Unsettling news

[Tonya]

When I was in highschool, we were allowed to refuse to participate.

[Logan]

I did the fetal pig and a cat in high school, but in classes I chose to take. Those classes were not mandatory for graduation. I never questioned, at that point, "where" the animals came from. But I was enthusiastic about learning more. I do think it should be a choice. The frog and the earthworm weren't a choice in Biology, but they did give us a good understanding that I don't think we could have gotten otherwise.

[My Peanuts]

I had AP Biology in high school and we had to dissect a cat. I did it, but in all honesty my partners did most of it. My teacher assured me that these cats were euthanized in a shelter due to over population. It helped a little, but I still didn't want to do it. My cousin was in the same class and didn't do it. She almost failed, but her dad talked to some people so she passed. We were told up front if we took the class that that was expected.

[boscibo]

I'm in college, and I have to take a biology class for my major. I am already dreading this - I don't think I could do a cat without breaking down in tears. I honestly don't think so. I am not a vegetarian (although I used to be) and I understand that we have to kill some animals for our needs. I have such a strong bond with my cats and it tears me up even thinking about it. They are more than animals to me, and I know I couldn't face a dead cat without thinking deeply about why it ended up in a dissection lab. Was it ever loved, or was it a homeless cat who never had anyone care for it or be kind to it? Either way would tear me up. I feel the same way when I pass a dead cat on the road. .

I might be able to do another type of animal, but I will have a very hard time with a cat. I know there really isn't a difference between a pig and a cat, but my personal experience with cats makes them very important to me. If I had ever had that sort of bond with a pig, I would probably feel the same way about them. It is similar to the old analogy about how if you had to make a choice between saving a loved one's life over a stranger's, you'd choose the person you love to save.

[neko1]

Originally posted by boscibo
I'm in college, and I have to take a biology class for my major. I am already dreading this - I don't think I could do a cat without breaking down in tears. I honestly don't think so. I am not a vegetarian (although I used to be) and I understand that we have to kill some animals for our needs. I have such a strong bond with my cats and it tears me up even thinking about it. They are more than animals to me, and I know I couldn't face a dead cat without thinking deeply about why it ended up in a dissection lab. Was it ever loved, or was it a homeless cat who never had anyone care for it or be kind to it? Either way would tear me up. I feel the same way when I pass a dead cat on the road. .

I might be able to do another type of animal, but I will have a very hard time with a cat. I know there really isn't a difference between a pig and a cat, but my personal experience with cats makes them very important to me. If I had ever had that sort of bond with a pig, I would probably feel the same way about them. It is similar to the old analogy about how if you had to make a choice between saving a loved one's life over a stranger's, you'd choose the person you love to save.

I completely agree with you. I'm so glad I never had to do a cat. I know for a fact that I would refuse.