'He is a unique animal due to his disabilities and will require a lifetime of care and concern for his welfare'
Article Source: msnbc.com
from:msnbc.comOkla. woman fights to keep paralyzed kangaroo
Seeded on Fri Apr 1, 2011 5:32 AM EDT (msnbc.com)
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I fear this is not going to end well no matter what. I can't believe this animal will be able to be kept alive when it becomes full grown. As he its brained damaged is it right to keep it living until it reaches full size?
Bless it's little heart.... As Charles Barkley would say: "This is 'turable', just 'turable' that this would happen to an innocent kangaroo."
At least it has this woman to care for it right now, however, when he gets grown, and sees other kangaroos hopping around and play boxing with people, and realizes that it can't.... I fear that it will take it's rage out on this kind woman who took him in.
More headlines on the vicious attack later....
Neck fractured, he has spinal cord injuries. Think quadriplegic. The article does state that she has helped him regain some mobility. Even if the animal were not going to survive at least his existence and her care for it is helping her depression, a major illness that only this kind of thing can help cure.
I say let this poor kangaroo keep his ill owner! Both can help cure each other.
Just because hes an animal doesnt mean his life should be terminated when he becomes brain damaged. If someones child became brain damaged would you be saying the same thing? This kangaroo IS her child. As to whether this is good for the kangaroo...look at his progression towards getting better and obviously he has formed an attachment to the woman.
The heartless bureaucrats responsible should find themselves new jobs shortly after the recall. This is such an egregious waste of government time and resources to be doing in these times-THAT could be reason enough-add the mindless cruelty, ti's beyond comprehension!
While I see both side of the dilemma, this sentence is the most important:
The ADA act is a hot spot of litigation as it has become a bit too far-reaching. The only hope the local Town has is to question the Therapist's authority to certify the animal as a therapy animal. Only time will tell.
(One a side note, I question the mentality that would take heroic efforts to save this animal after it's accident. The bottom line is, it will never be a domesticated house pet. You can't get the wildness out of the animal, even if you dress it up like a kid.)
It is April the 1st - someone please tell me this a joke!
Actually, Chicago, the truth is that these kind of bizarre animal stories are not at all unusual down there in Oklahoma.
What difference does it make to the town if they let the kangaroo live? It can't do any harm. It's not going to be obstructing traffic or pooping on people's lawns. For Pete's sake. If caring for this animal gives this woman's life meaning, let her do it. When the animal dies maybe the woman can be weaned over to do volunteer work at a hospital or something.
I hope she tears BA a new one, the animal is covered by the ADA and if she has the older community on her side they will stand with her, if the animal regains full mobility? I can understand that, but its just a talking point. Im sure she already has plans for the animal once it reaches adult size, and for thoes who say let it die becouse its brain damaged, then shame on you, remember humans are animals too, and dont come at me with that they have no soul crap cause if you do, you obviously dont have one either. Remember dogs and cats go psycho as well, wild vs domesticated? Give me a break, ALL animals including us have that instinct.
Let her keep him.
Jim - Tell me about it. I know of a huge big cat sanctuary in OK. They save baby tigers, lions, jaguars, and other big cats before they are killed. (I wish they could be sent back to their normal habitat like the jungle or savanna, but obviously it proves to be too expensive) I must admit though, they are the cutest little things as I got to hold a Bengal tiger cub and she was the most playful little thing :-)
I hope this works out well for her.
Did you really read the article? It isn't expected to reach 7 foot and 200 lbs. It's expected to only reach 50 lbs about a fourth of it's normal adult size.
"These kinds of bizarre animal stories are common down there?"
Who the hell died and made you the judge of normalcy?
The story of a damaged person reaching out and caring for a damaged animal fails to touch you in any way? I'd say you've got bigger problems than either the woman or the kangaroo.
I guess we could say that "these kinds of bizarre stories on human heartlessness are common up there." Wherever it is YOU come from.
I wonder if there is a petition that could be signed to let her keep him?
As the article said, with his disability, he won't grow to be more than 50 lbs and neutering him would make him less agressive.
It sounds like she needs him as much as he needs her. Why all of a sudden is this becoming an issue?
I say let her keep him!!!
The kangaroo needs to be returned to the sanctuary it came from (mind you, the animal was injured during their care). It was totally unprofessional for them to allow this severely depressed volunteer to take the animal home for rehabilitation.
Long term prognosis was poor. It remains poor. An animal that is expected to reach 1/3 of its normal weight is a warning of its poor prognosis. It is in the best interest of this woman, the sanctuary, and the kangaroo itself to be held to the standard rules of operation.
"he broke his neck running into a fence at Safari Wildlife Sanctuary in Broken Arrow last year"
Where the Kangaroo came from:
http://www.safarissanctuary.org/
Actually, Skip, my Uncle Ralph died an made me the judge of normalcy with his dieing breath. And, no, this story of a damaged Okie reaching-out and caring for a damaged Okie kangaroo does not touch my heart strings in any way. I might possibly get just a bit touched by a missing cobra in the Bronx, though. Say, does your kangaroo have a Facebook page yet? Get with it - it's the 21st Century.
