Anthropomorphism.

[Salukifan]

I have this pet theory that a lot of animal welfare people actually have very little knowledge about the animals they advocate for.

This kind of advertising supports this. I've gritted my teeth when poor canine behaviour is explained away by the phrase "he's a rescue". No folks, he ceased to be a rescue when you adopted him.

[yellowgirl]

https://en.wikipedia...nthropomorphism

This is the correct meaning, and it's spot on in this instance. 'Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human form or other characteristics to beings other than humans, particularly deities and animals.'

This reminds me of some of the Pound Rounds writeups.

I don't have any problem with the dog's story or history being told, or even with the dog telling its own story, but this bullsh!t makes me want to punch a wall.

[Sheridan]

I bet when it's shared the dog finds a home pretty quickly. Not my cup of tea but it's designed to tug at a the heartstrings and it does.

[tdierikx]

The ad reads that she's only been in care for 2 weeks - based on the comment about the vet treatment for her neck wound.

In that time, she's "finished raising her puppies" - and more concerning, has shown some behaviours that need a lot more work before I would consider her a safe adoption to anyone...

T.

[Maddy]

I have this pet theory that a lot of animal welfare people actually have very little knowledge about the animals they advocate for.

This kind of advertising supports this. I've gritted my teeth when poor canine behaviour is explained away by the phrase "he's a rescue". No folks, he ceased to be a rescue when you adopted him.

I wish this wasn't true but unfortunately, it's very, very accurate.

Like rabbit welfare groups who believe rabbits should live entirely indoors. Human is comfy indoors, therefore bunny must be more comfortable indoors? Despite the fact they're a relatively recently domesticated animal and not at all suited to that sort of life. You wouldn't keep a sheep locked indoors around people- having humans constantly within its flight zone would be incredibly stressful- but because rabbits are smaller, despite the fact they are also herbivorous prey animals, it's somehow okay.

And that, funnily enough, is actually a perfect example of anthropomorphism- assigning human wants/needs to other animals, even to the detriment of the animals concerned.

[Two Best Dogs!]

I have this pet theory that a lot of animal welfare people actually have very little knowledge about the animals they advocate for.

This kind of advertising supports this. I've gritted my teeth when poor canine behaviour is explained away by the phrase "he's a rescue". No folks, he ceased to be a rescue when you adopted him.

I wish this wasn't true but unfortunately, it's very, very accurate.

Like rabbit welfare groups who believe rabbits should live entirely indoors. Human is comfy indoors, therefore bunny must be more comfortable indoors? Despite the fact they're a relatively recently domesticated animal and not at all suited to that sort of life. You wouldn't keep a sheep locked indoors around people- having humans constantly within its flight zone would be incredibly stressful- but because rabbits are smaller, despite the fact they are also herbivorous prey animals, it's somehow okay.

And that, funnily enough, is actually a perfect example of anthropomorphism- assigning human wants/needs to other animals, even to the detriment of the animals concerned.

Despite the more heart-tugging 'reasons' the bunny societies would restrict them to indoors only (imo either indoors or outdoors is fine as long as bunny is cared for) bunnies are entirely capable of living happily inside stress free.

Not all bunnies for sure, depends on that bunny, but they are capable of thriving inside as house pets and most can be suited to it. Obviously grabbing an unsocialised outdoor bunny who is unused to people and shoving indoors won't work anymore than an unsocialised dog (both could potentially be trained) but a bunny who likes people will do just fine and isn't going to spend its life in terror just because people are around.

Bit misleading to state otherwise. They are suited and they are not recently domesticated o-O been domesticated since the Middle Ages? Certainly not 'detrimental' to live indoors?

And it is the better option imo if your yard is a myxie hotspot or overloaded with predators

/back to dogs

Edited September 29, 2015 by Thistle the dog

[Maddy]

I have this pet theory that a lot of animal welfare people actually have very little knowledge about the animals they advocate for.

