Would you choose your pet over a human life?

There is good and bad in everything. If you are so convinced that dogs are victims only, visit someone who's been mauled by a large dog. Does that mean all dogs are bad? Of course not. Besides, the issue is irrelevant. When one is faced with a life-threatening situation, one generally doesn't have the time for philosophical debates about the relative worthiness of species.

Frankly, the person who questions someone who saved a human life at the expense of an animal is unworthy of a response. An individual in this situation has just been through an extremely traumatic situation, has quite likely placed his or her own life at risk, and may or may not have been successful. Additionally, it is quite possible that the rescuer may also be an animal lover who has to live with the reality of forsaking the pet in danger. To question a person's motivation or judgement under these circumstances would be the height of self-centered irresponsibility.

Additionally, the question of child versus adult has still not been addressed? At what AGE do you make the distinction? 15? 17? 12? Or do you rely on their size? I've seen many a small woman who looked like a child at a distance or from behind. And don't forget, no matter what the age, someone is going to disagree with you. You may consider a 17-year-old an adult for purposes of this discussion, but I doubt that the individual's mother would.

The title of this thread is "A Moral Dilemma". Those who are already convinced that humans are unworthy of assistance unless they know them personally have already made up their minds based on a moral stereotype. They have no moral dilemma.

The loss of a pet is a tragic and painful experience. I've been through it a number of times. However, comparing the life of an animal, domestic or otherwise, to the life of a human being does not stand up well to close scrutiny. I will take this no further as I do not want to turn this thread into a religious debate.

In the final analysis, the decision will be an individual one. That is why some of us have strong feelings one way or another and would have no difficulty making this decision, while others among us would be forever second-guessing ourselves no matter what choice we made.

Another thing to keep in mind is that perspectives change. When you become a parent, if you become a parent, you will discover that ALL children become important to you, not just your own. You will also discover that, as your children grow up, no matter what their age, they are still your children.

The world does not stay black and white very long. You will sooner or later discover that most serious decisions are a twilight zone of possibilities. In many cases, answers are neither right nor wrong, they're just answers.

This message was edited by Keiichi on May 05 2003.