LizardLurkin
Avid Member
I've just lurked this thread because some interesting discussion is coming out of it.
I know I for one am never a fan of people on the internet accusing one of killing their pets, throwing all sorts of words at them. 100%, there are some terrible people out there, and ignorance does harm animals all the time, but I don't think it's a helpful modality. I think it pushes people into standing their ground and being stubborn more than anything, because they feel like they have to defend themselves.
But in general, I don't believe in tough love.
I can understand using buzzwords like pain, suffering, certain death to encourage change, but I don't know if it's the kind of phrasing that fills me with motivation rather than dread and self doubt.
But I do understand it comes from a place of loving the animals.
It's just, individual people? We can be pretty sensitive, and we are deserving of compassion and understanding too.
Re: enclosures and pet keeping in general
I operate as far away from pet guilt as I can. So many reptiles are put out there in the pet trade, and I don't know how to phrase it exactly but...A lot of people will guilt people for buying from big box stores, and I totally understand the reasoning but...That's an entire life behind those glass enclosures. It's a life worth living, if that individual speaks to you. I think without the potential for impulse, we wouldn't have a lot of the star players we have here today. Those who became so, sooo knowledgeable about chameleons and willing to help...And now you all are committed to giving your chams, or other reptiles, the best homes you can. I think the intent of everyone here is far more important than being sad about how they're not living the same as their wild counterparts. That cute petsmart baby chameleon was never going to have that, and might've not even had a 2x2x4!!! I just think what I see here is awesome and pushes far beyond the boundaries I see for a lot of other reptiles, so I don't think anyone should feel bad for the fact that they're in a cage for their lives...In the wild they live like 3 years. I think that the lifespan of chameleons is going up in captivity is a beautiful thing personally. I love to know that they can reach 6, 7, or who knows what under the specialized care advice given here.
Aaaand I'm yapping, but. Yeah. If I get a lot of money and more space, I am always taking it to mind, the double wide enclosures @MissSkittles. Chameleons are so active, I just know all the sapce would get used.
I know I for one am never a fan of people on the internet accusing one of killing their pets, throwing all sorts of words at them. 100%, there are some terrible people out there, and ignorance does harm animals all the time, but I don't think it's a helpful modality. I think it pushes people into standing their ground and being stubborn more than anything, because they feel like they have to defend themselves.
But in general, I don't believe in tough love.
I can understand using buzzwords like pain, suffering, certain death to encourage change, but I don't know if it's the kind of phrasing that fills me with motivation rather than dread and self doubt.
But I do understand it comes from a place of loving the animals.
It's just, individual people? We can be pretty sensitive, and we are deserving of compassion and understanding too.
Re: enclosures and pet keeping in general
I operate as far away from pet guilt as I can. So many reptiles are put out there in the pet trade, and I don't know how to phrase it exactly but...A lot of people will guilt people for buying from big box stores, and I totally understand the reasoning but...That's an entire life behind those glass enclosures. It's a life worth living, if that individual speaks to you. I think without the potential for impulse, we wouldn't have a lot of the star players we have here today. Those who became so, sooo knowledgeable about chameleons and willing to help...And now you all are committed to giving your chams, or other reptiles, the best homes you can. I think the intent of everyone here is far more important than being sad about how they're not living the same as their wild counterparts. That cute petsmart baby chameleon was never going to have that, and might've not even had a 2x2x4!!! I just think what I see here is awesome and pushes far beyond the boundaries I see for a lot of other reptiles, so I don't think anyone should feel bad for the fact that they're in a cage for their lives...In the wild they live like 3 years. I think that the lifespan of chameleons is going up in captivity is a beautiful thing personally. I love to know that they can reach 6, 7, or who knows what under the specialized care advice given here.
Aaaand I'm yapping, but. Yeah. If I get a lot of money and more space, I am always taking it to mind, the double wide enclosures @MissSkittles. Chameleons are so active, I just know all the sapce would get used.
