Tag: Pets

Five Humane Alternatives to Animal Testing

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Stephanie W., Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

 

Animals have played a crucial role in many scientific breakthroughs. After all, we have many similarities with lab rats, including sharing similar organ systems, around 85% of our DNA, and we are susceptible to similar illnesses and diseases. This allows scientists to observe how a vaccine, for example, would react in a human body without putting a human at risk. Although animal testing may seem like a good idea, it’s actually notorious for being inhumane, unreliable, expensive, and requires large amounts of manpower. Unfortunately, despite the numerous restrictions already in place to reduce the involvement of animals in experiments, millions of animals are still subjected to tests. As a result, there are currently around 50 alternatives to animal testing currently being studied, but only a few seem likely to be implemented. Here are some possible viable replacements for animal testing:  

 

 

  1. Computer Modeling 

 

It is also known as in silico tests. Computers and software now have the capability of predicting how a drug may react in a human body. Models of many organ systems can be used obtained from previous experiments and already known data in order to simulate the possible irritants and reactants caused by a drug. While they’re not a perfect substitute for animal testing, they’re capable of reducing the number of animals needed during experimenting. 

 

 

  1.   3D Cell Culture and Organs-on-Chips

 

To understand our body, we need to see it as one large system with many interconnected parts. This is where the 3D cell culture comes in. With the help of a computer microchip, known as Organs-on-Chips, the model is capable of mimicking structures and functions of the human tissue as it would be within the human body. As a result, the model can predict the various effects of a drug on a living organ. 

 

 

  1.   In Vitro Cell Culture 

 

In vitro cell cultures involve taking samples of cells from an animal or plant and growing it outside of the body in a controlled environment (usually a laboratory). These cells are important for observing the immediate and specific effects of a drug. Under the right conditions, the cells have the potential to last up to years outside the body, allowing the effects to be observed over a longer period. 

 

 

  1.     Organotypic Models 

 

This testing method is a little more gory than the rest. It involves using organs obtained from slaughterhouses instead of live animals. Although no live animals are harmed using this method, there are many downsides. Given that the organs are from dead animals, its ability to replicate how a drug would work in a living being is significantly worse. 

 

 

  1. Cell Based Tests and Tissue Modeling Tests 

 

Cell-based and tissue modeling provide information on how the skin or tissue possible irritants or reactions an ingredient might evoke. These models are developed using human skin obtained from surgery and post-mortems (tissue obtained after a person’s death) and can be used as a substitute for rabbit irritation tests. During testing, the skin is stretched so that it replicates the skin of a living person. 

 

Alternatives to animal testing is becoming a more viable option, as it is equally as accurate, more cost-effective, and easier to carry out. With more and more new alternatives being discovered, the possibility of eliminating animal testing altogether seems hopeful. Animal testing has led to so many lives being saved, but technologies have advanced far enough for it to be our turn to save theirs. 



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Leave your thoughts for Stephanie in the comments below — better yet, start up a dialogue with the Low Entropy community in person at a Conscious Connections meeting or online at our community site. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube to stay up-to-date with Low Entropy news!

The Joys of Having a Pet

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Cassandra Di Lalla (she/her/hers) , Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

 

If my pet is offering love and care . . . I always take them up on that offer! But I always make sure it’s reciprocated and I also want to ensure they’re comfy and content in return. 

As someone who struggles immensely with mental health, having my pets comfort me is an important part of my everyday life. 

My furry friends are more than just a companion—they’re part of my family and boy are they so much more than just a cute face or a snuggle buddy too!

I’m sure all of you are dying to know about my furry friends so here you have it before anything else . . . there’s Zoey, Deena, and Marley. Zoey is a Siberian Husky/Akita Inu mix, Deena is a Tabby cat, and Marley is a Shih Tzu/Corgi/Mini Poodle mix. 

Yes, it’s a busy household filled with fur and fun . . . sometimes muddy paws but that’s okay too!

My pets are very intelligent girls and they’ve got an incredibly special ability when it comes to being the support system I want and need. These soft and furry little beings sense when something’s wrong and they come straight to my rescue, wagging their tails, racing over to me with their little snack sized paws, etc. 

