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Post by Paul on Mar 6, 2007 23:24:27 GMT
Fantastic news!! You'll have to pick androgynous names if that's possible, because they're both both if you catch my drift.
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snakelady
Achatina fulica
"To err is human; to slime,sublime." D.G.Gordon
Posts: 6
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Post by snakelady on Mar 15, 2007 20:57:57 GMT
Hi Guys, Sorry there have been no updates for a while, I really injured my hand and typing has been very painful. But the good news is - both snakelady and little churchill are doing great. Both looking well, eating well, and having great fun. They've even started cuddling up together at night - which is really sweet. I finally got a digital camera, so once I've figured out how to use it, and upload the photos, I'll get some posted for you all. Don't hold your breath though - last nights experiment produced a lovely set of photos of the cuff of my jumper , completely missed the slugs. So, some practice is called for. I'd like to thank you all for all the support and advice, I doubt snakelady would have survived without all your help. So, a huge thank you to everyone Talk soon, Love snakelady
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coyote
Archachatina papyracea
Cochleas ego amo
Posts: 2,955
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Post by coyote on Mar 15, 2007 21:07:34 GMT
I'm so glad there is good news. After not seeing any updates for a while I was beginning to worry a bit. I'm looking forward to seeing some pics.
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snakelady
Achatina fulica
"To err is human; to slime,sublime." D.G.Gordon
Posts: 6
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Post by snakelady on Mar 21, 2007 19:47:48 GMT
Hi Guys,
Afraid I need some advice again. Last night when snakelady and churchill were up and about playing, churchill climbed up onto snakelady's back and tried to bite her. Luckily, they were both on my hand at the time, and no injury was sustained, but snakelady got a fright and hurried away from churchill, but didn't respond aggressively, or try to defend herself, she just wanted to get away.
When the incident happened, both had been awake and scouting about for roughly 30 mins - they had both had a couple of drinks of water, and though offered a variety of fresh foods, neither ha eaten yet. When I lifted churchill off snakelady's back, I immediately stuck some raw mince right at churchill's mouth to distract her, while I checked snakelady wasn't injured [which thankfully she wasn't], but churchill gulped down the mince in secs, as if she had been ravenous, then ate roast beef and cucumber with the same enthusiasm.
Would you expect one limax maximus to try and eat another limax maximus - or do they only prey on other species? I had thought they would have been quite safe together?
Churchill's behaviour quiet badly frightened snakelady [and me], but later on snakelady was over kissing churchill, and wanting to cuddle in - churchill just ignored her, and has been in a bad mood since being told off for her behaviour
I don't know what to make of this aggressive act - was it predatory, a game that got out off hand, or even some mating ritual?
Do you think it's safe to keep them together? Any advice would be great.
Thanks, talk soon, Snakelady
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Post by slimeaddict on Mar 21, 2007 20:08:53 GMT
I'm not sure if it's of any use but i saw programme talking about the breeding of leopard slugs on TV recently. They said that one slug will secrete a 'come and get' me chemical in it's mucus which another slug in the same mood will detect and then follow. When this 2nd slug finds the 1st it shows it;s intention with a bite to the tail/back of the 1st slug.
Maybe this was the sort of behaviour you were seeing?
Hope this helps!
Adam
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snakelady
Achatina fulica
"To err is human; to slime,sublime." D.G.Gordon
Posts: 6
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Post by snakelady on Mar 21, 2007 20:42:33 GMT
Hi Slimeaddict,
Thanks for your reply. That info was very interesting - I wonder if that is what was happening.
But snakelady has just went through a horrendous six weeks trying to expel eggs, from which she has been "egg-bound". In fact, just today she passed four long strings of abnormal looking eggs again [ after a break of about 5 days].
Would an egg-bound slug be interested in mating again, even while the problem was still ongoing? And if she did have more eggs fertilized - would she be likely to become egg-bound again?
All advice very welcome, Love Snakelady
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Post by Paul on Mar 22, 2007 0:26:42 GMT
Hi Snakelady,
I wondered if keeping them together would be problematic, non-predatory snails and slugs are often carrion eaters and would eat a dead member of their own species, so it is possible a predatory one would eat whatever it can find.
