Sometimes i realize that some people grieve more over an animal than a human. I think i am one of those. Both human and animal must be strangers to me, in that case, yes i will be most saddened hearing an animal was tortured or killed over a stranger or someone i barely know who passed away.

This made think of the times when i see a cat in the middle of the street, dead, run over by a car. I can't even look, i feel really sad and feel disgust against the passive attitudes of others when seeing the same thing, and not blinking an eye.

I adore animals, been owner of cats and dogs since i was a child i cant picture my life without an animal in my home. If a stranger dies, and an animal dies, my instinct will make me grieve for the animal more. If someone close to me and an animal dies i will grieve the person more, but if someone close to me and one of my pets dies, THAT will tear my heart away. What im saying is it depends. But if i had to admit which one i will grieve more, if its a stranger or an animal, i think its the animal.

Why? In my eyes animals are naive, cats for example get ran over by cars because they get scared of the car itself and in a naive way they run straight to their death instead of run to the opposite way. Or else the driver of the car is driving 80km/h and doesn't gives a rat's *** to slow down and avoid running over the cat, moreover, they just keep on driving leaving the dead body there to be squashed by other passing cars. That, i believe is why i feel for an animal death in such a way, because the majority of people are ruthless and couldn't care less for their actions. However animals are innocent in a way, just like children, they don't know the dangers of the world, how humans can be ruthless. they don't understand death either.

If an animal dies of a natural cause, it still sadden me, but much less than when it is killed by cruel/irresponsible people

What's your say on this?

I'm an animal lover... i've kept dogs, parrots, reptiles, rodents, and even fish. I currently have a dog I adore and dote on.

However, that being said--No, I don't grieve animals more than people, not by a long shot.

About three weekends ago I was visiting a friend who lives in a semi-rough part of my area. There are quite a few homeless people, gangs, and drug addicts in his area. When we went to the store to pick up some things for dinner, we saw that a man had died sleeping on the sidewalk (likely a drug overdose). I was profoundly sad for the condition he died in. When I see animals, especially pets, I'm more angry that someone didn't care enough about them to take care of them properly. But I wouldn't say I'm particularly sad for them.

I guess I just care about people more.

that being said.. a lot of ppl choose to live this way. they choose to live on the streets and choose to shoot what ever drug of their choice into their viens.. i feel no remorse for these kind of ppl.. they are educated enough to know what the effects of drugs are.. i feel for those who have to clean up after them
not that long ago my husband and i were driving home from work, it was about 10.30pm and there was a small animals body in the middle of the road.. we pulled over and i got out to take it to the side of the road, to save being run over more. hubby put his hand up to do it, but working with animals previously, i am more used to death and seeing animals in such a way, so i said that i would do it.. it was a shi tzsu. the poor little thing had only just been hit. it was dead, and there was nothing i could do but lay it elsewhere.. what really ticked me off is that it had no collar, no way of identifying this poor little creature.. there was no way of me notifying the owners. when hubby asked if i was ok, i told him it was a dog.. (he thought it was a cat.. it looked like one when we drove past) he was more upset as his sister had a shi tszu 'fluffy" (she has just been put down a couple of weeks ago) and was openly appreciative that i had removed the body to a more, shall we say, dignified area? i just hope that it was an instant death for this little mite
i dont know on this.. i guess i am divided.. i find it extremely sad when you hear that someone has died in their house, and has been un-noticed for weeks, months etc. their own family dont even care to know.. but i am sad for animals when they are mistreated and left to sufffer.. they have unconiditional love.. which a lot of the times turns around to bite them in the bum due to ppl's ignorance. i have apathy for those who have died under the hands of another doing a 'murder suicide' i know its a power thing.. and the final attempt to get back at someone else.. but for gods sake.. just do the world a favour and top your self.. leave innocent ppl and children out of it

more feeling for animals.



yup! sometimes those jerk poop /pee/vomit in my frontyard.

I love animals, in fact this world would be preeeetty boring without 'em. I love all kinds of animals, even spiders and snakes.(I know, spiders aren't animals) However, I can't hold them in the same esteem as a fellow human. The pain I feel for a dead child, or even a dead druggie bum is far greater than what I feel for the death of an animal. If you see an animal being mistreated and abused pretend it was a child instead, and most would get a sick feeling in their stomach. I know I would. Don't get me wrong, when I see animals abused I get angry. I saw on TV several years ago where they were killing tigers in India or somewhere and I confess that I had tears in my eyes. Humans are different to me though, I think it is a different kind of sadness, if that makes any sense.

I'm more sad when an animal dies then when a human dies. I'd much rather a human child die then a dog. Humans are a cruel species with the power and reality to do more good but don't. Where animals are mostly just running off of instinct and a more primitive system of thinking.

