawgHouse Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 10:12 PM
Response to Original message
97. I could not leave my faithful companion behind. NT
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fudge stripe cookays Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 10:29 PM
Response to Original message
98. How could I live with myself...
if I left my Fargles? We don't have kids. He's my baby. And we got him from rescue, so he'd had a hard time before we got him. He gets scared pretty easily.



Molly's an independent little shit. She'd probably be OK. I'd take her, but she would not be happy about it, and would most likely need kitty valiums.

FSC
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traco Donating Member (579 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 11:30 PM
Response to Reply #98
102. That is a beautiful dog!
And he has the longest legs I think I've ever seen.
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roguevalley Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 11:42 PM
Response to Reply #98
104. all lovely, the pets here. We had this happen to us once. Our Gretchen,
then nearly 17 (she died at about 22) was a tiny petite feminine dachshund and my daughter. I had her half my life. We had to go to the high school gym about 1 at night because of a toxic cloud. We snuck her in and she lay under a blanket with me sleeping. I took her out in a bag to the front door and pottied her a couple of times without anyone noticing. The third time the Red Cross bitch noticed her and told us to put her outside. I told them NEVER. Nicely too. They told me to leave. I said, "You would toss us out in the middle
of winter (alaska) into a toxic cloud because of our lovely sweet elderly little girl.

You betcha. So out we went. Of course, I called her the evilest old cow bitch I ever saw. I HATE the Red Cross to this day. Fuck them.

My four babies and the cremated remains of another one in my closet will go with me or we will all die together. They are my sons. I will die for them or we will all live together. They are the very best part of what is good in me. I owe them.
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u4ic Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 11:29 PM
Response to Original message
101. That is a striking photo
what a beautiful kitty you have! :hi:

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Vektor Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Sep-04-05 11:35 PM
Response to Original message
103. I couldn't. They are my full responsibility. They depend on me.
I took in pets with the intention of treating them with the same dignity, kindness, and respect I would a human family member. I live up to that. Had I not intended to do that, I'd have no business having pets in the first place.

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