Upset in Ohio ( me too here in Ohio ):
I like your idea of a petition. Remember, these are "elected" officials. As a retired nurse who ONLY adopts older animals with medical problems, I have no doubt she can deal with this successfully-it's the friggin' council that has the problem.
Isn't there something more productive the council could do to alleivate the mess most towns are in today, rather than concentrate on this nonsense?
P.S. I've had an insulin-dependent dog 30 yrs. ago, LONG before it was popular to rescue. My current dog is almost blind not to mention almost deaf & I believe he's developing Canine Cognitive Dementia ( doggy Alzheimer's )
I suppose you think you need a passport to come down to Oklahoma too??
Are cats and dogs domesticated?
While I am normally opposed to people keeping exotic animals, there are always exceptions, like this case. No one else seemed to want to provide full time care for this animal or a purpose in life for the lady. If there are no problems caused by these two, then leave them alone. This woman and kangaroo are providing each other with what seems like life-saving therapy for both of them.
Don't be silly, Dana. You don't need passport to go down to Oklahoma, but a rabies shot in advance of visiting is strongly suggested.
Then Jim you are truly a sad excuse for a human being. I feel sorry for you and for those who have to interact with you because you lack humanity.
I"m proud to be from Oklahoma and even prouder NOT to be whereever you are. It must be a sad and dismal place to have spawned you.
C'mon out to the prairie podna, maybe we can find you a heart and teach you some humanity before you head back to whatever miserable rust-belt state you live in.
Skipper: Actually, I was born in Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. It must be a sad and dismal place...? Sorry to hear that, pahdna.
She should be allowed to keep the animal, at least for now. This roo is not expected to get anywhere near full size. Right now the animal is no danger to anyone. To force this woman to get rid of Irwin because of what might happen at some unknown point in the future is just absurd. If the town wants to set up a periodic review, I could go along with that. All you need to do is look at the picture with the article to see what these two do for each other. I see a severely injured animal that is being affectionate with it's caretaker and appears to be happy. I see a woman who supposedly suffers from severe depression smiling. It is very possible that breaking up these two could have catastrophic effects for both of them. This is a relationship that is obviously beneficial for both parties and I can see no valid reason to force this woman to get rid of Irwin. If in the future Irwin gets too big or otherwise becomes a danger the decision can be reviewed, but right now there is no justification for making her get rid of Irwin. he brings the animal to the nursing home with her as a therapy pet and apparently get very good reactions and results with the elderly in the home. Why stop something that is working for all involved. Separating them right now would almost certainly result in Irwin having to be euthanized. Without the constant care he receives on a daily basis from Christie he would become sick and die. I doubt that the people at the sanctuary have the time to dedicate to this one animal; that is the reason Christie took Irwin home to start with. The town council needs to use some common sense. They can review the decision annually to make sure that Irwin is not becoming a danger.
St Johns in Tulsa, what year?
I guess that makes you a sad excuse for an "Okie" as well.
of course she should be allowed to keep Irwin...his life has value....Irwin is at increased risk for accidents and infections and requires really good nursing care to live even half a life span. Its a horrible comment on our creepy culture that there is even serious talk in high circles about killing this little guy....it should be automatically understood that if his life can be reasonably prolonged with no undue suffering then it should be so, if we are living in a life loving culture instead of a doomsday sled going downhill from both ends
1952, lived on NW 47th Street. Yup, all right, Skippah, pardnuh. I'm reckonin' I'm a sad excuse for sure. And I ain't got no heart neither ever since I moved up yonder here to the United States of The Rustbelt. Hell, son, if I was still there in Oklahoma I'd be a-ropin' and brandin' that dang kangaroo instead of dressin' it up like a baby. Things sure have changed down on the ranch since I was a boy.
Its a disabled Kangaroo at this time its in no position to hurt anyone. Have a vet monitor it every 6 months and if it overcomes its disability then it needs to be moved to an animal sanctuary where its in no position to harm anyone. Regular Kangaroos have no place living with someone they are aggressive and can easily kill another human. This one is disabled and neutered its a huge difference. Looking at the pictures the animal is not depressed and shows no signs of abuse.
Thanks to all those who collapsed my comment, bet you've not worked with animals as I have and actually seen both side of the situation as I have. No matter, only time will tell if this was really a good idea. I hope the lady is not physically injured, or suffers a psychological set back later on. Unfortunately, the odds are not in her favor.......
I was not here when it was collapsed, but after reading it, perhaps they all felt the post was of no value.