This kind of advertising supports this. I've gritted my teeth when poor canine behaviour is explained away by the phrase "he's a rescue". No folks, he ceased to be a rescue when you adopted him.

I wish this wasn't true but unfortunately, it's very, very accurate.

Like rabbit welfare groups who believe rabbits should live entirely indoors. Human is comfy indoors, therefore bunny must be more comfortable indoors? Despite the fact they're a relatively recently domesticated animal and not at all suited to that sort of life. You wouldn't keep a sheep locked indoors around people- having humans constantly within its flight zone would be incredibly stressful- but because rabbits are smaller, despite the fact they are also herbivorous prey animals, it's somehow okay.

And that, funnily enough, is actually a perfect example of anthropomorphism- assigning human wants/needs to other animals, even to the detriment of the animals concerned.

Despite the more heart-tugging 'reasons' the bunny societies would restrict them to indoors only (imo either indoors or outdoors is fine as long as bunny is cared for) bunnies are entirely capable of living happily inside stress free.

Not all bunnies for sure, depends on that bunny, but they are capable of thriving inside as house pets and most can be suited to it. Obviously grabbing an unsocialised outdoor bunny who is unused to people and shoving indoors won't work anymore than an unsocialised dog (both could potentially be trained) but a bunny who likes people will do just fine and isn't going to spend its life in terror just because people are around.

Bit misleading to state otherwise. They are suited and they are not recently domesticated o-O been domesticated since the Middle Ages? Certainly not 'detrimental' to live indoors?

And it is the better option imo if your yard is a myxie hotspot or overloaded with predators

/back to dogs

The reasons rabbits don't belong indoors are more than just sharing space with humans. Rabbits are hindgut fermenters and need constant access to appropriate forage (not vegetables, bunny pellets or other junk food), sufficient vitamin D, appropriate surfaces to move around on and most importantly, to be afforded a lifestyle suitable to their species.

Myxo and RHD are only preventable to a point, regardless of whether the rabbit lives inside or out. Coming up with excuses to explain away less than ideal welfare sort of proves my point there.

Also, the middles ages only ended 700 years ago so yes, an incredibly recent domestication, besides being almost entirely limited to meat/fur production. By comparison, goats (which most people would never consider inside pets) have been domesticated for around 10,000 years. You can see the difference, yes?

[Two Best Dogs!]

I have this pet theory that a lot of animal welfare people actually have very little knowledge about the animals they advocate for.

This kind of advertising supports this. I've gritted my teeth when poor canine behaviour is explained away by the phrase "he's a rescue". No folks, he ceased to be a rescue when you adopted him.

I wish this wasn't true but unfortunately, it's very, very accurate.

Like rabbit welfare groups who believe rabbits should live entirely indoors. Human is comfy indoors, therefore bunny must be more comfortable indoors? Despite the fact they're a relatively recently domesticated animal and not at all suited to that sort of life. You wouldn't keep a sheep locked indoors around people- having humans constantly within its flight zone would be incredibly stressful- but because rabbits are smaller, despite the fact they are also herbivorous prey animals, it's somehow okay.

And that, funnily enough, is actually a perfect example of anthropomorphism- assigning human wants/needs to other animals, even to the detriment of the animals concerned.

Despite the more heart-tugging 'reasons' the bunny societies would restrict them to indoors only (imo either indoors or outdoors is fine as long as bunny is cared for) bunnies are entirely capable of living happily inside stress free.

Not all bunnies for sure, depends on that bunny, but they are capable of thriving inside as house pets and most can be suited to it. Obviously grabbing an unsocialised outdoor bunny who is unused to people and shoving indoors won't work anymore than an unsocialised dog (both could potentially be trained) but a bunny who likes people will do just fine and isn't going to spend its life in terror just because people are around.

Bit misleading to state otherwise. They are suited and they are not recently domesticated o-O been domesticated since the Middle Ages? Certainly not 'detrimental' to live indoors?

