Re: BUYING ADOPTING....Is there really a difference? (long)

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Posted by zelda on March 20, 2003 at 07:43:23:

In Reply to: BUYING ADOPTING....Is there really a difference? (long) posted by IGUANA JOE on March 19, 2003 at 20:55:53:

The way I see it is you say buying the store igs is like adopting one. If everyone stopped buying store igs, the store would have to keep what they have and not order more babies from distributers. In the long run less igs would be imported to sell and more would be adopted from private parties. Just my opinion. There fore less sold and "killed" Lyn

: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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