I assumed it had to do with my comment concerning saving the Kangaroo after its accident. There is a reason it ran into it's enclosure, and that reason doesn't bode well for its continued survival. In the wild, it would have died. As far as I know, kangaroos are not endangered. Let alone, even here, there are rules for endangered animals. The biggest cause of death for bald eagles is falling out of the nest, yet, we are not allowed to interfere to save the chick. I feel bad for this situation. The odds of this being a long-term good thing is not in her, or the kangaroo's favor.
"Irwin cannot be judged as any normal kangaroo," Warren wrote.
and Carr cannot be judged as any normal human being.
Excellent point! If we could isolate what makes her tick and give some to everyone in this country imagine what a better place this would be.
Right, we should all adopt brain damaged kangaroos or injured ravens or three legged puppies and dote on them like they were children, dressing them up in cute clothes and taking them on stroller rides. I don't begrudge the woman her wish to care for this creature, but the whole cutesy thing that some humans do with their pets, to the point of making them substitutes for human companionship - is and always will be, sad.
We have a neighbor who owns a parrot, and the bird spends most of its time perched on the man's shoulder in public as "look at me" gimmick. Poor bird. I have an aunt who somewhat ignores her husband and son, but who knits sweaters for the love of her life, her poodle. She paid someone big bucks to paint a huge oil painting of the dog, which hangs in a "shrine" in her home. Sorry, but this ain't normal, no matter how cutesy wootsy widdle sugglebuns is.
The kangaroo is a wild creature. Imposing human fantasies onto it and treating it like a little "friend" doesn't change that. When it dies, I hope this lady doesn't die from grief, or feel that her "roo" days were the highpoint of her life.
I feel so sorry for you, Hans, and for anyone who has never known the love of an animal...and perhaps from another human. Leaving aside how much the woman has done for the 'roo, look how much he has done for her. Depressed enough to be on disability, this animal may have been placed in her path to save her life. At the very least, Irwin is not causing anyone any HARM. If it ain't broke, don't try to "fix" it, at the detriment of this woman and the 'roo. This case should be decided on the side of compassion for both.
The therapist was short-sighted to allow this to go on. To have a pet is one thing, to choose a "pet" that most likely, will be taken away since it is a wild animal, is another. It is a shoe in for a relapse for the caretaker. The Therapists needs to reexamine the therapy given to this woman, I don't believe it is the best course for this woman.
This is a perfect example of a case by case exception. This woman is suffering with depression. This Kangaroo is a hurt kangaroo. They both love each other and do no harm to others. Good grief it is a heart warming story. Let these two love each other and help each other. This is not a tiger or a Chimpanzee for that matter. This case does indeed deserve compassion.
Thanks, but save your sympathy. I do know the love of animals, but I don't - out of respect for them - dress them in cute clothes and take them on stroller rides. I refuse to spend more on my pets than I donate to human-oriented charities. I do not regard pets as being substitutes for human companionship, live my life vicariously through my pets, or put the love that I have for them on par with love for fellow humans. It isn't the same. This non-domestic kangaroo (a KANGAROO for crying out loud) is getting stronger. It could attack her. Or when it dies, the lady - already in a fragile state apparently - could go into deeper depression. Those are very real possibilities, and I mention these things because I DO have concern and compassion for both woman and animal. Ever think of that possibility?
Sandra, you are ASSUMING the Kangaroo loves it's caretaker. You have no proof.
Hans, you are an angry human being. At worst, an emotionally fulfilled person would regard this story with indifference.
Your appraisal of her as an abomination rests upon your assumption of what animals want, which is fallacious because in the argument you've set up against her, humans can't know what animals want.
You refuse to spend more on your pets than you do on human charities. Who cares? That's a subjective value statement that has nothing to do with the science of animal psychology.
The kangaroo could damage her further by inflicting injury or dying. So could a dog. Or a husband.
You simply cannot make subjective, sweeping generalizations about what love is and what the appropriate role is for animals in human society, and think that you are arguing factually or logically. The question of animal emotion and awareness has not resolved by science, and until it has, one can only judge this case based on observable merits and perhaps a bit of compassion.
Cimarronrose: Exactly: I KNOW how special she is!
Willow - What a joke. I have no proof? My 13 year old dog loves me to death, but I have no proof.... Leave this woman and her beloved Roo alone. It could very well be an exception to a rule.
You'll have to excuse Hans. He's disabled - he's too emotionally underdeveloped to understand he really isn't "all that" ...
Hans,
1) The article clearly states the animal needs to be dressed up to protect it from germs and disease. NOT because she wants to. She doesn't dress him up at home, only when they leave.
2) You are displacing your anger over your Aunt's indeed ridiculous behavior. She doesn't knit the Kangaroo sweaters, she hand feeds an animal that can't feed itself or die. She hasn't commissioned an oil painting, she changes its diaper three times a day because the animal can't go outside on its own to use the bathroom. If you can't see the difference between your Aunt's Odd behavior (I totally agree that treating of pets like children is not healthy... and let's face it, weird); but if you can't see that a woman finding peace in helping an animal live who would without a doubt die without her can be a good thing; well sir, I'm sorry to say you obviously have some issues of your own to work out.