And it is the better option imo if your yard is a myxie hotspot or overloaded with predators

/back to dogs

The reasons rabbits don't belong indoors are more than just sharing space with humans. Rabbits are hindgut fermenters and need constant access to appropriate forage (not vegetables, bunny pellets or other junk food), sufficient vitamin D, appropriate surfaces to move around on and most importantly, to be afforded a lifestyle suitable to their species.

Myxo and RHD are only preventable to a point, regardless of whether the rabbit lives inside or out. Coming up with excuses to explain away less than ideal welfare sort of proves my point there.

Also, the middles ages only ended 700 years ago so yes, an incredibly recent domestication, besides being almost entirely limited to meat/fur production. By comparison, goats (which most people would never consider inside pets) have been domesticated for around 10,000 years. You can see the difference, yes?

No. The domestication of rabbits started around 600ad and was firmly established by 1100 (and they do have more frequent generations which speed it up a bit). They are pretty far removed from their wild cousins.

None of those are good reasons to say they are unsuitable to living indoors? Rabbits get their vitamin d from their food and everywhere says they should have constant access to roughage ie hay in addition to greens and the supplementary junk food of your choice. In winter I would say indoor bunnies need a vitamin d boost. If we went with blanket assumptions, a diet of pure grass is not ideal either. Variety works best.

I'm not even sure what you're getting at with appropriate surfaces. Like dogs, if a bunnies nails are not getting sufficient reasons to wear down naturally you can clip them.

The point you're missing or we are forever going to disagree on is that you seem to think the indoor lifestyle is unsuitable for bunnies. When it is no more unsuitable for them than it is for dogs or cats. If you don't give them toys they'll get bored and destroy stuff. If you leave them outside they can still get bored and destroy stuff.

It's not an excuse to acknowledge that some areas it is safer to have your bunnies indoors? O-o my suburb is absolutely riddled with large feral cats. Ergo I don't put them in the outdoor pen when I'm not home because those cats are vicious and at minimum harass them.

But you seem really stuck on this weird idea that rabbits are not able to be happy healthy pets indoors so I'm ending this here, as it is a dog forum.

And tonight I'll get home to two semi-indoor bunnies and an indoor dog, all of which will run up to say hello for pats/chin rubs ;)

[Maddy]

No. The domestication of rabbits started around 600ad and was firmly established by 1100 (and they do have more frequent generations which speed it up a bit). They are pretty far removed from their wild cousins.

None of those are good reasons to say they are unsuitable to living indoors? Rabbits get their vitamin d from their food and everywhere says they should have constant access to roughage ie hay in addition to greens and the supplementary junk food of your choice. In winter I would say indoor bunnies need a vitamin d boost. If we went with blanket assumptions, a diet of pure grass is not ideal either. Variety works best.

I'm not even sure what you're getting at with appropriate surfaces. Like dogs, if a bunnies nails are not getting sufficient reasons to wear down naturally you can clip them.

The point you're missing or we are forever going to disagree on is that you seem to think the indoor lifestyle is unsuitable for bunnies. When it is no more unsuitable for them than it is for dogs or cats. If you don't give them toys they'll get bored and destroy stuff. If you leave them outside they can still get bored and destroy stuff.

It's not an excuse to acknowledge that some areas it is safer to have your bunnies indoors? O-o my suburb is absolutely riddled with large feral cats. Ergo I don't put them in the outdoor pen when I'm not home because those cats are vicious and at minimum harass them.

But you seem really stuck on this weird idea that rabbits are not able to be happy healthy pets indoors so I'm ending this here, as it is a dog forum.

And tonight I'll get home to two semi-indoor bunnies and an indoor dog, all of which will run up to say hello for pats/chin rubs ;)

Quibbling over a few hundred years, when other species of domesticated animal have been around humans for THOUSANDS of years is absurd. They are one of the most recently domesticated animals and this is simply fact.

The fact that you don't know why rabbits might need appropriate surfaces (which has nothing to do with nails) suggests you are ignorant of certain issues that they are prone to- issues which are exacerbated by being kept indoors. But yes, go home to your indoor rabbits and feel superior about shutting down the "weird" discussion. Never mind what ethology says on the matter or that you've perfectly illustrated my point for me.