Snails do sometimes rasp each other and we have seen injuries caused by this before. I'm afraid we don't have as much knowledge about slugs, you're a trailblazer! With loads of food on offer, you wouldn't think it would be a problem.
In all the time I have seen slugs in my yard and kitchen where they come in, I have never see them attacking each other, not once. But they always appear solitary rather than sleeping bunched up like snails do.
I wonder if Robert Nordsieck would know, hopefully he will read this...
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snakelady
Achatina fulica
"To err is human; to slime,sublime." D.G.Gordon
Posts: 6
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Post by snakelady on Mar 25, 2007 18:34:00 GMT
Hi Paul, Thanks for your answer. I agree, in the couple of years the slugs have been visiting us, there has never been any aggressive behaviour at all, even when lots of diff species were in at the same time. Often though, if they become sleepy during a visit, the little ones always seem to want to cuddle up to the larger slugs, and often the large ones allow this, and even drape their optical antenna over the babies, as if protecting them - it's very sweet to see. Snakelady seems to want that comfort and contact from churchill, but the only time she succeeds is if churchill is already asleep, and snakelady just sneaks up beside her for a cuddle. If churchill is awake when snakelady goes for a cuddle, she just moves away, it's really quite sad. I checked this morning, and snakelady had obviously had a bad night with the eggs, four long multi coloured strands were dragging from her, one still only partially out of her breathing hole, she was distressed, and had made her way to churchill seeking comfort. She had her head up on churchill's back, and was tapping her with her optical antenna, trying to waken her up for company. Churchill, was just totally ignoring her. Snakelady is now all cleaned up, but was delighted to see me, and obviously didn't want to be alone, She's sleeping on top of some lettuce leaves on my jumper, she always wants close when she's been ill, and likes to rest where she can hear [or feel ] my heartbeat. Churchill has seemed depressed and unhappy for some time now, and I wonder if captivity is not for her. She remains displeased at being handled, and is very withdraw, both from snakelady, and from me. She actually bit my finger last night when I lifted her. And refused food and water. I check snakelady every day for injuries, and haven't found any yet, but I am concerned. It would seem strange to always keep them apart, as the whole point of having churchill stay, was to give snakelady a friend and some company. But churchill doesn't seem either sociable or happy. I am seriously considering releasing her - maybe that is what she wants, but it seems cruel, and very sad. It amazes me how different their natures are, and unfortunately, churchill seems to be the first unfriendly slug I've ever met. Any comments appreciated, Love snakelady
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Post by deadmansfinger on Mar 26, 2007 21:33:49 GMT
I think you have done well with snakelady but if she seems happy and healthy the kindest thing to do would be to release her back into the wild.
Maybe you could get some GALS or tropical slugs are pets? I would definately recommend pancake slugs if you were considering getting some or any of the Archachatina/achatina types. There are also loads of smaller species that I really like such as pleurodonte, choc swirells and zachrysia.
Brian.
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Post by rcmamber on Apr 1, 2007 21:25:21 GMT
Have you had a chance to et any pics of snakelady?? I can not wait to see her. Please keep us updated!! What a long battl the two of you have been through! Good thing she ended up on your door step!! -rcmamber
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snakelady
Achatina fulica
"To err is human; to slime,sublime." D.G.Gordon
Posts: 6
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Post by snakelady on Apr 2, 2007 0:09:40 GMT
Hi rcmamber, What a lovely message - thank you Sorry I haven't been keeping you guys upto date much recently, but I'd really hurt my hand, and typing has been really sore. Snakelady and Churchill are doing great - no more aggressive behaviour from churchill. I gave her a good talking to, and offered her the chance of freedom - she didn't even go out the door! A couple of days ago, I bought them a huge glass plate to play during the day - thought they'd love it - loads of room for toys, logs, lettuce leaves etc. As usual - they hated it ::)they sat of the one lettuce leaf all day, peering through the transparent glass, fearing they'd fall into the abyss if they moved. So they were united in their terror, and spent the whole day cuddling They have recovered know, and love their new play plate, and are still cuddling each other a lot. So, it all worked out well. Pity I can't claim that it was all a clever plan Still working on the pictures - so far my photography skills stink, I've even managed to completely miss the slugs, and photograph the cuffs of my jumper. But I'll keep at it. As to snakelady being lucky to find my doorstep - the truth is I'm the lucky one - she's a joy to look after Talk soon, Love snakelady PS - I've renamed snakelady, mainly because she's going to be a major character in the children's book I'm writing - she's know called Inspiration [the slug formerly known as snakelady].