3) I can only hope you are not the type of guy who intentionally swerves his vehicle to hit squirrels when driving because than there nothing I can say to make you understand Animals are aware, they have emotions, and personalities and most certainly can achieve connections with humans. By your statement of asking for what proof you have the Kangaroo loves her. Do you believe in God? Show me your proof? You have none (nothing tangible or factual), but you know he's there, right? I challenge you as a fellow American and Human who does respect your opinion to go to your nearest zoo with a great ape exhibit. If you do accept my challenge, bring a chair and find a the biggest ape close enough to the fence/glass you can find. Than I want you to sit and look in his eyes for 5 minutes straight. If after that you still believe animals are not capable of emotions, that you can't see the same magic on leaser scale you see behind the eyes of humans; then my friend, it is you who is the animal lacking emotion.
I hope you find this peace and learn to separate you Aunt's behavior from the universal benefits that love, regardless from whom or what it comes, can brings.
Please define normal human beings.
Sandra, I stand by my comment, this is a brain damaged animal. I've raised hundred of animals and yes, they are easy to love. But it is wrong to assume they have the same feelings of love you do.
Willow, I too have raised many animals and a brain damaged Roo still has the capability to love. Pure and simple. In my experienced opinion, you can tell if an animal wants and is comforted by you. No it can not be proved and why would want absolute proof anyways? We can agree to disagree. Now if we were talking a reptile, you may have a point.
Just because a person does not like her having the animal is no reason for her to get rid of it. Some people think it odd to have ANY animal in your house period. As for whether it is good for her or not has already been determined by a qualified person and I have not read a single comment from anyone that is qualified, unless you are licensed and have assessed her and the animal in person. She has broken no laws or they would have done something before now. It's time her city officials and busybodies mind their own business and leave this poor woman and her pet alone. They may very well be the reason she has depression in the first place.
I suspect the city is paranoid about the animal, seeing that he is making progress and not wanting the liability of having done nothing to 'remedy' the situation before it got out of hand.
It's been a long time since I read a comment thread on here that had any more heartless and sociopathic comments from some seemingly very hateful people. Before you judge look in the mirror and fix your own problems and get a degree before you start diagnosing people you've never met by remote control.
Let her keep him he has come to feel she is his "mom" if you take him away he most likely will not survive .
Yeah, let he keep him. But for God's sake stop dressing him up in clothes.
Gneisenau, as stated in the article, she needs to dress him in clothes to protect him from germs. I'm assuming that due to some health issues, he's more susceptible to illness or infection.
I predict in a year we will see a story about how she was attacked by this "loving pet".
Yea, and Dr. Steven Hawking will get up out of that chair he is in and walk.
Jakrabt - Excellent! :) I don't understand whatpeople dont understand about quadriplegic???
It not anything like that chimp that went crazy...
Thanks, Lynn =) It disappoints me that people can be so mean spirited, especially when two soul's well being are at stake- the kangaroo and his caretaker.
Then we can study Irwin to see how he miraculously regained movement so we can apply it to humans like Christopher Reeve.
Christopher Reeve is...uh...no longer with us.
Kangaroos don't have souls, for one.
Another issue no one has addressed is the fact kangaroos have large claws on both legs and arms. Have they been removed? In the Outback, 'roos rock back on their tails and gut their foes by chopping their legs into the underside of other animals, like dingoes. Although Irwin is a quad, he's gained back some motion. Who's to say this won't progress further over several months or years?
Although I find it a mental issue (not a becoming one) for any human to dress up animal pets in human-like clothing, I empathize with the woman's plight to at least consider life for the animal.
The smartest thing to do is to move outside the Broken Arrow city limits.
Hey BumbleBeeJ,
How do you know 'roos don't have souls? Perhaps they were exempted under the book of fiction that told you so and they just left that part out?
Try having a little faith.
jquest...you beat me to it.
BumbleBeeJ, how do you know so much about kangaroos? Please provide proof that they don't have souls.
Bumblebee can definitely provide proof that Bumblebee doesn't have a soul ...
BumbleBee: Rent "Decoding Dogs" from NOVA. ( Yeah, I know this is not a dog, but it IS a mammal) Netlfix has it. Then tell me unequivocally that animals don't have souls!
Or provide proof that humans do. For pete's sake, there's more danger living in a big city than there is in the body of that unfortunate roo.
Ghandi made a great point when he stated that you tell the character of a people by the way they treat animals.
BumbleBee, who told you animals don't have souls? The Bible never says so, if you are thinking that is your source. I'm thinking some preacher told you, but you've never verified it yourself. Go ahead, study the Bible and give the appropriate reference. And define soul? According to the Bible definition in Genesis, after God formed man from the dust of the earth, He breathed into his mouth and he became a LIVING SOUL. So, living soul would be body and breath. Animals don't need to be redeemed like humans because it is humans that sinned, but that doesn't mean they aren't an animal soul.
