Yes my life would not be as full as it is, without other species in my life. I feel sorry for folks that do not appreciate other species that share this planet with us, and respect them.
I do have cats and fish and snails. I do feel torn (and bad!) that I feed my cats meat products, as that means I am contributing to the pain and suffering of others to feed the cats and yes, my fish who get flake food made from other species.
I am looking into properly balanced veggie food for my cats. I know of the fact they need certain amino acids to survive and remain healthy. Already veggie foods for dogs are on the market.
Yes, if we were purists, I guess to be totally out of the loop of interfering with the freedoms and lives of other species we would not have them as companions. (I've stopped using the terms 'pets' and 'own'.) Anyone that has other specie companions knows that they 'own' us!!!
I don't eat most animal products...yes, some of the foods I eat contain eggs.Ice cream which I love, contributes to the factory farming and yes enslavement of cows...it is a hard road to travel trying to be caring and compassionate.
I was heartened to find the folks here, that love the snails and are outraged at any mistreatment of them. We all can do the best we can to be kind and gentle and speak out when we do see abuse.
I'm watching my Canas grow (I've always had Bridgs) huge and crow about them to others who give me a look that says "Are you nuts or what?" lol!!! I don't care, I am daily amazed at the beauty and ingenious adaption to the world they live in, of the snails and for that matter all other species, even the ones who scare me...like sharks and alligators and other things that go 'bump' in the dark depths of the sea.
