MuffinsMum said:
Victoria, it often isn't what one has to say that is offensive, but the way one chooses to say it. Tic tac anyone?
I admitted to being new to rat ownership, I've been trying to find good information to help me (I'm on this forum for example), and despite being helped by some of Debbie D's information, my girls still managed to make their way into a double CN. Apparently admitting my weakness gave you licence to pour out some vitriol, and I didn't appreciate it.
Not everyone is ignorant by choice, nor does everyone live in the city with the most recently trained vets to help them. Some vets were trained long before rats became popular pets, and learning more about them would be elective at this point. Thankfully I have a great vet close to home, but when Muffie was sick and we were away from home, my best help specialised in horses and cattle.
Everyone who comes to this forum comes here by choice, probably to educate themselves. They're not necessarily public enemy #1. I've asked questions. I'm keen to learn.
(And as an aside, I've been on both sides of the midwifery/medicine issue, going back 20 years. Great strides have been made, but I remember WHEN... please don't assume that people who you're talking to are ignorant about absolutely everything, I brought that up to explain a principle, not to argue the practise.)
I'm sorry if you thought I was being rude but that wasn't my intent. You refuted my comment and used Debbie D as a source. To be clear, it was Debbie D I was attacking, not you. A lot of people lurk the forum and may see your comment and think, "Gee, that sounds like a good book to get." It not. And the more people that go out and buy her book, the more incentive she has to continue what she is doing. Just like when people shop at pet stores, even if they don't buy animals.
Debbie D and an online pharmacy are not a substitute for vet care. I realize not everyone lives where there is an exotic vet but usually you can find one that is willing to consult with one when they don't know. If you can't, it's probably best to not have rats period. Euthanizing your rats at home with noxious fumes is not humane and someone who thinks she's an expert and knowledgeable may turn to those methods in an emergency. That is not ok.
I only used midwives/doulas as an example because you used it. I realize times change, Debbie D has trouble accepting that and that's my issue with her.