[Two Best Dogs!]

No. The domestication of rabbits started around 600ad and was firmly established by 1100 (and they do have more frequent generations which speed it up a bit). They are pretty far removed from their wild cousins.

None of those are good reasons to say they are unsuitable to living indoors? Rabbits get their vitamin d from their food and everywhere says they should have constant access to roughage ie hay in addition to greens and the supplementary junk food of your choice. In winter I would say indoor bunnies need a vitamin d boost. If we went with blanket assumptions, a diet of pure grass is not ideal either. Variety works best.

I'm not even sure what you're getting at with appropriate surfaces. Like dogs, if a bunnies nails are not getting sufficient reasons to wear down naturally you can clip them.

The point you're missing or we are forever going to disagree on is that you seem to think the indoor lifestyle is unsuitable for bunnies. When it is no more unsuitable for them than it is for dogs or cats. If you don't give them toys they'll get bored and destroy stuff. If you leave them outside they can still get bored and destroy stuff.

It's not an excuse to acknowledge that some areas it is safer to have your bunnies indoors? O-o my suburb is absolutely riddled with large feral cats. Ergo I don't put them in the outdoor pen when I'm not home because those cats are vicious and at minimum harass them.

But you seem really stuck on this weird idea that rabbits are not able to be happy healthy pets indoors so I'm ending this here, as it is a dog forum.

And tonight I'll get home to two semi-indoor bunnies and an indoor dog, all of which will run up to say hello for pats/chin rubs ;)

Quibbling over a few hundred years, when other species of domesticated animal have been around humans for THOUSANDS of years is absurd. They are one of the most recently domesticated animals and this is simply fact.

The fact that you don't know why rabbits might need appropriate surfaces (which has nothing to do with nails) suggests you are ignorant of certain issues that they are prone to- issues which are exacerbated by being kept indoors. But yes, go home to your indoor rabbits and feel superior about shutting down the "weird" discussion. Never mind what ethology says on the matter or that you've perfectly illustrated my point for me.

Yeah you can respond with out insults because I realised I'm wasting my time.

How am I meant to respond in detail if your objections are so vague? You could be talking about anything ranging from nails to dirt to inappropriate chicken wire floors to the dangers of tiles but I can't read your mind and understand which scenario you're referring to based on "inappropriate surfaces".

If you paid attention you'll see my bunnies are indoor-outdoor because there are benefits and risks to both sides.

It's not "feeling superior" to realise I'm wasting my time. So yes, this is a weird discussion and you're kind of an ass so I'm not wasting anymore of my time with you. Have a good day.

Edit: I googled around in case there was a study/blog you were misunderstanding that would be useful to know of and I can't find anything. You're completely lying out of your ass and that makes this 10x weirder. Misrepresenting any species is not cool

Edited September 30, 2015 by Thistle the dog

[_PL_]

I have this pet theory that a lot of animal welfare people actually have very little knowledge about the animals they advocate for.

This kind of advertising supports this. I've gritted my teeth when poor canine behaviour is explained away by the phrase "he's a rescue". No folks, he ceased to be a rescue when you adopted him.

I wish this wasn't true but unfortunately, it's very, very accurate.

Like rabbit welfare groups who believe rabbits should live entirely indoors. Human is comfy indoors, therefore bunny must be more comfortable indoors? Despite the fact they're a relatively recently domesticated animal and not at all suited to that sort of life. You wouldn't keep a sheep locked indoors around people- having humans constantly within its flight zone would be incredibly stressful- but because rabbits are smaller, despite the fact they are also herbivorous prey animals, it's somehow okay.

And that, funnily enough, is actually a perfect example of anthropomorphism- assigning human wants/needs to other animals, even to the detriment of the animals concerned.

"he's a rescue" :D

My link

Warn; Bit yuck at the end; don't watch past 1.55 if feeling fragile.