Sorry Kratos, but I hope your not really serious about rather having a human child die than a dog...An innocent child is not a cruel species, they are just that "innocent"...This really upset me...Yes losing an animal is upsetting but it can be replaced, a child can't be replaced...

i don't agree in having a human child die rather than a dog, preferably i'll have none of them dead. BUT i don't agree that an animal can be replaced. With the same line of thinking also a child can be replaced because children are born every minute just like animals. You can't replace the bond you had with an animal, neither the animal itself for that matters because they have personalities just like we do. But if you say a son or a daughter can't be replaced, then yes i agree. That's the only thing that it can't be replaced.

I was thinking in terms of a son or daughter, or a child dying through no fault of his/her own.. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big pet lover and have been through losing animals that I love. But there is no comparison between losing an animal or a child..JMO

Hmmmm I am unsure which I find sadder. I find both sad, in slightly different ways. Definitely depends on the particular relationship you have had with them. Even though I love my pets – I am sure nothing could compare to losing a child for example. Any life being extinguished is always pretty sad to me.

Sometimes when I see one of these 'homeless druggie bums' I think they were someone’s little baby once. Lots of the homeless have mental health issues - life can be tough. Have a little compassion.

I am serious. The thing about innocent children is that they grow up.

No, a loved animal cannot be simply replaced. My dogs are as much family as my human family is.

Your logic is a pet can be replaced by just going to the store and picking up another one as if you ran out of milk. That logic is equal to who cares if a child is dead, just have another or adopt one.

I agree .

I think some people do have an affinity with certain people /animals . each of us is different in what we feel the most empathy for . for me its children . I was training to be a nurse after i finished school and was going to continue higher education and make it my profession . i saw a number of things that had happened to people(adults) that shocked me and saddened me a little but nothing compared to that when a child dies or is injured/abused . for me its something i find extremely difficult to deal with/hear or see . so much so i decided not too follow that line of work after all . and i definitly can't see the comparison between a human child and a dog .

we have a dog right now ive had him since i was 18 . he is beautiful and i rescued him way before any of my kids came along . but hes geting old now and i know the inevitable will happen sometime soon . and it will be hard but being a mum now my main concern is for how the kids wil react to that loss . even though it will be tough for me that has to be put aside to help the kids who have grown to love him as much as i to deal with it .

So toss up between humans /animals . humans definitly win (especially children) but animals arent too far behind .

There is a simple (I hope its simple, it would be for me ) question you can ask yourself to determine which holds more value. If a child (any child) and an animal (any animal) were in danger, but you could only save one, which would you choose.

I probably shouldn't have used the word replace...An animal's loyalty is very true, and yes I have animals, and have lost animals, only to be very saddened...My point was losing a child would be more devastating to me...And no, I don't compare losing an animal to buying milk, so that was not my logic..

That would be awful i would save the child somehow. But i would feel extremely guilty for not saving the animal too, probably i would endanger my life to save the animal afterwards if i had a chance.

Yes, it would be an awful decision to make, but I would save the child as well, without hesitation. I would feel bad for the animal, no doubt, but I wouldn't regret my decision.

I'm not trying to sicken this thread.......but.....
Are all the posters, who say they are saddened more by an animal death, vegetarians? I'm not, so I think human life is much more precious than an animals. I love my dog and my cats, but when they die I will bury them, mourn for them and probably get another one to "replace" the one that died. If my 5 year old daughter passed away, I would be tramatized and unable to have another.

I'd have to put humans at the top of the list for sure.

Here's a hypothetical question : All forms of cancer could be totally 100 % cured and we would never ever have to worry about this disease ever again. But the cure could only be possible with the destruction and elimination of every species of cat and dog on the planet.

For some, that would be a tough decision. For me ? A no brainer. Save the humans first.

A life is a life, regardless. And life has to be protected from frivolous harm ...no matter if human or animal. Every life not protected reduces the value of human life.

When an animal dies of natural causes (disease, predation, etc.) I feel slightly sad but I accept it as how the natural world functions. The thing that bothers me is death due to human sadism or callousness.

A good example would be-- I know some people in Appalachia who hunt deer for food. They kill the animals then freeze them and eat them over the course of the winter (including using the bones to make soup stock). It doesn't bother me because the animal is being eaten. On the other hand, sometimes when I walk in the woods I'll come across a deer that has been shot and then left there to rot. Realistically, that animal is being eaten too- by bacteria, worms, etc. But the fact that the death occurred for some human's personal amusement really bothers me a lot. I guess death doesn't bother me but disregard for the sanctity of life bothers me.

This is hard to answer. I mean I would choose people, but as I said I love all animals. I must think of a better answer. How ever, this question below I will answer.