I’m sure there are many of you who feel that using the “baby voice” with your pets seems more gentle and sensitive (not to mention, more engaged in conversation with them) but in reality, they’re thinking, “What the heck is that noise? Why are you squealing at me, mom?” Yeah, well . . . been there, done that and—GUILTY—I’m still doin’ it. But in fairness, if I were to put myself in their paws (or shoes ’cause that’s a thing), I’d have probably wondered why I sound like that too.

I just have so much love for these furballs and let’s be honest, sometimes we don’t even know what to do or say in order to express our gratitude towards them or our sheer happiness we feel seeing them just be themselves. Their quirks, different personalities, the way they place or fold their paws, the way they take up your personal space but you have to be okay with it because you’ve accepted life as a pet parent, etc. 

Owning a pet is so rewarding but we seem to forget how truly special it is because we get caught up in our own wants and needs. We immerse ourselves in things that are sometimes not the best for us, yet, if you take a look at your dog giving you those puppy dog eyes, all they want are the simple things in life and they are often free. A great example of this would be your time; your dog might simply want to spend time with you whether that be playing, going for a walk, lounging next to you, watching TV with you or even learning new tricks or obedience training.

Most dogs have an abundance of energy and some can probably even run marathons so it’s only natural for them to want to run around or at least be engaged in some sort of mind and body stimulation. Your dog also loves when you talk to them so even though you two communicate differently, make a point of talking to your dog everyday in whatever way you communicate best with them whether that’s speaking a human language or a form of canine language. 

Now, if you look at cats, I’m sure we can all agree that they’re more independent; however, that doesn’t mean your cat cannot help you on your journey to mental wellness. My cat has a very distinct way of saying hello to me every morning by meowing endlessly as if I’ve been ignoring her for a year, and running back and forth from the hallway to the dog bed (yes, the dog bed where her two sisters sleep) back to to the hallway . . . all while still meowing. She’ll hop, prance, and pounce on you without a single care and with total disregard of the fact that you’re either busy doing something or that her nails are sharp. But that’s okay, because, apparently she’s the boss . . . she makes herself heard.

Throughout the day, she likes to check up on me by stepping on my stomach and whacking me with her tail or if I’m in my office, she will gladly climb onto my chair and sit right where my head is (thank you Deena, for so generously deciding to stick your bum where my eyes and mouth are). She will bow her head and purr, which I have come to learn is something cats do to show you they trust you and highly respect you, so I am totally okay with that and, I too, respect her. It’s just funny that we as humans cannot dare put our behinds anywhere near their face without them looking highly offended and perplexed. But what can you do? I have accepted my life as a fur mom for a reason. 

Had a bad day? You have free therapy waiting for you at home. Need a laugh? No worries, the pets have you covered with their constant shenanigans. Need to have a good cry? Let it rain, friends! They will help combat your sadness. Feeling under the weather? They’ll be there to comfort you whether you like it or not because they don’t like seeing you sick. Are you in pain physically, mentally, or both? Let them use their healing powers because otherwise, they’re miserable when you’re not well.

The love and care that my two dogs and cat have for each other and for me never ceases to amaze me. They are the sweetest, most loving creatures with the ability to sense when something is wrong or if you’re not feeling right. And yes, I talk to them about my problems because they don’t talk back . . . they’ll give you their paw or they’ll bump you with their head. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that you’re providing them with the love and care they want, need, and deserve but it’s also so relieving knowing that your fur friends are loyal and are there to stay with you until the end.

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Cassandra Di Lalla lives life purposefully. She enjoys reading, writing and mental health initiatives. She’s an animal lover for life and an innovative individual always finding new ways to create. 

Arguing Humanity in the Animal Kingdom

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Jihu Lee (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

 

It’s common for people to have witnessed eerily human behavior from an animal, especially their pets. My own dogs have shown a range of what is considered typically human behaviors such as spite, empathy and speech comprehension. There have been countless moments when we can argue that dogs are just as intelligent as people – if not more so at times. Indeed, dogs are one of the most intelligent beings in the animal kingdom. Dogs and people also share scientific similarities that can contribute to their respective intelligence levels. In scientific clinical studies of Alzheimer’s disease in humans, dog models provide a useful parallel with the canine ‘equivalent’ of the disease, known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. 

