A Worldly View on Pets

Paulie at 7 months of age.

Many times most of us don’t think about the reactions to our beloved furry, scaly, or feathered companions throughout various parts of the world. While many would readily accept our companions without hesitation others may be somewhat reserved.Throughout many countries all over the world there are vary different views on owning pets. While every individual has their own perspective on animals as pets there are social norms for each country. These norms define the ideals of people who live there and how they view pets in their society. What might seem inhumane and upsetting to one, may be every day regular life for another. This isn’t to say that commonalities don’t exist. It does how infer that when going to another place far from home, these views should be taken into consideration.

Europe’s views on pets are similar to those in the United States. Pets are revered as members of the family. Some pets like dogs and cats are kept for the purposes of work. Dogs can be used for protection or some breeds are herders. Herders are dogs that push animals like cattle or sheep in a desired direction for farmers. Cats are utilized for their supreme ability to catch rodents. Birds like parrots are kept as pets in both the United States and Europe. Although the similarities exist between the US and Europe, reptiles like snakes ands and lizards aren’t kept as pets in Europe as often as they are in the US. More people in Europe keep Hamsters and gerbils as pets more so than reptiles.

Throughout Africa, most people don’t keep pets. The animals that are found throughout the homes serve a purpose. The cattle are raised for their beef and the horses are used for transport. It is likely that the choice of pet would be a dog or cat because cats rid the area of rodents and dogs offer protection. While the pet trade places high demand on animals native to Africa, few of these are actually kept by locales. Pets are more of a source of income than a companion per say.
Many Muslims view dogs as unclean. Right after a dog is touched a ritual hand washing is followed. While dogs are seen as dirty, Muslims respect all animals and it is frowned upon to hurt them in any way. Cats are looked at as wonderful companions. Muhammad kept a cat named Muezza, that he’d not disturb if it was sleeping on his cloak.

In India many people keep pets. Cows are considered sacred and highly respected. Many animals serve a purpose in India as well. Snake charming is a profession found in many areas of India because of tourism. It is a trade that is passed down from generation to generation. Types of pets found in India are dogs, monkey’s, birds and reptiles.

The most popular pets in China are dogs. While some Chinese eat dog meat, they are increasing in popularity as pets. Some Chinese see cats as good luck. Cats have been kept as pets in China for a long time. They were used to capture mice. Birds are often taken for walks in the cage by older Chinese. The older folks will carry the caged bird to a park and carry out daily exercises with the bird in the cage hanging in a tree nearby. Another common pet in Chinese culture fish. It is believed that fish bring “plenty”. The sound of the word fish is similar to the sound of the Chinese word for “plenty”. Having a fish as a pet is a wish to have plenty or a sufficient amount.

 While many cultures have similar views on pets, there are differences. Those differences should be respected. Looking at the world from a culturally considerate perspective will help harmonize the world instead of divide it. If your traveling this is one issue that may be taken into account. We can't expect others to share the same views as us. We all come from many different cultures and backgrounds. The cultures and backgrounds help define who we are. Mutual respect and an open mind is essential to obtaining a better grasp of the world in which we all live.

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Responsibilities of an Exotic Pet Owner

Exotic pets are intriguing, beautiful, and just different than a dog or cat. With that difference comes a huge amount of responsibility. Most of these animals have needs that are unique to them. With their “coolness” comes lots of work on the owners’ part. Although some exotics require more effort than others, I’ve found that the more you put into taking care of them the more you get in return. Whether it is a longer life or a happier animal.

Being a responsible exotic animal owner not only requires someone to care for that particular animal, it also demands for a person to be aware of the potential dangers that animal may pose to others. Keeping the animal in a secure environment is essential. Not only should the main goal be to keep an animal from doing harm to others, there are other issues that could arise if an animal were to escape and get into the nearby woods. This might prove to be devastating to the environment. This can be seen in several examples like the Monk Parakeets thriving in New York City (http://www.brooklynparrots.com/) or the python problem that persists in the Florida Everglades (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/06/0603_040603_invasivespecies.html). There are several other cases where this has occurred. So with that being mentioned. An issue that comes from this is the uneducated pet owner.

Most who buy a pet do it on impulse. Many don’t go home and do the homework before taking an animal home.  A good example is those who purchase the baby pythons that eventually get much larger than they expected. Most think that the animals will only grow to the size of their environment; however, this is far from the truth. By not giving the animal a proper environment someone is actually neglecting that animal. It stunts the animals growth and causes the bones to form improperly leaving the animal deformed. It is the duty of an exotic pet owner to educate themselves and others. Many of the exotics sold in pet stores aren’t really pets that everyone should be purchasing. While some may get educated and decide to keep these animals, not everyone has that particular ability. For instance, American Alligators are cute when their little babies calling for their mommies with that distinct sound.

These little cuties grow to over 16 feet long and weigh over 400 lbs. They won’t just grow to their environment and it gets quite expensive to house them.  As a matter of fact, Sheila, my American Alligator is pushing 6 foot and I am in the process of ordering her a poly tank that will cost around $600 after shipment costs. That’s just for her pond setup.

It is the exotic pet owners duty to keep up with the newest laws for these animals. While most cities and states regulate its exotics in some way, there are a few that have little to no regulation.  These laws are always changing and getting more stricter because of the dangers that some of the exotics pose. Here is a good website that gives a few of the laws by state http://www.bornfreeusa.org/b4a2_exotic_animals_summary.php.  Keeping track of the newest legislation is part of being a responsible pet owner whether its exotics or cats and dogs.

Responsibility is key to safety for the animal and for us. Education is essential to the exotic pet trade. Keep in mind that just because something is cute and easy to handle while its young may not always be the case when it gets older. Keep yourself informed and up to date.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mahatma Gandhi

If you have any questions or suggestions please email me at JamesDWard24@gmail.com

Thanks and Hope you Enjoyed the Post!

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Introduction

This is a blog about the care of pets. There are many things that you don't find out until after the pet is home. Things like from certain animals going into hibernation to basic care and behavior. While most care sheets go over factual straightforward advice on caring for animals, there are many issues that come up when caring for our loved pets that can't be found so easily. This is more of a personal approach to caring for the animals that we all love. Whether your new friend is a rescue or adopted from a pet shop, there should be a little something for everyone.

I have cared for many animals over the past 20 years. My particular experience comes from the caring of exotic animals such as snakes, lizards, crocodilians, and parrots. However, I have cared for everything from Labrador Retrievers to 15 ft. pythons. I bred the larger pythons for about 3 years until I had to sell out and move in order to go to college to get more formal knowledge. I currently major in Biology at Mountain State University in Beckley, West Virginia.

This blog will be updated on a weekly basis. Anywhere from one to three blogs will be posted weekly. If you have any specific questions you can shoot me an email at jamesdward24@gmail.com.

Thanks and hope you enjoy.

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