(first I am not trying to be rude or anything, just curious) And That being said, How do you Know "they are educated enough to know what the effects of drugs are" Did you educate them? Have you seen some kind of diploma? (for each and every one?) I agree some may know, but not all. And sadly if you did know (the drug addicts I mean) you forget very quickly. I don't think its fair to name ALL homeless people uneducated.

neither can be replaced.. there is only one of that which you have (child or animal), they have their own personality.. and once that is gone. it is lost forever, never to be replaced.



most ppl are educated enough to know the effects of drugs.. yet they still choose to use them.. that is their own ignorance, but is also their prerogretive.
now i dont know about your schooling system (im guessing america going on that diploma statement?) but here in australia, we were taught about drugs and their effects and affects in primary school.. and it continued into high school.. no you dont get a diploma, graduating ceremony or pat on the back as it is not a course.. it is part of the curriculem. you get educated. you learn, and you can take the information and use it as you wish.
i dont believe anywhere i said that homeless ppl where uneducated.. i simply said that a lot choose to live on the streets.

oh, and no, i am not a vegetarian. (for myles )

edited to erase double post

I'm not a vegetarian either.

But i think the point of the thread is getting mislead now. I don't mean to say that i PREFER a person to die rather than an animal, but in some cases i do get upset more with a death of animal rather than that of a person assuming both are strangers to me, this is not always the case but it does happen with me.

What i find saddening is that an animal, let assume a cat or a dog lives only 15 yrs at the most, i think its a very short period. I know it has anything to do with the topic as such but i always found it sad, i guess it's nature's way.

The world oldest cat is over 30 now... and drinks a saucer of coffee and milk every morning (no joke).

But you are right, though it is not to feel sad. They live much faster than we do.

wow! i wish all my cats will live that far
i do not even have breakfast in the morning most of the times, this cat surely knows how to lead a good life

i hate this question

It's just 'human nature' to run & help when we see cruelty to defencless & helpless animals .

Cruelty to animals act was passed in 1849 (amended in 1854 UK)...Then had the establishment of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the 1864, in that same year 1864, laid the foundations for the International humanitarian law act, which eventually brought on the league of nations that was established in 1919, blah blah blah. Maaan thats gotta be tell'n ya something i guess.

Yes America.
I know when I went through school we were told "drugs are bad" They could kill you" That was about it. It's much better today for my kids (thank God) But lots of our homeless people here are older then me. They grew up before it was taught, in school, on tv, or even at home. The sixties taught a lot of people that drugs were good.
I'm not saying everybody turned into drug addicts (or even that drugs are bad) but some people (because of lack of education) did.

And I do agree that some people choose to live on the streets. ( I do think they chose it from how they were raised though)

Lets do lunch. lol I totaly understand where you are coming from. I'm 40 years old and it took me time to mindset my emotional state when being exposed to an unpleasant sight such as you described. IPersnaly I think animals dont have the same intense phycological effectiveness to over sensitise themselves because if an animal dint stay in a emotinal balance , animals wouldnt survive as a species in the groups from wich they c ame from. the animal kingdom was here before mankind . I do know you will find comfort in this piece of facrual info:

in the brain chemicals are producing . This chemical gives uus and them [ animals] the ability to cope
when in the process of passing on. It does this only at the last stage before death and I hope this gives you some lifting up .
Animals are awesome and I tend twords animals over humans when I become emotionaly attached myself. I dont get the
same type of turmoil than when Im torn up about the animals death. But like I mentioned it ok and we can only imagine what the animal is going through. The brain of ours conjours up a mean combination of thoughts and can trap us into an emotional downhill spirul. Dont let sadness get you sad too much , everything will be ok. Your normal to me but I know I should be more empathetic tword humans than animals but I ve no family of my own and animals have been there for me aall my life. So heres a thought be exspecialy kind to every animal you see and embrace that thought.

I like to watch when animals attack. Its on animal planet. It has footage of people who think they can just go and mess with a animal in the wild and it reaves havok on the human. THAT WILL TEACH THEM . lol
I cant help but get a rise out of that because of the stupid choice to toy with a wild animal what were they thinking it was going to let him do that to animal. the animal goes to defense mode and its just a sweet justice . so remeber when watching try not to let everyone see you smile. Im joking kinda but not realy and I think that isnt normal or right but life in genereal should be respected and not top meddle with in a intention to hurt or cause suffering. So what is right or wrong ? I just try to keep my emotional level at a place where I can maintain perspective sop I dont let it ruin my whole day.

I m with you ion this though and I know how you feel.
Abecrombie and Zombiedog

I really enjoyed reading your post, and i really can relate to you

Maybe i am this emotional towards animals because i saw alot of animal injustice in my life, to mention one is when a few years back my cat was run over in front of my eyes and the car drove away leaving my cat breathing he's last breaths in great pain, i cried for days in a row, i couldn't even concentrate during class and would excuse myself and go to cry silently alone somewhere away from eyes. I remember it teared my heart away so yes whenever i see a cat on the streets dead, its a painful flashback for me.

also i realize that when seeing a movie for example i almost never feel sorry when an animal attacks a person, but if it an animal being attacked i get all emotional hehe... Maybe some people have greater bonds with animals then others. It's not a bond which you have only with your pets, but with animals in general.

I don't like anything to die- humans, animals, plants. I'm saddened by the death of any living thing.