Among animals as a whole however, there is certainly a wider range of variation in brain structure that leads to different levels of sentience. Many species of animals do not possess the higher order brain functions that are characteristic of humans, endowing us with emotion, speech processing and memory. Thus, we can say that fundamental differences do exist between humans and animals. 

In one of my classes this semester called Ethics, Drugs, and Society, we have discussed the ethical dilemma of whether animals are considered to have the same moral standing as human beings, or if they have moral standing at all. In our society, humans are generally deemed as ‘superior’ over animals. Even the countless number of people who wouldn’t dare hurt an animal themselves end up complying to this standard by eating foods made from animals or owning items made from animal skin or fur. One could even argue that owning pets and domesticating animals is a form of assertion of superiority. 

That being said, the belief that humans are ‘superior’ to animals largely stems from the fact that animals are fundamentally different from humans and do not possess abilities to speak or communicate clearly with us. If animals did have such capabilities, I am sure our perception of human ‘superiority’ would change. 

While acknowledging fundamental differences between humans and animals is one conversation, deciding whether those differences warrant empathy for animals is another. Just because an animal cannot vocalize pain or other emotions in a way that humans can understand should not give us a pass to disregard their well-being. Many animal rights activists firmly hold this belief and abstain from participating in any activity that warrants harm to an animal, including eating animal products. Although it would be difficult for everyone to unanimously agree on an ethical code for animals, I personally believe we should remember that the moral ‘superiority’ of humans is largely a social construct and that harming animals is not warranted just because one happens to be a human. In fact, I would strongly argue that humanity has seen a multitude of cases where we are far from being morally superior to animals. 

Again, I think the question of whether humans and animals are really that different has two main parts: fundamental differences between species and the moral implications surrounding those differences. Are humans and animals different in what has been biologically endowed throughout evolution? Yes. Do these differences automatically call for superiority of humans over animals? I wouldn’t say so. But again, in Western society where this belief – subconsciously or not – is ingrained in our culture, it is challenging to come to a consensus for the ethical dilemma. Nevertheless, it is still worth remembering that the differences we are aware of does not justify harmful treatment of animals.

 

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My name is Jihu, and I’m from Salt Lake City, Utah! I have been with Low Entropy since May 2021. Some of the things I love are reading, writing, listening to music, playing with my dogs and spending time with my sister!

The Benefits of Owning a Pet

Posted on by andrew

Eri Ikezawa (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

 

After having owned a pet for most of my life, I can honestly say that having one has always been beneficial to me. Despite all of the hardships and challenges that certainly accompany being a pet owner, there is nothing more rewarding than to have a loyal, dedicated animal companion to come home to. 

 

As I mentioned, my family and I have had a pet for most of my life. We got our first dog when I was eleven years old, a sweet golden retriever whom I had with me for my elementary school, high school, and university graduation before he passed on. My family and I were utterly devastated by the loss of him, a staple of our home for so many years, and my parents adamantly did not wish to have any more pets afterwards, the heartbreak having been too much for them. 

 

However, we all noticed the empty spots left behind by our old furry friend, spaces that now seemed vaster than they used to be, the silence collapsing into our home gravely. And eventually, our hearts healed enough that we all agreed that we wanted another companion. 

 

And so, I got my new golden retriever puppy at eight weeks old—small, fluffy, vulnerable and innocent. However, I noticed from the get-go that he seemed much sullener and sulkier after arriving to his new home than what I was used to seeing in puppies; I remember when we had first gotten our old puppy, he had been sad to leave his home where his mother, father, and former litter were, but he’d gotten well-adjusted quickly enough. So, I had been surprised to note that my new little puppy did not adapt quickly to his new home—but then again, I reminded myself, every individual is different. 

 

I quickly realized that, after medical exams came back clear and it was confirmed he wasn’t suffering from any health ailments, that he just seemed to be an anxious individual. When he was stressed, he was prone to biting, barking and whining excessively. There were days where I was so confused and frustrated, absolutely beside myself, not knowing where I had gone wrong with him. 