Animals DO have souls. You can see it in their eyes. It's some people that I have my doubts about.
Well, if you are going to bring the Bible into it ... there is a verse in Ecclesiastes that says "Who knows if the spirit of the man goes upward, and the spirit of a beast goes down to the earth?"
I don't think any of us can really know.
He needs to be closely monitored as he regains mobility (which it appears he is?) because as he grows, he will become dangerous indeed. A Sanctuary at that point would be in both their best interests. I worry about her safety down the road, but in the meantime, he needs this specialized care and she is the one to provide it. Paralysis is a huge hurdle but not insurmountable as she has shown. There are a world of disabled animals out there who can help her therapeutically. I have 3 handicapped dogs and they are simply the most rewarding and loving members of my family, not to mention the best behaved far better than my little non-h-capper.
I'm sure she has thought about that and is the most qualified person to handle him and make that determination. It's her life and her risk.
"Most qualified person"? Based on...her emotional attachment or the fact she's been flirted with animal care as a volunteer?
That's about as weak as so many master gardeners across the US who feel they are God's know-it-alls after there 10 hours of training. Once they have the "title" they just spew data from often outdated info from the university. Plus, since they most likely were brown thumbs most of their lives and now all of a sudden have the title of "master gardener", they seem to know EVERYTHING about horticulture...even more than professionals with degrees and decades of experience in the field. (Ironically, through the very same university facilities that supply the info to old people to become master gardeners).
Yeah, kind of like YOUR ASSumption that you're "God's know-it-all" in this issue... Arrogant #*&%
GARDENING? That's a stretch for deductive reasoning.
The "most qualified specialist" gambit is the main reason consistently more humans and other creatures get less and less help and support all the time. I mean, REALLY, does it take an expert to feed and care for someone OR something that needs feeding, topical antibiotics, and dressing changes-I and most of the posters on this knew those basics back in grade school.
I've helped a variety of people and animals in a variety of situations. The few times I needed to go beyond a phone call or a visit to the internet to deal with a question are few.
Where expert help IS needed, it's a 911 phone call away.
Pushing the responsibility of caring off on this "expert in the field", is a way to avoid responsibility...period.
Could something go wrong? Maybe. Could you find yourself at place where you can do no mre? That is the EXACT place where it's time to call in an expert.
How has this "let the experts take care of it" mindset impacted modern society? Check out Medical Care, Nursing Homes, and Government Legislatures & Agencies. These should be the LAST resorts-not the first stop in dealing with problems we are more than likely able to mostly handle on our own.
The lady in this seed, saw a need and stepped up. She's doing what she's able. That IS better than doing nothing...ALWAYS.
Good for her.
Of course she is the most qualified. She is the one who has cared for this animal since before she took it into her home. The animal knows her and has obviously learned he can trust and love her. I suppose you would have a better qualified person in mind? or do you just like to be the contrarian. I can recommend some help for that if you contact me privately.
Hello again, you have a problem. you make folks thinks logically.
You know what I am thankful for your to logical approach to our faults.
I have listened to you, as you know more than you know because I believe you are a true person.
Don't get an big head it will diminish your effective approach. If I met you in person as we have discussed in the past a good cold beer would be in order.
Be careful, be safe. I do care about all of us, ain't that a Hoot.
Good for you Ms Carr. Its people like you that give me hope for the world.
I think she should be able to keep him. As far as he is concerned she is his " mom", it would traumatise him way to much to be taken away from her.
This is bizarre on so many levels... First off, how on earth did the kangaroo end up in Oklahoma? Second of all this is a wild animal, not a child who wears clothes and diapers. It's distorted and sickening when people treat wild animals like humans. The kangaroo deserves to be in a sanctuary with other kangaroos so it can live somewhat of a normal, yet protected life.
And for a therapist to support the imprisonment of this kangaroo suggests that he/she may be in need of some therapy too. The world does not revolve around the needs of humans. Owning a kangaroo is not the same as owning a domesticated cat or dog.
This poor kangaroo deserves a different life- regardless of how much she loves it. Her love is not about the animal itself, but more about what she needs to feel good about herself. And that is a much deeper issue. Humans are capable of loving too much that we become blind to what is best.
I'm sorry Dana but I disagree with you. It's easy to judge when we are not in the situation and therapists are trained to make these decisions, not us.
Well, Dana, would that mean that:
(A) You're willing and qualified to step up to deal with this yourself?
(B) You have connections to other people who could do same?
Otherwise, all I can say is, armed with a little general research, it appears you've gathered enough knowlege to appear right...but not enough to verify whether you actually can positively affect the outcome.
I have always been amazed at how many people can effectively point out what's wrong, while being unable to shine a light on the better way.
"I have always been amazed at how many people can effectively point out what's wrong, while being unable to shine a light on the better way."
And I am equally amazed at how many people think their positive take on this story is the right one, they being equally unable to shine a light on their belief that explains it beyond "feeling".
