The pet food issue-its about unconditional love

[TZ]

So yes, here we go yet another thread about this contaminated pet food. But I would like to make some points here for those who don't understand, and voice appreciation for some who I think need it.
There are obviously many, many troubling issues in the world today (Iraq, Iran, Bushs undermining of constitution and rights) but for many of us, this truly strikes at our hearts. I don't have a spouse or children and I live by myself. With all I have been through lately, its a miracle I am still sane. I can thank my two cats for this. As crazy as they make me (just today they knocked over a lamp and broke it) they seem to know when I am sick or unhappy. I will climb into bed and they either cuddle up next to me or even climb on me and purr or even knead me gently with their paws in a kind of massage. People often can't give you this unconditional love. For many of us our pets are our children our family and we are DEVESTATED by this issue. I suppose if I had a family member who had died in Iraq I would indeed feel differently. But many of us don't know anybody in Iraq. Many more of us have helpless pets who don't have body armor to defend themselves from this evil.
Finally can I say that I think that Vets and Vet Techs are truly unappreciated. Unlike doctors I don't think many go into the field to make money. Its just too difficult. Plus, not only can your patient never tell you exactly whats wrong most will never appreciate that they are being helped and therefore are likely to inflict damage on the Vet or Tech who only wants to heal. I think that in the coming months these group of people are going to be pushed to the limit dealing with this mess and I for one want to let you guys know that you are just wonderful and anyone who tries to blame you for this is nuts. I could never do what you guys do. The pain and suffering you deal with on a daily basis from the helpless animals would destroy me. Thanks for all your good work now and in the future! I will get off my little soap box now.:rant: :cry: :cry:
PS For all of you with sick animals I pray for you, and for those who have lost a pet to this, my heart goes out to you

[MistressOverdone]

1. It's a very important issue

because they rely on us. We are responsible for what they eat. That's the agreement, the contract, between us. To think that you have poisoned them is very disturbing.

[Bitwit1234]

2. I agree with this post

I had to put my cat of 13 years to sleep February 19th. The doctor said she had tumors. After the poisoning scare I felt guilty because I thought I had given her this cat food. She was crazy over one of the catfoots that was poisoned. But he assured me she had tumors. I was upset when I thought it was my fault. And I know some people can't understand the attachment people have for their pets. These animals love you for what you are, now what you have or your position in the world, and that is why a person becomes so attached. Like you said, it is unconditional love and that's what counts in this crazy world.

[blondie58]

3. well said, Turtlensue

There was a poster in Kestrel's thread who wished that we could feel as passionately about the soldiers as we did about our pets.

I don't think that is the case. I think that we all care about the soldiers, the environment and all wildlife, but this was different.

What a tragedy to have done it ourselves with the help of companies that we trusted. And who knew that crazy things like Canada buying their wheat gluten from China would lead to this travesty? And what next, will it be expanded to the human populace, also? We need to stay on top of these sort of issues as they are all connected.

I often joke that if I had it to do over again, I would just stick with my animals. But I have two lovely daughters, ages 16 and 20 and I know that they will grow up to be human again.

But my pets mean the world to me- my two Scottish terriers and my three cats- not to mention the four of my oldest daughter who still lives with me- their love is so sweet. They are so trusting and forgiving. Yep, you hit it on the head stating that their love is unconditional. You CAN buy love! I believe in the power of 'pet therapy'. I am a mail carrier and see many nursing homes and even a hospice who use such ways of healing and I think that it is wonderful. I have even seen a pet llama and a pet pony go into my hospice!

And yes, kudos to the healers of the pets. I had toyed with the idea of going into veterinary medicine when I was young, but I lacked the fortitude to do many of the medical procedures. What a struggle it is for them also. And also to the people that help out at shelters- there is such a need for it. I myself, help when I can at a local cat shelter and the stories that come through are heartbreaking- it makes you wonder how people can do such cruel things.

Thanks again.

[TZ]

6. Yes the ASPCA and HSUS

do very good work and I should have mentioned it in my OP. I did post this rant because of the allegations that we care more about animals than the troops but also I have kind of seen some allegations in some posts that Vets are unduly influenced to recommmend some of these foods out of other beliefs besides scientific ones. Kestrel- I hope you read this, you were one of the people I wrote this in mind for. I guess if I am a "merkie" than I guess you are now a "Iambie"? (LOL):rofl:

[Triana]

4. Same here...

...my kitty IS my family. I am (thankfully for me) not married nor do I have little ones. It's just not the life for me. But I've always had cats or at least a cat. Pets are helpless. They totally rely on us for their care and survival. They give us unconditional love in return. To think that you unintentionally poisoned your pet is at once horrifying and angering.

It's sad that so many of our beloved, innocent, helpless, pets have to die in order for this issue to come to light - pet food manufacturers and their penchant for importing crap from overseas (NAFTA? - GRRRRRRRR), and the lack of oversight as to what they put in pet food. This speaks - again - directly to the morality of this society (or at least its legislators), which apparently didn't think it important enough to care what crap ends up in pet food. After all, they're ONLY animals, right?

WRONG.


The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated. --Mohandas Gandhi

[yasmina27]

5. I agree - they are our children who never grow up

20 yrs. ago when I got my first "real" job, my parents dropped my dog off to babysit while they went on vacation. While I had grown up with this wonderful dog, I never REALLY appreciated the amount of love, care, and concern that went into being a pet parent until then. When they picked him up, they asked how it went & I said that if having kids was anything like having him, it would be a LONG time 'til I gave them grandkids.

It took 15 years to happen.

Now that I have my own kids and animals, there is NO doubt that the kids come first. I have often told our snippy poodle that if it comes down to a choice between him and the kids - he's gone, even though I love him dearly and he is MY dog. Of course - I wouldn't just throw him out, give him to just anyone - only to someone I know and trust. Our doodle-dog, OHOH, wouldn't hurt a flea and is such a love-bug :).

My sister once told me that having a dog was like having a permanent 3 year old - she is SO right. They are sweet, loving, ornery, obstinate, and never really grow up!

Our cats are wonderful also. They have put the poodle in his place with a few well-placed swipes, but are unfortunately intimidated by the doodle (who only wants to play with them like any other stuffed toy - LOL - I tell them to beat the SH%# out of her, but they're getting old and gouchy).

We're very lucky not to have been affected by this pet food crime. One of my colleagues at work has a dog - her baby - who was diagnosed back in Dec. w/ kidney failure and had been eating the recalled food. I've been collecting many resources for her (thank you DU!!). She has spent well over 5G on taking care of her dog, and from what I can tell, he won't make it.

My heart and prayers go out to all affected by this criminal and negligent action. I truly believe that domestic animals were put on earth to improve humanity.