Grieving couple commits suicide after dog dies

[helderheid]

HYDERABAD, India (Reuters) - Unable to come to terms with the death of their pet dog, an elderly couple in southern India committed suicide by hanging themselves, police said on Monday.

The bodies of 67-year-old retired soldier C.N. Madanraj and his wife, Tarabai, 63, were found on Sunday in their home in a suburb of Hyderabad.

Police said the childless couple had held a burial ceremony for their dog of 13 years, called "Puppy," and hosted a feast for friends before hanging themselves in their bedroom.

"The couple described the grief over their pet dog in the suicide note they left on March 29," said police inspector V. Anantaiah.

http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSDEL15228520070402?feedType=RSS

[BayCityProgressive]

1. ...

:wtf:

[Colobo]

121. My reaction, exactly.

[Sanity Claws]

2. Sad - like the death of a child

I don't think of 63 and 67 year old as elderly; older, yes, but not elderly. They easily had 15 years or more to their life spans.

[Warpy]

8. In India? Nah

Some folks have very little to keep them in this world. This couple had only each other and the non judgmental love of a pet.

I find this story very sad, but I understand it completely.

[Radio_Lady]

93. I'm 67 and my husband is 72 -- no damned dog would cause us to do this!

This is pretty warped, in my perview.

Perhaps they were depressed or ill in some other way.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

107. I would say they were very lonely.

I have great empathy for them.

[Radio_Lady]

108. Without more information, it's hard to make a judgment on this situation.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

109. The statement was not a critique.

I am very happy that you are full of passion and life. My observation was relating to personal experiences within my life.

[Radio_Lady]

112. OK. I understand. They must have been very lonely -- and there may be other extenuating...

circumstances in their lives.

[WiseButAngrySara]

3. Pets are children for some of us! This is sad. ....n/t

[Name removed]

4. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[KittyWampus]

7. IMO, it points to a source of rich rewards, emotionally and spiritually. And the physical

benefits via that emotional health are well documented.

Treating animals as equals is a sign of growth.

[northzax]

59. the physical benefits?

did you really post that on this thread? cause sure seems to me like in this case the physical benefits included suicide.

[EFerrari]

78. There was a study that found pets can lower your blood pressure

Here is one link.

http://www.lakelandschools.org/bf/CLAWS/bloodpressure.htm

My girl helped me just get over a panic disorder that was making life a little too interesting. I haven't had a panic attack since the day I adopted her, about 15 years ago.

And remember, many hospitals have programs that bring animals in to visit people in recovery. It's not magic but seems to be beneficial.

[RC Quake]

80. YIKES!

I just adopted a second dog and have a normal daily bp of 90/40...I should be dead shortly. :P

[EFerrari]

83. Forewarned.

:)

[Radio_Lady]

94. Serious question: Can stroking a plush toy cause a drop in blood pressure?

I love to comb and touch the hair or plush on dolls. I even hug them.

I feel comforted when I do.

Any statistics on this anywhere?

[EFerrari]

95. Are you trying to get this thread locked?

:)

[Radio_Lady]

96. No, I'm not... I just have a unusual number of plush toys around here.

Our grandkids keep them here -- there are gorillas, bears, and dogs.

I'm certainly not alluding to anything at all.

[EFerrari]

98. I was only kidding, Radio_Lady. I wonder, too.

[Radio_Lady]

103. Can't tell when you're kidding... OK for now!

[EFerrari]

114. Sorry! I'll use tags next time.

:(

[northzax]

124. anything you do that relaxes you

can cause a moderation of blood pressure

[shadowknows69]

9. Well from a sad example of a human being then

fuck you very much.

[aquart]

39. A shriveled heart is always a sad thing.

And never comes from love.

[OneGrassRoot]

11. "moral equal"?

I've never written a response with the slightest negativity before, but I predict you are going to get an avalanche of responses to your statement. That was a very judgmental statement. I have children, human and four-legged, and how we grieve their loss is a very personal thing, not something to be judged. Yes, I have lost a human child, so I have a little bit of insight. I would never judge those who "only" have four-legged children as their grief being inferior in some way.

[kiahzero]

12. Mmmm... flamebait. I'll get the marshmallows!

You need to work on being less transparent. :shrug:

[Forkboy]

54. With all the effort he puts into it you'd think he'd get better at it.

[kiahzero]

119. I dunno... you can't really argue with results.

*looks downthread*

:shrug:

[magellan]

14. Got a degree to back up that diagnosis?

Because personally I've found that judging people by how they treat animals is an accurate yardstick when determining how they'll treat their "moral equals".