Someone made reference earlier to "mean" people and their comments. "Pragmatic" might be a good substitute for that word. To imply that those who think this woman is doing the wrong thing are mean people, to ignore the fact that they speak from a viewpoint and life experience every bit as valid as yours, is disingenuous. Caring for an injured animal is one thing. Dressing it in diapers and shirts and trousers is quite another.
I'm even MORE amazed by those who can effortlesslt extrapolate long replies to attempt to negate positivity, without actually offering any solution to the problem, (what I had "suggested" might be a better tack than, "It's a wild animal-you can't do that!")
I actully took in, along with my wife at the time, a woman who's life was endangered by her pregnancy, but wouldn't do an abortion. We cared for her until after the child and her were able to be on their own....that apposed to the negators who simply told her not to get the abortion.
In a lifetime, the strays have included dogs, cats, birds, a squirrel, and a raccoon. All left well and safe. None were required to were anything extra, except the dog, who DID wear a diaper, as his injuries involved his lower extremities. The first couple weeks, he couldn't control such functions. We were lauded by some-denigrated by others who would likely be friends of yours, Hans.
In the end, you just negate, have no answer, and would likely do nothing yourself.
Your opinion requires responsibility-or means nothing. We already have enough negative spinners in the halls of government, church, and MSM.
Step up or step off.
Admirable, Dr. Rex, but how does your past make you more positive (and clearly more self-righteous) on THIS particular matter than anyone else?
AMazingly, those who scold and judge the others who are perceived as "judging" (since they take an opposing viewpoint or stand), do not think they also judge.
Dana: The kangaroo wouldn't survive w/o specialized care. Not a quantum leap of logic!
What's distorted and sickening is one human being passing such judgments on another human being because he/she doesn't hold the same views about an issue like this ... dressing up my pets is not my "cup of tea," but it hurts NO ONE ... not the person, not the pet ... so why should you get your panties in a wad over something that is essentially none of you @#$# business?! Some people just have to have something to feel superior about ...
Rex on #1.4:
I'm even MORE amazed by those who can effortlessly extrapolate long replies to attempt to negate positivity, without actually offering any solution to the problem, (what I had "suggested" might be a better tack than, "It's a wild animal-you can't do that!")
FYI: the short answer is that they are trolls who are negative about almost EVERYTHING in their lives. THEY need more sympathy than does the lady with the big, red roo!
(American by birth; Aussie by parentage.)
How is a kangaroo any more wild than a dog? The only reason dogs are domestic is because we raise them from when they are puppies. The Kangaroo is disabled. The article clearly says that he can only take a few steps in a row with help. Do you really think its better off on its own? Maybe ppl should actually read the whole article and not just look at the pictures. ppl put clothes on their pets all the time and he wears a diaper because i'm sure they don't want kangaroo poop all over the place. I'm not sure how easy it is to house train one and im sure its a lot harder when the animal can't walk. No one is suggesting that she should be able to have a healthy full grown kangaroo. Common sense says that an animal that is mentally and physically stunted (to a quarter of its size) should be no threat. Its not like She'll wake up one day and it will have made a miraculous recovery and be a 200 pound rabid animal
The sanctuary is not an option; that is why he went home with Carr in the first place. They can't provide round-the-clock care for one animal, and he can't survive without it.
She doesn't dress him up to be "cute". The article clearly states it is to protect him from infection, probably an after-effect from his injuries.
Who does this hurt? Noone. If it helps her and helps him, why change the situation based on what may or may not, and in fact probably won't, happen in the future?
You must be a Republican !
Well, BumbleBeeJ,
Doing something always trumps shoving your hands in your pocket and doing nothing at all.
Most of us, righteous or otherwise, are alleged to be grown up enough to know our actual limitations. As a society we've practically made a religion of seeding all care and authority to "the experts". That's the real force behind the endless escalation of cost in Medical & Government Agency Resources.
Does that mean I think you should do it all? No way, but it also doesn't prevent you from doing whatever you can. All that should be kind of a symbiotic force. The experts and "Non-experts" bringing their energies and resources to bear on a neeed or situation.
Truthfully, we see this "Tandem Dance" worked out successfully every time we see a Major Natural Disaster. everybody does what they can because ti's likely going to take all that and more to get form the disaster to the recovery.
This seed is about someone willing to simply do what they can. If someone here can do better-cool-go for it.
Hey, there's nothing wrong with consulting an expert, but the point when that's needed is when I've exhausted my mental, educational, and experiential resources. I do know when that is. I know who to ask, if it's not an actual emergency, and 911 is just a phone call away.
It's not self-righteous to see a need and be willing to step up and do what you can. That's called having a Community Spirit and being human, neither of which makes me better in and of itself.
Actually it frees up the "Expert" Resources to be used for the situations where their REALLY needed.
That's a simple division of labor and resources, with both being used to their best advantage.
What's wrong with that?