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Post by rcmamber on Apr 2, 2007 0:22:39 GMT
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snakelady
Achatina fulica
"To err is human; to slime,sublime." D.G.Gordon
Posts: 6
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Post by snakelady on Apr 2, 2007 16:59:30 GMT
Hi rcmamber, Just looked at your photos - your babies are beautiful, thanks for sharing them. At the moment Inspiration and Churchill are getting on great, so yes I'd love to keep them both - unless either show signs of wanting their freedom. Though Inspiration is much improved, every 4 or 5 days we have another "egg" episode, and I fear her little body has undergone so much trauma these last two months, that she may remain a semi-invalid for the rest of her life. She also incredibly tame, and is happiest with constant nursing and petting. So, though I really appreciate Brian's congratulations on her recovery, and suggestion to release her, I think I must take her desires into account also - and certainly at the moment, she wants petted and loved - showing no signs of wanting released. Churchill too seems to have settled to the easy life, and they both seem happy, content, and are getting very close to each other. Maybe as the weather improves, and all our other little slug visitors return, my two will want to leave with them. I wouldn't hold them against their will - but it would be a heartbreak Talk soon, Love Snakelady
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Post by rcmamber on Apr 2, 2007 17:48:06 GMT
Inspiration will probably never want to leave you! You have put in so much time and love to get her back to health. If she didnt find you Im sure she would not be with us any longer. Had a slug in my garage the other night and thought of you guys. Wanted to keep him but I have my babies. Not sure how well I could keep a slug! LOL
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Post by deadmansfinger on Apr 2, 2007 21:52:24 GMT
I just think where possible the best place for wild animals is in the wild and I would consider this one of those times when a slug could be in its natural habitat. You say your slug wants petted and loved but I am sorry but I just don't get how you can sensibly come to that conclusion.
If saying that gives you an "excuse" to keep her then fair enough but personally I think she'd be better off where she came from.
I don't want this to turn into some great debate as this is just my opinion I am stating.
Brian.
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snakelady
Achatina fulica
"To err is human; to slime,sublime." D.G.Gordon
Posts: 6
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Post by snakelady on Apr 3, 2007 1:26:54 GMT
Hi Brian and All You know I really appreciate all the help and advice you've given me these last months. And I respect your opinions on animal care and welfare, as you saw in a different thread. So, I consider you a friend, and I agree this shouldn't turn into a debate. Arno asked me some time ago whether I'd release Inspiration[snakelady] if she recovered - my answer is still in this thread to be seen. Though her condition is much improved, I don't think she is fully recovered yet, I don't know if she ever will regain full health. So that aspect is a concern. However, I wouldn't want anyone to think that I would "hold her captive" for my own selfish reasons. If she wants her freedom, I would release her - I love her, and wouldn't dream of having her unhappy. When she first started visiting my home last spring, she was little more than a baby, and from her first visit was incredibly friendly and affectionate - given the chance would probably have stayed then. But, I encouraged her to leave each night with the other slugs - I didn't know how to provide the best environment then. When she arrived at the start of Feb, so ill she could hardly move, we already had a strong relationship, and I believe she would not have survived if I'd thrown her out. People may well speculate about the intelligence and memory of these little creatures, but I think it would be hard to argue the case that Inspiration didn't know she would get help and attention here. I certainly think she knew what she was doing. Having cared for a variety of pets, and some wild creatures over the years, I don't think it's too difficult to assess when they have formed a relationship with you, and enjoy your company and affection. If a little animal spends the day in your home, with free access to an open door, and the outside world - yet they choose without fail to seek your company, play on your hands, or their trays and toys right beside you. Even crawl up your clothes to have a nap on top of you, and show obvious delight at your presence, touch and voice - how can that be construed as an "excuse". I believe Inspiration is staying out of choice, and is very free with her love and affection. Other's who have seen us together, all say the same. I'd be shocked to discover other members of the forum don't