Despite being a vegetarian of 20+ years and trying to change to vegan at this time, I am, sadly, neither pale nor skinny. Nor as a wannabe vegan do I want to prevent anyone having well loved and cared for pets. I am opposed to factory farming, live export, the fur trade and similar industries where animal suffering is downplayed in favour of economic gain. I do not understand why our pets are granted so many privileges and protections that other animals are not. I do believe that in some (not all) cases animal rights activists are playing a vital role in improving the awareness of the general public to the amount of suffering which is inflicted to keep humans gratified. I find it disappointing when I see vegans/vegetarians/activists being stereotyped in such negative ways. We are not all one homogenous group! I also deeply resent the suggestion that I "force" my vegetarian diet on my children - both of my girls have chosen to embrace this diet as they see it as the only choice compatible with their love of animals. I have always made it clear that although I do not choose to cook meat dishes they are very welcome to experiment, without judgement, out of the home. I do not see how this is different to forcing a personal belief that meat should be eaten regularly on our children. Sorry for the off topic rant, obviously this is an area which frutrates me!
Back to pets - currently I have vegetarian chooks, guinea pigs and parrot. My dog and cat are not vegetarian. I have had vegetarian (not vegan)dogs in the past. My great dane and mastiff cross did very well healthwise and appeared to eat their food with enthusiasm. I had the assistance of a vet to ensure that their health was not compromised. After some time I reintroduced bones because I was unable to find a vegetarian substitute which could withstand their jaws for more than a few minutes and was concerned that I wasn't meeting their dental and psychological needs to chew. I did not choose this diet for my own ego, or to be hip. I chose it because I wish to reduce the amount of money I contribute to an industry dependent on suffering. My current dog, a border collie, is not vegetarian - he has fish such as sardines, eggs from my own happy pet chooks, and some bones as well as a wide range of vegetarian products. I may choose to change him to an almost totally vegetarian diet at a later date, I am undecided. But you can be sure that his health and contentment are my priorities.