[OneGrassRoot]

15. Ghandi's quote

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

[magellan]

22. Ah, exactly.

Thank you. :)

[WiseButAngrySara]

25. Perfect! ....n/t

[aquart]

40. Yup.

[Bluebear]

46. I see "ignored" said something horrid again.

I just don't know which "ignored" opened their big yap this time.

[wicket]

50. Check your pm

:hi:

[Madspirit]

88. Let me know too

Which big-mouth "ignored" spoke with insensitivity? My own shrink says she sees no difference in people grieving the loss of a child and those grieving the loss of an animal and she has three kids. She has even had another client who was also a shrink, who tried to commit suicide when her old horse died. My animals are my kids. I love them totally.
Lee

[Forkboy]

57. A degree in Misanthropology

[EFerrari]

67. lol

:rofl:

Keeper!

[Hell Hath No Fury]

16. So, do you think these people...

are "sad" too? :

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

Who can believe there is no soul behind those luminous eyes! - Theophile

Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to. - Alfred A. Montapert

Life is life - whether a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage. - Sri Aurobindo

I have been studying the traits and dispositions of the "lower animals" (so called) and contrasting them with the traits and dispositions of man. I find the result humiliating to me. - Mark Twain

God made all the creatures and gave them our love and our fear,
To give sign, we and they are His children, one family here. - Robert Browning

The human spirit is not dead. It lives on in secret... It has come to believe that compassion, in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breadth and depth if it emraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind. - Albert Schweitzer

If all the beasts were gone, men would die from a great lonliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to man. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth. - Chief Seattle

The assumption that animals are without rights and the illusion that our treatment of them has no moral significance is a positively outrageous example of Western crudity and barbarity. Universal compassion is the only guarantee of morality. - Schopenhauer

The animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complex than ours, they move finished and complete, gifted with extension of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren; they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendor and travail of the earth. - Henry Benston

[Clark2008]

21. As someone who will be losing her pet/child of 15 years soon

(he has cancer), this is one of my favorites:

"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." Will Rogers, 1897-1935

[misanthrope]

26. Condolences**nm

*

[wicket]

34. I'm so sorry

:hug:

[aquart]

41. Widows and widowers who were happily married

Are always the first to marry again. They know the benefits of loving and being loved.

It does not take one thing away from your love or your grief to open your home again. But it does add to the growth of your heart because love expands.

I brought my Lucky home the same day I lost David, my valiant, tiny, "ginger monster." They're nothing alike. But my luck is knowing both of them.

[EFerrari]

102. I lasted exacly one week before I needed another yellow dog.

And, she's not another yellow dog but someone else. Habit of loving. :toast:

[ncrainbowgrrl]

132. I also lasted one week...

We adopted an 7 week old kitten after our sweet sweet boycat died. The kitten is now 11 months old,and I can't imagine my life without him. It helped to have something to take our minds off of our grief...

[Chovexani]

47. I'm so sorry.

All the love to you and your little one. At least he won't suffer anymore. :hug:

[BuelahWitch]

82. .

:hug: For both of you.

[EFerrari]

100. I'm with you, Clark2008. n/t

[WiseButAngrySara]

27. And this too is excellent! ....n/t

[shadowknows69]

28. You forgot Will Rogers

don't know the exact quote off hand but something like "If dogs don't go to heaven then I want to go where they go."


edit-oops repeat. Will was a God. great minds think alike :D

[WiseButAngrySara]

31. More Dog (God spelled backwards!) quotes by Rogers...

"If there are no dogs in Heaven,
then when I die I want to go
where they went."
Will Rogers, 1897-1935

"No man can be condemed for owning a dog.
As long as he has a dog, he has a friend;
and the poorer he gets, the better friend he has."
- Will Rogers

If you get to thinking you're a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else's dog around. ~Will Rogers

I love a dog. He does nothing for political reasons. ~Will Rogers

[Lone_Star_Dem]

18. It's sad when people can't understand returning the unconditional love of a pet

... it points to the existence of a gaping lack in their lives.

[Chovexani]

49. Amen.

:applause:

I still miss my cat Sammy, fifteen years after we had to put him down.

I will never, ever understand people who belittle our connection with animals.