enjoy similar relationships wit their snails - were that not the case, what would be the point in either having them as pets, or promoting the hobby? I know for a fact my dog loves me, and would probably rather die than be thrown out - she becomes quiet hysterical if I'm hospitalized, and refuses to eat or drink until I'm home again. Why is it so hard to imagine a little slug could also become incredibly attached to someone who has loved and cared for it? That argument doesn't make sense to me, as both are sentient, affectionate animals. Should Inspiration or Chuchill shows signs of unhappiness, of course I'll offer them their freedom [as I did last week with Churchill, who made it very clear she wanted to stay]. I'm not a monster who holds helpless creatures captive for my own pleasure. I've nursed many little wild creature through crisis, then released them because they obviously wanted it. It's very sad that slugs are so underestimated, that people assume they can't form friendships or relationships. They can, and do. As I said earlier, I stand by my response to Arno, some time ago, if either Inspiration or Churchill want their freedom, they shall have it - it will break my heart, but such is life. But one last thought, all animals, especially exotic creatures, are obviously from the wild - and the newer the species is to domestication - the nearer they are to the wild. So should we all be throwing our pets out, for their own good? And what about the species that have been put through the massive trauma of being imported - what should be done with them? Should they be released for their own good? Finally, why suggest I keep "tropical slugs", how can tropical slugs possibly reach Scotland without undergoing horrendous ordeals - either them, or their predecessors. And why would a climate such as Scotland be an ideal home for any tropical creature. That seems to me like buying a pedigree, while thousands of homeless dogs await execution in dog pounds around the country. Very Upset Snakelady
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coyote
Archachatina papyracea
Cochleas ego amo
Posts: 2,955
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Post by coyote on Apr 3, 2007 5:58:19 GMT
I don't think it's the climate in Scotland per se that's the issue, it's the micro-climate inside the home itself (no matter what country the home is in).
If one looks at the kinds of houseplants that do well inside the average home, one will see they are mostly species native to the tropics or subtropics. The temperature range inside the average home will be in a similar climate range to what they are used to in their native habitat. (The humidity of most centrally-heated homes, however, tends to be much drier, but that's another issue.)
It stands to reason that animal species from the tropics or subtropics would also do well inside a home that's already close to the warm temperatures it needs. Local species native to temperate regions would be overheated inside the average home, unless the heat was turned off and the home kept at the same temperature as the outdoors.
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Post by deadmansfinger on Apr 3, 2007 8:40:16 GMT
The tropical slugs I was refering to are pancake slugs and they are here in this country being bred now (previously by me) so they are not being imported from anywhere. They are now a long standing captive bred species. 10 of my 12 margies were rescued from Brixton. In my post I simply meant if an animal has a chance to live in its natural habitabt shouldn't we allow it to do so?
I know alot of people on here keep native slugs/snails as "pets" and that's fine and you did well keeping snakelady alive but why not give her the option to go home? If you put her outside and she turns round and comes back in then the decision is made but I really feel the great outdoors would be far more appealing to her as no matter what size of tub you keep her in it's not even remotely close to nature.
Brian.
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Val
Archachatina dimidiata
Posts: 2,498
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Post by Val on Apr 3, 2007 18:08:48 GMT
Having just read these posts through, would just like to add that although no tub or tank could be remotely close to nature there are at least no predators and no pesticides or slug pellets!! For many people the gardening year is just beginning and there will be heaps of slug pellets everywhere, add to that the constant threat of birds, hedgehogs, foxes and you have to wonder how long snakelady would actually survive in the great outdoors. If a "wild" animal has become a pet and is loved and well cared for I think sometimes the risks of release have to be weighed against the "losses" of remaining in captivity. If Inspiration was my pet then I would definitely keep her, having fallen in love with her I could not bear the thought of her being eaten by birds or being burned by chemicals, she is in my opinion most definitely better of where she is!!
