Fetish Jester - with all due respect to a fellow mod
...
I don't think melissa's point was that we are better than our animals.
Her point was that we are their trusted custodians and caretakers - we feed them, we house them, we tend to their injuries; we are supposed to keep them safe. We do what is, or should be, in their best interest.
The fact that we cannot verbally communicate with them requires some guesswork on our part, yes. But her point was that any reasonable person would think it in the BEST INTEREST of the animal NOT to expose them to harmful, toxic substances which can be detrimental to their health and wellbeing.
Yes, animals have been known to seek out plants in the wild for their dissasociative sensations. But are we assuming this is for the same reasons as we seek out those substances? Quite possibly it is learned behaviour, leading to addiction, and has nothing to do with the recreational value.
Maybe your dog simply "wants" to inhale your pot just like he thinks he "wants" what's on your plate, even if it's tofu or stringbeans. Dogs and cats are social creatures; they probably want to copy us. But does that mean they're looking to get 'high'?
Dogs don't have any problems having fun in simple ways like chasing a ball around, I doubt they need drugs to relieve boredom, examine their mind's corners or feel satisfied with their lives.
I agree:
We are imposing our beliefs on animals whatever side of the fence we fall in this debate. But for the love of god, FJ, if that's your argument; why on earth would you err on the side of risk?
To your credit, Fetish, you're the only one in this thread who has put *some* thought into your argument beyond "but he likes it!!". Props for that.
But I define love as having a concern for the welfare and saftey of your pet - which drugs are proven to endanger - not giving them everything they beg for, regardless of the consequences, simply for purile entertainment value.
Good on you melissa, for taking up this debate for all those humans are too flabbergastered to comment, and the animals who have no voice to protest.
[ 30 January 2003: Message edited by: Strawberry_lovemuffin ]