[wicket]

52. I was 11 when my Mittens passed away

That was 17 years ago and I still miss her a lot :(

:hug: for Sammy.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

68. We're just not all wired with the same ability to give and receive love

We're the lucky ones who can accept love where it's freely given. I honestly pity those who cannot conceive of our connection with our furry family members, they're missing out on one of the great joys that life offers.

That doesn't excuse someone acting the ass in regards to our devotion to our animals. Be it provoked by a lack of empathy or a fit of jealously it's unkind and wrong.

Perhaps your Sammy and my Ziggy are frolicking about sharing witty stories of their human families they left behind. At least I like to imagine they might be. :)

[Chovexani]

84. I bet they're chasing that big ball of string in the sky

:)

Sammy was a trip. He was a big fat tabby that made Garfield look athletic. But boy did he love rolling around on the carpet.

I bet Ziggy's got some stories to tell. I know Sammy's got some about me. :rofl:

[ellie]

116. I was just

thinking of my beautiful Frances today. When she got sick, I had a nervous breakdown. I still feel guilty because I couldn't save her. She was the most beautiful kitty in the world and for a long time, my only friend. I still cry for her, four years later.

[Rex]

60. Or a tragic flaw in their character.

Edit - well well, looks like someones hatred for this place got them TSd. Good riddance.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

69. Nah, they were only deleted

They live on at DU to share their philosophy of love and compassion another day.

[wicket]

71. AKA spread their manure

;)

[Lone_Star_Dem]

76. If only we could sack it and sell it

We'd be rich! :D

[wicket]

123. I could deal with that!

:D

[Rex]

75. I guess unbridled hate is in vogue on DU.

If anything, it brought out their character for all to see (briefly).

[helderheid]

19. WOW.

:wow:

[Rex]

65. For as long as I've been here, that is one of the most hate filled posts

ever posted here! Wow is right.

[Radio_Lady]

104. The post you're referring to was deleted, right?

[Bluerthanblue]

20. A great man said:

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be measured by the way in which its animals are treated.” — Mahatma Gandhi










humans may be the 'most advanced' life form on earth- And the least "moral"

[slowry]

23. And what gap are you filling

by flaming people here, daily? I'm surely not the only one who has noticed.

[misanthrope]

24. ..|..

cretin

[devilgrrl]

30. If people prefer the company of animals, what's that say about people?

BTW, you're an asshole. :nuke:

[wicket]

33. Agreed

And it's one hell of a drive-by.

[jilln]

35. It's sad when people are judgmental

And think their lives and interests are worth more than others'.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

36. May I point you to a thread I posted in the Lounge last night

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x6373282

It's sad, your lack of understanding of the subtle things of the world.

[Missy Vixen]

37. It's sad when others can't mind their own business

I can't even imagine the "gaping lack" one might have in his or her life, for instance, to post something like the above.

Julie

[mudesi]

38. I tend to agree...

In spite of the many flames you have received and will continue to receive regarding your opinion, I would characterize it as valid.

This couple, given the facts outlined in the article, clearly had many emotional issues, and something was lacking in their lives. Possibly, the fact that they were childless might indicate that they used a pet as a replacement for a child that they desperately wanted, but were unable to have, although that is entirely speculative on my part.

In any case, to kill yourself over the loss of a pet, knowing full well that the lifespan of the pet would not be very long, points to an obvious mental illness such as depression and/or codependency.

[BellaLuna]

agreed.. it is possible to love and mourn a pet

but suicide? It's simply not normal or healthy. Very sad.

[Rex]

64. But that is not what the disruptor posted. They made a general

and very hateful attack on pet owners. The fact that they mentioned the article, was secondary. Good thing they got TSd. That was about the most hateful thing I've seen typed here in the years.

Wow.

[JetCityLiberal]

42. Bullshit

typical stupid bullshit.

[BoneDaddy]

106. Thanks

someone with some fucking sense...some people are total idiots.

[Chovexani]

44. When humans express sentiments like yours

It only reinforces my utter contempt for them.

[EFerrari]

45. What? I think that's exactly backwards.

The inability to see other life as valuable as your own.

[Forkboy]

55. So does posting endless flamebait in order to get attention everyday.

[Rex]

58. It's sad when people don't feel emotions for the dead.

And sad when they don't know what an animal is. :eyes:

[BellaLuna]

61. I'm surprised at the reactions you're getting

I don't see anywhere in your post that you don't think people should love their pets or mourn them when they die. :shrug:


Suicide is over the top for a reaction of losing a beloved pet, and obviously the poor couple had many issues to let that drive them to ending their lives .