Val
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snakelady
Achatina fulica
"To err is human; to slime,sublime." D.G.Gordon
Posts: 6
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Post by snakelady on Apr 3, 2007 21:34:34 GMT
Hi Guys,
Thanks for the replies.
RE - Coyotes reply - I note your points on centrally heated homes, and there is no way you could have known my circumstances, but others did. My family and I, are dying from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, and have been unable to tolerate any form of heating for almost four years. On top of that, we need the doors and windows open all the time, despite the weather. Surviving winter has been a real challenge, and hypothermia has almost claimed us several times. So, tropical or sub-tropical species would definitely perish in these circumstances. I realize you weren't aware of these points when you posted, but others were.
RE - Vals reply. Thank you for your kind words and support, they meant a lot to me. And I think you made some excellent points regarding both predators and poisoning. Inspiration is much improved, but not back to full health yet - which leaves the huge question - after all she has been through, and the intensive nursing it has taken to get her thus far - why on earth would I endanger her now? I remember not long ago, another member lost nearly all his snails, when a "house-sitter" neglected them [maybe it was Tigs?]. The story was heartbreaking, and I remember one reply in particular, stating that most of his snails wouldn't have reached adolescence had they been in the wild. With so many dangers outside, not to mention cruelty [people seem to love pouring salt on slugs, and stepping on them], could someone tell me what is so marvelous about the great out-doors? Val, you've followed this thread from the start, and always been a help and support - thank you for understanding that Inspiration and I have formed a strong relationship, that we both enjoy and desire to continue.
RE - Brian's reply - there isn't much left to say is there. Perhaps you would like to personally oversee Inspiration choosing each day to stay exactly where she is? I'm sorry you don't have such a relationship with your animals, but that doesn't mean others can't. And I don't see you suggesting I throw my dog out - care to explain the difference, and how exactly "freedom" with all it's inherent dangers, is the best option for Inspiration while she is still a semi-invalid. Come to think of it, considering you know the circumstances I live in, why suggest tropical or sub-tropical species?
Snakelady
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coyote
Archachatina papyracea
Cochleas ego amo
Posts: 2,955
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Post by coyote on Apr 4, 2007 3:31:52 GMT
RE - Coyotes reply - I note your points on centrally heated homes, and there is no way you could have known my circumstances, but others did. My family and I, are dying from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, and have been unable to tolerate any form of heating for almost four years. On top of that, we need the doors and windows open all the time, despite the weather. Surviving winter has been a real challenge, and hypothermia has almost claimed us several times. So, tropical or sub-tropical species would definitely perish in these circumstances. I realize you weren't aware of these points when you posted, but others were. Yes, I didn't know this about you and your family, Snakelady. I have a few aquaintances who also have MCS, and from listening to them talk about it I have an idea of how extraordinarily difficult daily life can be for people with it. I didn't know you've had to go without heat; had I known I would have rethought my post. I'll have a good thought for you and your family, and for Inspiration as well. We all do the best we can with what we have and what we know at any given moment; I'm sure you'll do the best you can for yourself and for Inspiration too.
