Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 11:18 pm

G'day.

How was your day today? Nearly ready for bed I see it's 11.03 pm when I start this post. I was reading on one of the other groups I belong to about the term we use to castrate our dogs. Here in Oz we use the word de-sex, so we desex our animals. It's a really common term. Second time I read Spay and Neuter it was on this other group I belong too and understandably this is another American group and therefore American terms are used. Because in Oz we use "desex" it is assumed that we are more "AR" and the phrase used was "Of course, the term "desexing" is effective in Australia. They're even more AR than we are".

Geez I thought to myself how far out is that remark.

I thought we were on the same side, obviously we aren't. But I know that people get hostile and emotive about these topics and make sweeping statements when they are angry and I have done the same myself. So I responded somewhat tongue in cheek. I and most of my friends have never seen ourselves as AR we see ourselves and AW. It's strange how one word can change friends and colleagues into enemies.


Have a good sleep

Marg

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2009 10:56 am



Hi Marge,

Hi Marge, I am just getting up. It is around 9:44am, so I am getting back into my old routine now that the crew has left and gone back to NY :)

The different terminologies from one country to anther is always of interest to me. I find it very fascinating.

I don't know a huge amount about all the AR stuff, but I do know what Sandy and Denise have taught me about it, so they are the experts <G> They both know a lot more than I do on these subjects. This includes AR and AW (PETA and HSUS)

I am sure one of them or both of them will respond when they see this. Sandy is also the moderator for this board. She is well educated in these area's and I have known her on line since way back in 2004 when I had Bitsy. She is on the Pit-Bull-L list, (that is where I met her) She was on my ARC list also before I closed it, She is articulate and I have yet to see anyone be able to push PETA or HSUS and get away with it <grin> You would be amazed at how she handles them.

You will enjoy it if she ever gets someone in here who is an AR. She can make mince-meat out of them in short term, just with her knowledge alone. I have watched her and chuckled.

I really must copy over some of her posts/discussions from ARC, when I get a chance. In fact I just had that idea and think I will make an area in here for that purpose. You will find it interesting I am sure.

Hi Marg,

Unfortunately when it comes to hot topics people do not stop to think! They don't think about the different terminology in which another country uses then their own such as you stated desexing. Because of people having closed minds they just assume it means the same terms as it does in another country. It's ashamed that as humans we do not stop and take a breath and then just ask what do you mean by this term or that if one doesn't actually know if the person is talking the same as they are when using such terms. I've heard people use castration instead of spayed and neutering but this doesn't make it wrong because it's the same technique. But then it has a double meaning too making it more complex on such hot topics. I'm sure like our country you have some groups like AR's there too but most likely not as much as the states.

I also see that Cesar Millan has arrived but that is for another subject in training technique.

Welcome Australia ---

Sorry I am coming replying to this topic so late --have been having computer problems. I have no idea why anyone would consider the use "desexing" as an animal right thing. I certainly don't and wouldn't consider the use of it AR --actually it is more efficient than Spay/Neuter. I am henceforth adopting the term.

The AR part of desexing comes when there is lobbying by special interest groups to get legislation passed that mandates all pet animals be desexed.

Desexing is an invasive procedure with attendant risks and I feel that I, as owner along with my veterinarian, need to decide what is best for my animal, when is the best time (age of the animal) to do it. the possible risks (for my animal) and whether I want to have it done it at all.

It is a decision that I don't want mandated by legislation, passed by people who have absolutely no idea about animal husbandry or ownership, lobbied for by people who are so narcissistic that they believe their ideas are so much better than any one else's they should be forced on the whole world.

A spay is certainly riskier than an ear crop --according to the ARs an ear crop/tail dock is cruel, but a spay is kindness personified? So they lobby for the end to ear cropping/tail docking and for the desexing of all animals.

All my animals are desexed ---even the horse is a gelding. However, in the past, I have owned animals that I did not desex for my own reasons. I have never bred and animal, and do not ever intend to. I have no problem with the desexing of animals before rehoming them whether they be from a shelter/rescue/or breeder.

You are so right; it is a shame that a word --and not the intent behind it---can change attitudes.

Sandy

Thank you Sandy,

I enjoyed reading your response and yes I agree it is the wrong people making the laws about our dogs it is not us. But there are a whole lot of decision made and the wrong people have control. But this seems to be the way. I also elected to have Oscar desexed because he would be a pet rather than a stud dog. It was suggested to me but I had to ultimately make the final decision.

I am glad I did - however, if I purchased him at this age now with Congestive Heart Failure. No I would not do it. Because of the complications involved.

All the best

Marg