Regardless, this is a sad story.

And... before anyone tells me I don't understand loving a pet like a child you'd be surprised at how much money and time I'm putting out to keep my kitty alive right now. I do understand but I also have a healthy grasp on life expectancy and the fact we outlive our furry babies most of the time and when it's their time we grieve and work on letting the pain go.

I didn't grieve my dogs like I did my dad when he died - I got over the dogs much faster than my dad. I think that's pretty normal and the point being made here.

[Bluebear]

70. Well that was "normal" for you.

I grieve my dogs far more than I did my dad, so there are all sorts of variations.

[Rex]

77. It was a very hate filled post, aimed at a certain group here on DU.

As is typical of some. I found two dead puppies in my backyard yesterday. I have no doubt my dogs killed them. I buried them next to my other animals. My backyard is full of about 6 generations of dogs and cats.

I'm still very sick over it and I work at an animal shelter. Life, so young not even a chance. I can't punish my dogs, I'm not sure it was even them. Life seems so cheap for those that can't speak. :(

I guess it would be easier to be like some here and just think of them as objects and not a fellow animal.

Sorry, won't do it. I won't become inhuman.

[BellaLuna]

85. I do not know the history of that poster with the animal group

so, I read his/her post different than all of you.

I know how you feel and feel the same way. I've mourned and cried for every one of my lost animals and others for that matter.

But there is a difference in the kind of grief felt for an animal passing than say a spouse or human loved one etc..

[Rex]

92. I agree with you, both very different emotions as would be expected.

Still doesn't change anything anyone said to the poster. The post was total crap and has been taken care of. Thanks Mods.

[BellaLuna]

81. It's normal for many

sorry you're hurting over your pet but in general grief of a human loss is more profound. Yes, it all depends on how well you knew the human vs the pet, but I'd say most people - even animal lovers agree.

[EFerrari]

74. What's over the top is deciding for other people

which of their emotions is appropriate.

/grammar

[BellaLuna]

89. I don't see where I am deciding what is appropriate grieving

I am saying grief over a pet is a different grief than a human loved one.

Grief over losing a pet is normal and expected. I still miss my dogs that were put down 30 and 20 years ago - but not like I miss my human losses - my grandparents, my dad, my uncles etc..

So, I'm not deciding what is appropriate, I'm saying what is for me and most. Like I told another poster I didn't realize this guy had a history of bashing animal lovers which explains why he was jumped on. Makes more sense now but I still will not budge from my believing human grief is much more difficult to overcome.

[EFerrari]

90. It may be different for you. n/t

[BellaLuna]

97. Actually I believe I'm in the majority on this one n/t

.

[EFerrari]

99. And what does that mean to you?

Being in the majority?

That the "minority" is wrong in their feelings?

[BellaLuna]

126. You are simply not getting my point

the 'minority' here is not wrong but either are the 'majority'.

I am saying - human loss is more deep than the loss of a pet, in most situations. This does not mean someone wouldn't feel the loss of a pet more than the loss of a parent they had no real relationship with if they were abused for example. This also does not mean that the loss of a pet does not hurt, make us cry and we feel the loss for some time.

Currently, I'm having to decide to put my cat down and I'm going through hell over it, I cried myself to sleep last night and it's going to kill me when he goes. BUT his loss is a different loss than my human loved ones - doesn't make my pets losses hurt any less though.

It's not a black and white issue and I'm done trying to justify to you what I think is a healthy reaction to losing a human loved one vs a pet loved one. Sorry you can't see my point.

[EFerrari]

130. We just disagree. People aren't swimming pools where one

could objectively measure "depth".

I get your point. I just think that it's wrong.

That's all right. People disagree here at DU all the time. :)

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

62. Actually, morally, IMHO, once you bring a pet into your home, it becomes a member of the family

and in many ways a helpless one at that. You owe it to them, to give them the best life they can have, and that life is sacred as is all life.

I've been blessed with amazing pets in my lifetime as I have been blessed with two healthy beautiful sons and although I love my sons dearly, my pets have come very close.

[azurnoir]

5. Our dog Blade

died about 21/2 years ago, we believe he was poisoned several dogs in our neighborhood died in a 2week period. He was 2 years old and we had him since he was 3 weeks, mother was a AKC listed Black Lab and her owner had been planning on making a buck from pure breed puppies, the litters father however was a German Shepard and the owner was going to get "rid" of the pups at that age so we (and many others) took one. We had to bottle feed him and diaper him like a baby , we carried him around in a front style infant carrier the first 10 days he was home.It was as close to the death of a child as I ever want to get so I can understand their sadness. I do not know if there is grief counciling for pet death if not there should be.