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Post by deadmansfinger on Apr 4, 2007 8:40:44 GMT
Hi Guys, Thanks for the replies. RE - Coyotes reply - I note your points on centrally heated homes, and there is no way you could have known my circumstances, but others did. My family and I, are dying from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, and have been unable to tolerate any form of heating for almost four years. On top of that, we need the doors and windows open all the time, despite the weather. Surviving winter has been a real challenge, and hypothermia has almost claimed us several times. So, tropical or sub-tropical species would definitely perish in these circumstances. I realize you weren't aware of these points when you posted, but others were. RE - Vals reply. Thank you for your kind words and support, they meant a lot to me. And I think you made some excellent points regarding both predators and poisoning. Inspiration is much improved, but not back to full health yet - which leaves the huge question - after all she has been through, and the intensive nursing it has taken to get her thus far - why on earth would I endanger her now? I remember not long ago, another member lost nearly all his snails, when a "house-sitter" neglected them [maybe it was Tigs?]. The story was heartbreaking, and I remember one reply in particular, stating that most of his snails wouldn't have reached adolescence had they been in the wild. With so many dangers outside, not to mention cruelty [people seem to love pouring salt on slugs, and stepping on them], could someone tell me what is so marvelous about the great out-doors? Val, you've followed this thread from the start, and always been a help and support - thank you for understanding that Inspiration and I have formed a strong relationship, that we both enjoy and desire to continue. RE - Brian's reply - there isn't much left to say is there. Perhaps you would like to personally oversee Inspiration choosing each day to stay exactly where she is? I'm sorry you don't have such a relationship with your animals, but that doesn't mean others can't. And I don't see you suggesting I throw my dog out - care to explain the difference, and how exactly "freedom" with all it's inherent dangers, is the best option for Inspiration while she is still a semi-invalid. Come to think of it, considering you know the circumstances I live in, why suggest tropical or sub-tropical species? Snakelady As per usual people only want advice they agree with. The idea of a slug wanting to give you kisses is ludicrous at best but each to their own. I have nothing else to add to this as I have made my opinion clear. Brian.
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snakelady
Achatina fulica
"To err is human; to slime,sublime." D.G.Gordon
Posts: 6
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Post by snakelady on Apr 4, 2007 22:08:57 GMT
Hi Coyote,
Thanks for your reply, and kind wishes, I knew you were unaware of my circumstances when you posted.
I would also like to thank the members who have sent me pm's regarding this issue - thanks for the support, advice, and kind wishes.
Re - Brian's reply I post this with the full knowledge [and expectation] that the thread will be locked or deleted [probably by Brian], and I may be expelled from the forum. However, Brian has now posted 4 times on my thread, claiming to be answering a question I posed! Would anyone care to read through the thread and point out to all of us, exactly where I am supposed to have asked "Should Inspiration be thrown out?" I can assure you, no one will succeed - for I never raised that question. Big surprise, I don't think so - consider the effort I have put into helping Inspiration recover, why on earth would I throw her out before that recovery is complete?
Yet Brian, knowing my circumstances, repeatedly publicly has forced his erroneous opinions down my throat. Such behavior is simply unacceptable. Perhaps this is some strange annual malady, as he did the same thing on a post by Sluggishsnails, last April. Is a member picked at random each April for some abuse for caring for their pets? On that thread he remained unrepentant, posting 5 times [in opposition to Paul - Administrator, and LotsofSnails - another moderator, as well as other members]. How many other similar threads are there, that I haven't discovered yet?
Brian seems to think it appropriate to remove an animal from it's own "ecosystem for our own pleasure", if that "animal can't be seen in it's habitat". And strongly proposes keeping tropical or sub-tropical species, captive, and captivally breed, for his own satisfaction. However, our own native species should not benefit from either safety, food, warmth, or care.
What possible rationale could justify such opinions? Well apparently Brian's own health and mobility!!!!! Lucky Brian isn't stuck in an electric wheel chair, unable to go down the three stairs that lead to his garden, so his ability to view native species at his leisure, should it would seem, justify him telling a disabled person to throw out their own semi-recovered pet - should I throw her from the top of the stair do you think?
Members will also undoubtedly note, that Brian has failed on each of the four occasions he has pushed this point, that he failed to address even one of the issues I raised in rebuttal. Why is that? Perhaps he has no answer!
