There are many issues raised by your message. Let me begin by stating some of my beliefs:
  • I certainly do not want to support or condone brutality.
  • I do not want wild animals captured solely for pets.
  • I think that non-domesticated animals such as Takara can be considered pets.
  • I would like to preserve nature as much as possible.
  • I am continually learning about our amazing world. I appreciate the positive spirit of your message.


    I understand every pet has different needs. Why is keeping an exotic pet wrong?

    I want to do everything possible to stop brutality. Is everyone in the exotic animal trade really brutal?

    I would like to stop the brutality that goes on in the dog trade. From what I have surmised more animals suffer in puppy mills than the trade of any other species of animal. When I think of everything bad that happens in the dog trade sometimes I think humanity is not worthy of keeping dogs as pets. Then I read the stories we get from people all over the world. For me Pet of the Day is a special place. Several people have emailed me to tell me that Pet of the Day restores their faith in humanity. This remarkable statement is also true for me. There are good dog owners, breeders, and lovers out there. Just because there is enormous suffering in the dog trade is not a reason to stop Dog of the Day. On the contrary, I hope it is an another reason for Dog of the Day to exist.

    The easiest thing for us to do would be to stop showing exotic pets. But I do not think that would be the right thing to do unless almost everyone in the exotic animal trade is necessarily brutal.

    Before Pet of the Day I would have rejected the notion of a pet whale. I do not want any whales removed from the oceans. I can not imagine any man-made tank would be large enough for a newborn whale much less a pod of whales. I would like to see all whales released, if it would be in their best interest. But what about the poor whale Takara that is in captivity now? I have been to Sea World in San Diego and I am not sure that I want to support it. However, after reading Takara's amazing story I think Takara is a good Pet of the Day. Would you not want to know about Takara's story? Even if I wanted to prevent people from financially supporting Sea World how can I not tell people the wonderful story of Takara?

    I do not even know all the kinds of exotic pets that exist in captivity in the world. Are they all unsuitable? Why?

    I had never heard of a duprasi before Cricket. Are all duprasi breeders brutal?

    I had never heard of a degu before Dude. Are all degu breeders brutal?

    Are all bison breeders brutal? Before Pet of the Day I would not imagine a pet owner saying my bison Dunbar is just like a kitten.

    I have learned a lot about the relationship between people and pets since I started Pet of the Day three years ago. Pet of the Day has become about celebrating the positive relationships between ourselves and our pets.

    Thank you for your messages. Please continue to help us understand our world and make it a better place.


[This message has been edited by Paul (edited January 15, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Paul (edited January 15, 2001).]