[bigscott]

10. I cried when my dog died

and I will cry when my current dog dies
I would not harm myself or others because of it
she is a beautiful smart dog and a good companion and watch dog. but she is a god, with a shorter lifespan than i would like. I knew that when i got her.

[wicket]

6. Sad

n/t

[BayCityProgressive]

13. right

I have had pets die and it is VERY SAD...BUT, I would never consider killing myself over it and I don't think I have ever met anyone that would..

[wicket]

32. Suicide is always sad regardless of the reasons

n/t

[stillcool]

17. Death is a funny thing...

for me, each death brings the others to the fore-front. Memories of other graves, other broken hearts. I think of suicide as a lack of hope. I can not understand why people take pleasure out of judging others, critiquing their choices as if they could possibly know the causes that went into the effect. This story is sad, but the comments are way sadder.

[Bluerthanblue]

29. so true- on many levels-

suicide tends to 'hurt' those who are left behind, because it seems like it was a simple matter of choice- when in truth it's usually far more complicated than that.

And many people consciously and unconsciously commit a form of slow suicide.

It's sad we can't encourage each other, listen and be there when the pocket full of hope is empty.

its been a long long winter.

[EFerrari]

43. I lost my girl in September and still can't deal with it.

Those poor people.

[Bluebear]

48. Me too.

re: September and my girl :(

Cancer at age 5. I wouldn't be surprised if something in her food got her, with all these headlines.

[EFerrari]

51. Bluebear.

:hug: :hug::hug:

My new girl is growing up very fast. And from some angles, she looks so much like Buddy that I just start crying, even in the middle of the street and I don't care.

But, I'd rather grieve Buddy with this new brat than without her. Little Kid has probably already saved my life several times -- if only for the humor she brought back into the house.


But man, I MISS Buddy. :cry:

I'm very concerned about this wheat gluten thing and about what it means to all us eaters. :(

[Bluebear]

53. ...

Thankfully I still have my boy. Who is the brother of a dog I lost in '04 and he is like a carbon copy of him so I know what you mean. I am sure I will get a new baby girl this spring or summer :)

[EFerrari]

56. They are a hugh!!!!!!!!!!!11111111 pain.

And imho, a good idea. :)

[AZBlue]

86. I'm so sorry about Buddy!

It's a good thing you have a new little girl - although if that's her picture, she's not so little, LOL!

I lost Sally in 9/05 and I still miss her terribly - but I got Maggie about 6 weeks later and she's so wonderful I couldn't imagine life without her. Of course, I'd rather have both here with me now, but Sally was sick and had had a hard life and I know now that she's healthy and happy and not scared any more. Some days I feel closer to her now than I did before.

[EFerrari]

91. She's not so little any more.

:)

They give us so much, don't they, Azblue?

[AZBlue]

117. They really do!

You know, I was thinking about this earlier - it's a little weird, but if one good thing has come out of this it's having people come together, share their stories about their four-legged kids, and realize that they aren't the only ones who cherish them so much. I'm talking for myself, but I think I've seen quite a few others who have had the same experience. I used to think my family was in the minority in thinking that pets are part of the family just like anyone else would be - but now I see I was wrong and I'm starting to think the majority of pet "owners" think that way. And I love that!! (Now, if I could have just seen all that without the tainted food and pet suffering, life would be perfect!)

[AZBlue]

87. I'm sorry bluebear

I know what you mean about suspicions - I lost Sally in 9/05 when she got very sick very suddenly - makes me wonder now.

Glad that you still have a bro though to help you through it - and he has you to help him!

[Contrary1]

63. What "moral equal" of a human shot my dog

multiple times with a pellet gun? In his ears, behind his eyes, up his nostrils?

I'll take animals over some "humans" any day.

[Name removed]

113. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Contrary1]

115. Wow....

I'm "sad"?

And you make no mention of the human that tortured my dog.
I can see that you are just full of compassion. :eyes:

[Forkboy]

129. I've seen sad people on this thread Contrary1

But don't worry,you're not one of them.

The person responding to you,well,that's a different story...

[HCE SuiGeneris]

66. A very sad tale. May they (all) RIP.

I have a question though. Could someone PM the name of the asshat that was tombstoned? I have a sneaking suspicion, and hope to hell it is the person I think it is.