To aver that she is mentally ill because she dresses an animal like a human is a VALUE JUDGMENT and is subjective (your opinion and not based in fact). If this were the case then just about every small child would be mentally ill according to your measurements and I doubt you are prepared to go down THAT road. One might also conclude that you are mentally ill because you argue on the PC about whether dressing animals in human clothing is a mental illness instead of doing something more productive (which is also a value judgment).
Just checking, "Jak", but I assume the comment was aimed at someone above mine, as I would find myself sharing your view of making such judgements as you are referring to.
Absolutely, Rex Dex. I apologize since I am usually less oblique. It's just there were more than one, but you were not one of them. Actually when I saw your moniker it reminded me of Dr. Doolittle =) no malice intended.
another case of liberals trying to run our lives and trying to turn nothing into something. Leave the poor lady and her roo alone.
Wouldn't it be the liberals who would want her to keep it?
Wow - what a statement. RMB - Oklahoma is a RED state, ok? Mostly controlled by Republicans.
It's the "Conservatives" that tend to want to take away rights.
Let the woman keep the kangaroo.
LIberals??????? In Oklahoma? Let the poor woman keep her pet. If the roo regains mobility and still has brain damage, dress him up and send him to congress. He could join the Tea Party and no one would even notice.
Im sure she'll make the right choice if the sweety has to be set free when he gets older and if he gains his full mobility. dont hate people.
If you raise an animal yourself and then let it go in the wild, it *WILL* die. There's a big change between being fed your whole life and then suddenly having to feed yourself while keeping away from predators. A zoo would be a much better option.
I'm going to assume she meant set free with other roos at the sanctuary.
Just another case of liberals trying to turn nothing into something. Leave the woman and her roo alone.
I'm certain it was conservatives that want to take her animal away. They make a career of making others miserable and interfering.
BTW- who is making this 'nothing political' into 'something political'?
Get real! Did you happen to notice this is occurring in Oklahoma, arguably the most conservative state in the nation?
I think the woman needs stronger meds.
Perhaps. I mean how DARE she show compassion for an injured animal!
I think Dave needs a stronger heartbeat ...
Dave:
"I think the woman needs stronger meds."
And apparently you need more efficient ones! I heard they are working on an empathy pill.
Know something, V.Bevis? I can't think of any med stronger at healing than the love you get from a pet. That is love in it's purest form, asks no questions, has no expectations, doesn't keep score and lasts a lifetime :-)
Dresing a wild animal in children's clothing is not love or compassion, it is abuse. The woman's concern is not for the animal, but for herself. It is her "therapy."
...And yet, the article explains it's to help the kangaroo fight off infection-so...it would be better to risk further infection, dysfunction, and/or death, rather than abrade your tender sensibilities?
So the Mayor is an expert on roos? Obviously not. As the vet says, neutering him at that early age makes it extremely unlikely he will become aggressive.
The mayor might want to remember that roos fill the same niche in the food chain in Oz as deer do in the US.
Their heaviest weapon is to rear back on their tails and lash out with their hind legs, a big roo with some attitude can do serious damage. Given that it's apparently at least semi paraplegic, desexed and obviously completely imprinted on the woman in question, the chances of that are somewhere between slim and non existent, probably closer to the latter.
Did you read more on this story somewhere else or did you just imagine that the vet said this?
x--read the article the vet said it isn't expected to reach more then 50 lbs; and neutering it should lessen the chance of aggression
 It's simple, let the vet determine on a regular basis whether or not the kangaroo is still docile enough to stay with the woman.
Regarding the person making the pit bull comment, here's my comment, "You're an absolute idiot. It's ignorant people like you who give pit bulls that bad reputation moniker."
I agree with you 100%
I agree, to put a pit bull and tiger in the same cataloger is completely asinine
Beth! At last-some common sense. I've mentioned in several of my comments it's better to do what one can, then call in the experts if the situation exceeds one's skills and resources. FR on the way.
Thank you for daring to be reasonable. 'DeX'
I left CT a few years ago and moved to WV since after 14 years of caring for my Eastern Grey Kangaroo, CT said he was "dangerous." Funny, the state for those 14 years hired me to give educational lectures with him. He was loved and adored by everyone. Then after 14 years (when he was blind and arthritic) some genius decides "he could be dangerous," So I moved and said "goodbye" and took the animal that I rescued 14 years prior and was the only mother he knew with me. you can see a picture of him and I on my facebook under Storm Plains. Keep fighting, when Kangaroos bond they bond to one person. Your's most likely can't live without you. There are dogs out there which are alot more dangerous. At his size he is as dangerous as a large rabbit. Kangaroos are nervous and prefer flight. You need help I'm here. These government morons never took care of such an animal, so they should not speak about them. I do not condone people to own wild animals unless they are experienced and doing it as a rescue.
Go Freedom!!! Good for you! :)
I too live in CT and have watched some very selective enforcement of laws usually when some neighbor feels slighted and decides it is now time to contact the police and file a complaint. It is unfortunate had to move but I admire your loyalty. And I saw your picture with the kangaroo.
