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Original poster

To think it's not worth risking your life to save a pet?

208 replies

Liketochat1 · 28/09/2012 18:22

A few weeks ago a young rugby star, his father and brother died after his dad jumped in a slurry pit to save the family dog. Earlier this week a mum and her partner died jumping into a river to save their dog. They died and the dog survived. Are pets worth this risk?

OP posts:
Ephiny · 28/09/2012 18:47

My dogs are my family, and there's not much I wouldn't do for them. But often dogs can get themselves out of these situations better than we can, so jumping in after them does not always make sense (so many cases where the rescuer dies and the dog manages to get itself out safely after all). One of mine is a much better swimmer than I am!

I can understand why people do it though, seeing either of my boys in danger or distress I might well act first and think later. And agree the people who do this probably don't consider it to be 'risking their lives' at the time.

GobblersKnob · 28/09/2012 18:48

No, I certainly would not risk my own life.

If the dog fell in a river I'd chuck the kids in and get them to try and fish him out, while cracking open a can and filming it for 'You've Been Framed'.

scottishmummy · 28/09/2012 18:49

pet in distress I'd call/phone help
can always buy new pet
I'd be upset but I'd get over it

FaffTastic · 28/09/2012 18:49

I don't think it's as black and white tbh. Often people act on immediate instinct without thinking about the potential consequences.

In the case of the young rugby star, the father tried to save the dog and the 2 sons tried to save the father - what else were the 2 boys meant to try to do in that situation? The daughter was also critically ill for a while trying to help her family. It was a slurry incident so it was the invisible fumes that did the damage.

FaffTastic · 28/09/2012 18:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

scottishmummy · 28/09/2012 18:52

happened in Scotland
parents dived in river for dog
kid orphaned

Mama1980 · 28/09/2012 18:53

Rationally I agree but I adore my dog and I think in these situations instinct just takes over. You love them, you see them in trouble, you help... I don't think there's any room for rational thought. Could I just stand there and watch my dog drown? No.

zukiecat · 28/09/2012 18:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

scottishmummy · 28/09/2012 18:55

I'd raise alarm
no way I'm diving in after a dog
dog replaceable,I'm not

NiniLegsInTheAir · 28/09/2012 18:58

Agree with Zukiecat. I couldn't just stand and watch my cat die, I'd never forgive myself. She's as precious to me as my DD and I don't care if people think that's ridiculous.

HolyAutumnGoldBatman · 28/09/2012 18:59

Well, you kind of are scottishmummy.

There are more dogs. There are more people.

People jumping in after their pets are trying to save that dog, not a dog. That specific dog can't be replaced. You get another dog, but not the same one.

Just as if you drowned.

HazleNutt · 28/09/2012 19:00

What others have said. I could not stand and watch my pets die if I believe I can save them.

Naysa · 28/09/2012 19:00

Yes I would. 100%. I love my dog as much as I love my sister. However I don't have anyone who is reliant on me. But if my dog died and I could have prevent it, I would NEVER forgive myself.

Naysa · 28/09/2012 19:00

Yes I would. 100%. I love my dog as much as I love my sister. However I don't have anyone who is reliant on me. But if my dog died and I could have prevent it, I would NEVER forgive myself.

GoldShip · 28/09/2012 19:01

YABU.

I would do anything to save mine. I love them to bits.

perplexedpirate · 28/09/2012 19:01

In the cold calm light of day- no I wouldn't.
In the situation itself- no idea.

scottishmummy · 28/09/2012 19:02

sentimental schlock about pets doesn't cut it
I would put self at risk for pet
they are replaceable you can buy and love another.I'd get over it

OrangeandGoldMrsDeVere · 28/09/2012 19:02

I would do all I could whilst staying safe.
I doubt the people who died thought they were risking their lives.

I would give my life for my DCs but not for my dog.

I love my dog but having lost a child and several dogs/cats/birds I can tell you which loss has changed my life for ever and which ones just made me sad for a while.

ffs.

FaffTastic · 28/09/2012 19:03

Nini is your cat really as precious to you as your DD?! Shock

Original poster
Liketochat1 · 28/09/2012 19:03

I've never owned an animal but I know the relationship some people have with their pet is one they wouldn't want to be without. I understand that on the spur of the moment the instinct is to help. But I think I would tell myself before any emergency happened that I wouldn't risk myself for the animal. It's not fair on family.

OP posts:
OrangeandGoldMrsDeVere · 28/09/2012 19:04

of course it isnt.
Its easy to say that when your child is alive though.

scottishmummy · 28/09/2012 19:05

having experienced human and pet bereavement
I can tell you incomparable
you can go buy and love another pet.you don't get lost loved one back

halloweeneyqueeney · 28/09/2012 19:06

thing is people do totally illogical things in an emergency situation

I'm sure if you had asked them in a calm moment, would they risk their own death for the pet they'ld say no, but sometimes you just act

NiniLegsInTheAir · 28/09/2012 19:08

Yeah Faff, why?

amillionyears · 28/09/2012 19:08

To the people who would die to save their pets,
When previous animals that you have had, have died in the past.you have recovered form that,havent you?
But if a child of yours was to die,I would imagine that a person is never quite the same afterwards.

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