To date, despite the upset Brian has caused, and the complete disregard for Inspiration's continued well-being, I have responded in a measured manner, merely pointing out issue he has chosen to ignore. But, I'm sure you've noticed the tone of this reply is so rather more intense. The reason - no member of this forum should have to take public insults from any other member, but most especially not from a Moderator. Such remarks as Brian made concerning my mental health and ability to reason, only harm the forum. For the sake of clarity - I challenge Brian to produce any credentials pertaining to his qualifications and experience as either a Psychiatrist or Psychologist. Without such credentials, and close examination of the "patient" in question, IE me, then he has no grounds to assess my behavior as "ludicrous at best". If however, he shocks us all and produces such credentials, sadly for him, he's in even hotter water - the legality of such conduct, by a professional, would lead to the most serious censure.
On less professional or legalistic grounds, let us assess for a moment Brian's insults as mere animal lovers. Brian states "The idea of a slug wanting to give you a kiss is ludicrous at best". As pet owners of multiple species, does this statement stand? Consider for a moment the inter-active behavior of other species. Dogs greet their owners by enthusiastic tail wagging, and face licking - do we call these licks kisses? of course we do. Cats greet each other, and their owners by rubbing their noses together and caressing their cheek's - do we call these facial caresses kisses? of course we do. Many small birds gently peck their owners noses while chirping happily away, they also rub their faces against their owners cheeks - do we call these affectionate pecks and rubs kisses? of course we do. Horses gently nuzzle their owners faces - do we call these gently rubs kisses? of course we do. So, if a slug reaches up to it's owners face, and gently rubs it's face against the tip of your nose, while gently caressing each side of your nose with both sets of antenna, should we call such an action a kiss? OF COURSE WE SHOULD. It is in fact, the world renowned Eskimo Kiss.
So having established that many species display very similar forms of affection for their owners, including slugs, does Brian insult stand up to scrutiny? OF COURSE NOT!!!
I can only say in summation, how sorry I feel for Brian's "pets".
Snakelady
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Post by copigeon on Apr 4, 2007 23:05:00 GMT
Ive not been around much lately to post... so Ive missed all this until now. Snakelady, sometimes people have very.... defined perceptions of reality and what is and is not possible. My own father is one of these people, very practically minded wouldnt be doing with all this tosh with insects and what not.... he when faced with a problem (or what he percieves as a problem) would look on it with a practical mind and give his decision on the matter and that would be that. If I suggested to him something which would require faith in something without any physical evidence he would find it hard to place in his globe of reality and it would be dismissed. Some people find things difficult to hear and accept, I find alot of the members methods with snails and thier perceptions of thier pets "unnatural" as far as my own self is concerned. And sometimes, I post replies in a short fashion because the very idea rubs me up the wrong way. Im only human I try to make up for it the rest of the time, and sometimes manage to force myself to close the window on the post and just let it lie. Being a moderator doesnt mean we cant act in a way which is only human, being a moderator involves maintaining the forum and keeping it clean and tidy and organised... sometimes we like to be members too and have our own disagreements and be rubbed up the wrong way. Maybe this is one of those times? Im sure Brian didnt mean any personal offence, just finds it hard to believe a slug can show affection in the way you describe. Youre a lady who has a quite magical perception of a creature, which is why any story you write of them will be a joy to read. Sometimes thats a difficult image to marry up with the biological facts of a molusc or similar as we know them as a species or a specimin. I myself do not see my snails as pets, not in the sense of gaining enjoyment through thier company or interaction. I see them as species of molusc I can raise and understand, and provide myself with attractive and living displays. Fairly clinical, but I can understand how people can be come attached and overlay human emotions and personalities to any creature given enough time and interaction. Especially when a sense of depedancy has evolved. A difference of views, a difference of perceptions which just got locked at the horns and havent had a chance to split. Maybe we can all take five, have a breather, and just accept a difference in perception? For want of not to see this spiral into a greater argument between two people, both of which are very much respected and enjoyed as members of the forum.
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Post by deadmansfinger on Apr 5, 2007 8:10:10 GMT
I had originally posted a long reply to you but I decided to delete it as my reply would be greeted by one from you and I have saw this go on and on etc
I gave opinions, you don't like them. Let's agree to disagree?
The world is still spinning and it's a beautiful day in Coatbridge.
I hope you enjoy the Easter weekend.
Brian.
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