Freedom, you said it right "Government Morons", now, in this case, that is not an Oxymoron.
Conn. is the biggest pain in the ass when it comes to animal laws.Freedom good for you.i'd do the very same thing.
they've gotten worse since the incident with that chimp.i can see banning dangerous animals like this chimp.conn's DEP.is full of government morons and it sounds like Oklahoma is too, when it comes to these animal laws.they have no clue as to what the hell they're doing.
i hope this lady in Oklahoma can save this Kangaroo.there's too many lunatics running the asylum when it comes to animals.i wish this lady the best of Luck.
Good 'on yer, Mate!
You mentioned a facebook.....how do I search to find you on Facebook? Your username on here doesn't come up....I would love to see the pic of your kangaroo! Thanks...
This poor animal deserves a second chance and he is doing something useful for his "mom". This is a much better and safer situation than those who keep vicious dogs, snakes and the like. His "mom" is gaining something and so is he -- love and let love!
Any animal can be kept safely if treated with respect. I adopted a very large boa from a state nature center who had been found and turned in and was septic with pneumonia when the nature center was closing for the winter and he was going to be destroyed if they couldn't find someone who would take him. I spent months prying his jaws open and squirting antibiotics down him until it cleared up.
His name is Baby, and there's a reason for that. However, I am very knowledgeable regarding his temperature, humidity, and light wavelength needs as well as his feeding and his nature as a wild animal and respect all of that. And before you jump on the bandwagon, I RESCUED him with the blessing of the state we were in, I didn't buy him from a pet store.
Had I not, he would have been destroyed through no fault of his own but simply because no one wanted to commit to caring for him. He's not my first rescue, nor will he be my last, and I have rescued across a whole wide range of species at one time or another. Some were able to be rehabilitated and returned to their natural environment, some went to forever homes wih people who were willing to care for them properly.
This animal is one who will never be able to return to the wild, if in fact he ever WAS wild. As young as the story says he is when he was injured, he was most likely born in captivity. This woman has clearly made the effort to learn his needs and provide for him which is no small task even if he weren't "damaged goods". That speaks volumes to me regarding her baseline personality. She isn't bothering anyone, and I'm fairly sure that if it came to a showdown where she had to keep him at home or give him up, both he and she would be housebound, which would be a shame since he apparently brings joy to many people.
Dear RN, Good for you! FR sent. 'DeX'
Let her keep the kangaroo. If the city is concerned have the agency that "owns" the kangaroo provide monthly or bimonthly reviews. If they decide the animal becomes a risk deal with it then. For now it is helping this women deal. And yes she needs help also from a qualified psychiatrist, not a therapist, to wean her away from the animal but for now let things run there course. A little humanity.
Wow, zoobeaast, Common sense seems to be abounding here, at last. FR on the way! 'DeX'
I guess it's easier to pick on a handicapped animal, since the government officials don't have the ball&#@JHX to go after the illegal humans.
Sadly, Freedom, you're likely cornering the truth there. It would almost be funny if it wasn't so true. FR on the way. 'DeX'
I think that she should be able to keep Irwin and bless her for helping him.
Let her keep the Kangaroo. Its sounds like it is wonderful therapy for her as well as the Kangaroo. It would be great if she works with it like a therapy dog. Keep up your fight!!!!!!!
I believe the article stated that the clothes were for the kangaroo's protection from germs. And I doubt many people have the "life experience" of raising an injured kangaroo.
I believe the article stated that the clothes were for the kangaroo's protection from germs. And I doubt many people have the "life experience" of raising an injured kangaroo.
Would today's date have anything to do with this?
Let her keep the kangaroo, its sounds likes its wonderful therapy for her as well as the kangaroo. I love how some of these towns get involved with other peoples business. Too bad we can"t ban some people from living in these towns!!!!!
Since I raised an orphaned kangaroo for over 14 years in CT that this woman needs all the help she can get fighting the morons in Government that have made "so many" wise decisions in the past. Look at our country today. I want to help this woman, if anyone else out there would like to join me, please contact me at easterngreykangaroo@hotmail.com. America, let's take back our country!
"Take back our country" where is it? Where has it gone? Freedom, you are not in Iraq or Afghanistan where your country has been taken. So, "Shut It!"
Go help the crazy-Kangaroo-lover and stop the nonsense, "Take our Country back." Or you racist white-people light you who can't stand it to see Obama? HaaaH?
She's talking about elected officials arbitrarily making rules & regs. w/o the knowledge needed to do so.
There WAS a time when elected officals actually LISTENED to their constituents; I see you aren't old enough to remember when.
these are the types of idiot laws that oppress people. people just minding their own business caring and loving for animals and these nazi's are on their door step.
it's time to stop just talking about it and do something for this lady.these animal nazi's need to know that we're mad as hell and are not going to sit back and take it anymore.