Re: You are pretty inteligent you know that?

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Posted by BeDreamin on March 19, 2003 at 21:31:22:

In Reply to: You are pretty inteligent you know that? posted by Flavia Guimaraes on March 19, 2003 at 21:11:40:

IJ,
You make some wonderful points.
My only thoughts are that at least the animals in shelters are being cared for. I mean, they aren't going to be given up on. Look at CoRR's site, some igs have been there close to a year.
Like I said in an earlier post, when I think of the 15-20 igs that were in a 20 gallon tank eating iceberg lettuce with Rex before I bought her, I could cry, but I'm glad that in my small way I actually helped one of those animals.
But either way, adopt or buy, is there really any way to stop the actual trade of iguanas? With the attitude displayed by most retailers towards the welfare of the poor animals they are selling, it seems that as long as any profit can be turned, they will sell, regardless of the percentage that live, let alone happily.
What always gets to me is that certain people, be they owners or distributors of animals seem to lack any respect, compassion, or sympathy for animals. It's sort of like the classic line you hear as a child about someone elses parent saying "dogs don't go to heaven". Why people even formulate ideas like that is beyond me. Believe what you want about life and where we came from, but there's just no reason to believe that an animal is immune to pain, or doesn't require any sort of love or stimulation.
I suppose that all that really matters is that if you do actually buy, take in, adopt, or likewise acquire an iguana, or any other life for which you are responsible, if you appreciate it and respect it, and know that you, by claiming responsibility for a life, have made it helpless without you.

:it was a pleasure to read your message!I use to think just like you but ive been bombarded so many times im afraid now to express my opinions!lol!
:What people in this Forum said to me is that when you buy an iglet from a petshop you are stimulating the traffic and encouraging the petshops to buy from sellers more and more iglets so not really reducing the number of igs population.
:I have 2 captive bred iglets and they are really tame and dociles (MUCH less wild than my 4 other igs)and in my opinion thats the best choice but when i said that here i got bombed again because (i was told) there are no igs farms in the USA so i dont know what to say!lol!

:
::Another fresh new debate from the Joester! Mmwwwhahahahaha!
::Chances are either I'll get praised, or lynch-mobbed for this.
::Oh well... ;-)

::As most of us, if not all, know, adopting a homeless iguana has been the 'trend' lately among new owners or experienced ones. And most, if not all, of us encourage newbies or buyers to adopt a needy iguana.

::But then, I have people ask me: "Say IJ, isn't buying an iguana the same as adopting one? Don't they both need a home and a savior from certain pain and death?".

::There are times when I cannot answer that question straight.
::Because it is somewhat the same.

::We've all seen those poor iglets or young adult iguanas at the infamous petstores. Most, if not all, are in pitiful states, with questionable hygiene and poor diet. We know that most of them will perish before being purchased, and another large percentage of those who end up being bought will also perish or be abandoned.

::Enter the adoptee's. These are iguanas in slightly better care than a petstore's, but it still does not have the proper care a loving home can give it.

::Some adoptee's may have been on display in a store a couple of weeks ago. Do a few weeks change their status of importance that much?

::There are the obvious advantages between store-bought and adopted. Adoptees often come with a history of what they ate, how they were kept, what their temper is, their current health, and maybe, even their gender. However, they may have physical and psychological scars from their past that may make them a non-attractive option for the potential adopter/buyer.

::Store-bought also do offer some pro's and con's. In the last few years, there has been a slight improvement on the animals' health, so chances are your new iggy will just need a proper diet and the usual immediate visit to the vet. Since often (but not always) they never had a previous owner, the buyer can start the bond with the animal from immaturity to adulthood. However, the con's are you may not know the gender, history, and the seller may fast-talk you into buying it.

::Either way, in the end, it all comes down to this question (that many have asked me): Which life is worth more to save?

::Both animals need a good home. Both have a high risk of death or desease. Both may be subject to cruelty. Both deserve to live.
::On one hand, many adopt-centers may give them away for free, or for a small price. Store-bought means money will go to the store and the initial importer/breeder/seller. But you're still saving that iguana....which in a few weeks or months may end up at an adoption center anyways.

::It's a sad situation where there are just too many animals and not enough people to keep them, or capable to. And this goes for dogs, cats and other exotics.

::By next year I will most likely have a new iguana (hopefully cyclura if I can afford one!). But even if I'll end up with another green iguana, should I go to a reputable store/retailer or an adoption center? Which life should I choose to "save"? Does it make a real difference?

::Hope you enjoyed this long post.
::Knock yourself out in the debate!!! As always, keep it clean.

::Regards,

::-IJ

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Re: You are pretty inteligent you know that? Brian 03/20/03 (0)