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What does being an "animal lover" actually mean?

posted 2 years ago by aliensalmon (5097)
24 replies | jump to latest

I apologize for the stupid question, but I guess I'm really naive and maybe getting the wrong idea when people say that they are.

For example, do I qualify or not?

-I'm not a pet person overall (although I have kept turtles and fish as pets before)
-I do not donate to animal charities.
-I have several animal phobias (for example: barking dogs).
-I don't really enjoy directly interacting with animals.
-I eat meat and other products of animal origin.

-However, I do sometimes feed birds and other wildlife that live in the city leftover bread.
-I occasionally like to study animals and their characteristics such as their behavior.
-Overall, I occasionally like to observe animals from afar.
-I like animated animals and similar creatures such as the ones in video games and cartoons.

I'm just wondering what you guys think about this.

[–] snepts (11123) 2 years ago

There is controversy as to whether we should be feeding wild animals our own processed "people food."
Just keep that in mind before you throw all kinds of bread in front of ducks that don't know how to regulate their appetites.

[–] aliensalmon (5097) 2 years ago

I will keep that in mind now. Thank you.

[–] cyberbob (3488) 2 years ago

I like to observe insects from afar, but up close they creep me out. Their habits and stuff fascinate me though. Also, I like to study and grow mushrooms as a hobby, but I would not necessarily describe myself as a lover of fungi. I find them fascinating, but I have no qualms about killing contaminant molds. I WOULD however have a lot of trouble killing an animal even if it were a pest (except insects)

By "animal lover", it is usually meant that you have an urge to show them affection and take care of them. However, it's just a phrase people use. It's up to you whether you want to be considered one or not

[–] aliensalmon (5097) 2 years ago

Ah, this makes sense and I agree.

[–] Wint3rFir3 (6923) 2 years ago

To me, loving animals is about acknowledging, liking and appreciating them as sentient beings - enjoying their company, their habits, their personalities, etc. I don't know that you can really experience that with pet fish and turtles, although I'm sure it's not impossible. If all the things you do "for" animals pertains to your own personal enjoyment and not so much theirs, then you probably don't qualify. And definitely if you have animal phobias, you probably wouldn't want to be classed as an animal lover. It doesn't make you a bad person - as long as you're not actively harming animals, then you're fine to animal lovers.