[denali]

I have this pet theory that a lot of animal welfare people actually have very little knowledge about the animals they advocate for.

This kind of advertising supports this. I've gritted my teeth when poor canine behaviour is explained away by the phrase "he's a rescue". No folks, he ceased to be a rescue when you adopted him.

I wish this wasn't true but unfortunately, it's very, very accurate.

Like rabbit welfare groups who believe rabbits should live entirely indoors. Human is comfy indoors, therefore bunny must be more comfortable indoors? Despite the fact they're a relatively recently domesticated animal and not at all suited to that sort of life. You wouldn't keep a sheep locked indoors around people- having humans constantly within its flight zone would be incredibly stressful- but because rabbits are smaller, despite the fact they are also herbivorous prey animals, it's somehow okay.

And that, funnily enough, is actually a perfect example of anthropomorphism- assigning human wants/needs to other animals, even to the detriment of the animals concerned.

"he's a rescue" :D

My link

Warn; Bit yuck at the end; don't watch past 1.55 if feeling fragile.

That is hilarious, and i have heard similar things (not quite to that degree) from some!

[_PL_]

I love how the whippet has body issues

[yellowgirl]

"he's a rescue" :D

My link

I saw this a little while ago and actually did laugh out loud! Love Amy Schumer :) The sad part is that these are the sort of people that will be answering the ad and lining up to save the poor widdle doggy from the junkyard who just needs love to make everything all better.

The ad reads that she's only been in care for 2 weeks - based on the comment about the vet treatment for her neck wound.

In that time, she's "finished raising her puppies" - and more concerning, has shown some behaviours that need a lot more work before I would consider her a safe adoption to anyone...

T.

I think there's been so much effort spent on making it a fairy story that the facts have become lost in the process. I'm confused about the two week comment as well.

[OSoSwift]

Yep I have a dog here who at 5months post foster has become a foster failure. Some issues were apparent immediately but its only in the last month I would say I know her quirks well.

That ad worries me also

[aussielover]

It's a bit wordy and aimed at the wrong target group.

A more positive approach eg discussing her potential for dog sports or great family pet or whatever in an experienced home rather than a sob story would see her better placed in a suitable home.

And they never mention why it was "urgent" she find a new foster or adoptive home. Is she having issues with the current carers dogs?

[Dory the Doted One]

The Cynic in me wonders whether the real rescue was the puppies, Mum is just a By Product. Her job is done, now time to ditch her quick.

[BSRA]

The Cynic in me wonders whether the real rescue was the puppies, Mum is just a By Product. Her job is done, now time to ditch her quick.

Hi there, Liz from Belgian Shepherd Rescue here. Actually the main focus of the rescue was the mothers. Unfortunately the only real evidence I have is Facebook messages to my team whereby I say, "I want the puppies out of there but i am more worried about the adults as they'll just be bred from again regardless". Unfortunately other than screen grabs and copy+pasting I won't be giving out my Facebook password any time to prove that!

You'll either have to take my word for it or like you say, be a cynic and choose not to believe me. Either way, they're all out of that environment which is the absolute best outcome we could have worked towards.

[Dame Aussie]

The Cynic in me wonders whether the real rescue was the puppies, Mum is just a By Product. Her job is done, now time to ditch her quick.

In my experience its not difficult to find homes for puppies. Adults however can be much more difficult.

[BSRA]

It's a bit wordy and aimed at the wrong target group.

A more positive approach eg discussing her potential for dog sports or great family pet or whatever in an experienced home rather than a sob story would see her better placed in a suitable home.

And they never mention why it was "urgent" she find a new foster or adoptive home. Is she having issues with the current carers dogs?

Hi there, Liz from Belgian Shepherd Rescue here. The urgency for moving Rosie was due to the fact that she was staying with me (which she did for many weeks) due to her medical concerns so that I could monitor her myself. We were sadly over our council permit as she had been with us for longer than 28 days. Hope that clears it up for you.