[Truthiness Inspector]

72. What a truly sad story

For some reason, the fact that their dog's name was "Puppy" makes it even sadder. :(

And, I'm glad I missed "the post." Ugh, why anyone would get ugly about this is beyond me.

[bullwinkle428]

73. I lost a cat to a devastating illness over a year ago, and am

still affected by it - I didn't have the slightest idea of how hard it would be until it actually happened. It was actually more of a crushing blow to me emotionally than the death of my father, as he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's several years before his death. It was horrible to watch my Dad in decline over those years, and turn into a shell of what he once was. So for all us, we saw his death as a relief of sorts when it did happen...his quality of life had completely disappeared.

[blues90]

79. I think it's very sad .

Not that they loved their dog but that they could not continue life without the dog . I can understand in a way .

[Generator]

101. The only answer when a pet dies

is to get another one. It may be the LAST thing on earth you want to do but it's the only thing that works. And I know the current pet that died is not replacable-all animals are unique. But it's the only thing that honors the memory of the pet-there are SO MANY unwanted, neglected, needy, wonderful animals in the world. I have done it twice-and I still can get misty eyed thinking of those that died. Also, though this may seem wierd, we already had cats, kids, and just getting old enough planning to travel for longer again-and I had no intention of getting another one. But Katrina happened, and this cat was coming around and I fed him, and then he was injured, and we ended up adopting him. It eased my grief over Katrina a bit. I also gave $$ for victims, but nothing takes your mind off yourself like another being that needs YOU.

[BoneDaddy]

105. You got to give me a total break

the sympathetic "it was like the death of a child" idiots out there have never had children before. Children trump dogs, cats and any other creature under the sun, do not EVER compare the two again.

Do pets matter? Absolutely! I am a proud dog, cat, lizard, snake, rat, gerbil, rabbit owner through out my lifetime and at each one of their deaths I grieved.

But do not, pretend for EVEN a SECOND, that the death of a pet equals that of a child.

This couple had more than the death of a pet, they had some sort of mental illness.

[Name removed]

110. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[EFerrari]

118. I don't need to give you a break. Whatever that is is already broken.

[BoneDaddy]

133. Broken?

I would like to think the people who see animals as having the same worth as children and finding no comment about a couple who committed suicide over a dog's death as ridiculous as broken.

[Liberal Veteran]

120. Who can measure the depths of another person's feelings?

While everything you said may be true for you, for others it is different.

[Marr]

127. I agree with you. The comparison is simply ludicrous.

[BoneDaddy]

134. Thank you

the depths of stupidity on this board is so freaking staggering sometimes.

[Raine]

111. Very sad

to lose a beloved pet. :cry: I've had my dog for 12 years and I dread the day he is gone cause he is such a part of my life and I love him so much.

[EFerrari]

122. When my girl died, I looked around at the cats and thought

I have to do this seven more times. That was a really bad day.

But, it was so worth it. Those were some great 14 years. :)

[peacebuzzard]

125. Who here deems themselves superior over other species

and believe they hold dominance on morals, ethics, intelligence and social interaction?

There is quite a number here in this thread.

I understand the grief of that couple who just wanted to be home with their companion. Love is not species specific.

[Marr]

128. I consider myself superior to dogs, yes.

If that makes me a boor, then I guess I'm just a boor. I think you can take this animal caring too far, and putting them on equal footing to humans is, I think, way, way, way too far.

I'd never treat an animal cruelly or neglect them- I've had dogs around since I was a toddler and I love them to death. I'd jump into a frozen lake to pull my dog out- so long as there wasn't a human drowning next to him.

[BoneDaddy]

136. Me too Marr

I love animals, and have owned a bunch and treat them very very well. I would help save a drowning animal, but I agree, some folks in this thread a pure fucking cuckoo.

[EFerrari]

131. And life is life.

:)

[BoneDaddy]

135. oh christ

How bout they take in an orphan child in India? Wow, what a concept. How about they commit their lives to a cause, leave the world a better place and DO SOMETHING instead of committing suicide over a dog. LOL, this place is crazy.

[lukasahero]

138. How about you let them decide what they feel for themselves

and you go live your life the way you want to? If you don't want people telling you how you should live, who you should be, what should matter to you, then maybe you should stfu about others.

[lukasahero]

137. I consider it the height of human arrogance

to believe we are superior to other species. So typical to diminish something just because it doesn't fit our "model".