 

I had properly socialized him with other dogs from the moment I’d gotten him, he was properly crate trained, he’d been potty trained with extreme ease, I’d gone to multiple series of puppy classes with him and I used positive reinforcement. But no matter what I had done right, it felt as though I must’ve done more wrong because his anxious traits grew worse around the eight-month mark. 

 

At that point, he grew a propensity for dog-related aggression—not something he’d demonstrated in the past—and my anxiety tripled with each month that went by. Not only did my consternation multiply, I also began to internalize everything, questioning what and how I could’ve done things differently to mold him into a better well-adjusted dog. 

 

He’s now two and while he still needs work on certain areas of his behavior, he has improved significantly. His dog aggression has decreased, he lets me peacefully cut his nails and shave out his paw pads, and he is more trustworthy all around. He is still quite anxious, especially in uncertain or novel situations, but it has meant the world to me to see his progress. 

 

He is often still a handful and there are days when his anxiety is palpable enough that I absorb it and become intensely anxious myself, but at the end of the day, I would never even consider surrendering him to a shelter—his weaknesses and all. Quite frankly, the pros outweigh the cons—by a landslide. 

 

Firstly, it is truly rewarding—despite the hardships that come with the ownership of a pet as I had mentioned earlier, what you invest is what you get. The loyalty, adoration and dedication a pet has towards you is a direct result of the love, kindness and patience you demonstrate towards them. Each and every day I come home from work, exhausted and occasionally blatantly cranky, my mood instantly brightens when I see his big goofy smile and twinkling eyes greeting me at the door with a howl of excitement, his butt waggling intensely. 

 

Sometimes, when I am sad, feeling out of sorts and world weary, I pat his fluffy body and soft head and the motion of stroking his luxurious coat mitigates that melancholy—a respite when I feel as though I’m just trundling through the motions. 


I cannot say more about how rewarding and comforting it is to own a pet. 

 

Secondly, as one might garner from what he and I have gone through historically as a pet and pet owner, it is truly challenging at times—it is no easy feat to get a pet and raise them from when they are a baby and nurture them into a well-adjusted older pet. It takes an infinite amount of patience and time, which sometimes people are not prepared or well-researched for, leading people to surrender their pets. 

 

But I feel that over the past two years I have truly bore witness to the miracle of patience in waiting out a storm. Not only am I more appreciative of every obstacle we overcome together, but it has taught me to be more temperate and less stressed when I feel the tendrils of an impending tornado coming my way. 

 

I sometimes even consider how strange—and ironically beautiful—it is that a creature that has brought me so many conundrums along the way has also brought me such unadulterated joy at the same time. And in recognizing that, I realized he has taught me an incredibly valuable life lesson—that is, sometimes, no matter what you do completely right, you don’t end up with the ideal or expected results. It has taught me the importance of appreciating that not everything in life is in my control; that the only thing I can control is how I react in order to adapt to it. 

 

And with that said, I can confidently say that owning a pet has been the most unlikely blessing in my entire life. 

 

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My name is Eri Ikezawa and I have an extended minor in psychology and a major in linguistics. I’m still on the path to quelling questions about myself and the direction I want to head in, but in the meantime, I have always wanted to find a way to help others and contribute to a community dedicated to personal development and self-love.

Responsibility and Companionship: the Benefits of Having a Pet as a Child

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Elizaveta Garifullina, Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

 

 

Having a pet has a huge number of positive aspects. It improves health, brings family members closer together, brings a lot of positive emotions and, of course, teaches responsibility. 

 

Unfortunately, not all parents have the opportunity to be with their child for enough time. However, children always need someone nearby. After they come home after school, they have a lot of time until nightfall, which they very often spend alone.

 

For children who like loneliness more, the time spent with a pet will be very useful. Such children need someone who will be comfortable around them, but at the same time meet the need for care. Pets get rid of the feeling of “bad” loneliness. The child will know that if they do not have to talk to someone, the pet will just be there. 

 

Pets give children not only warmth and joy, but also encourages patience and responsibility in them. Taking care of a pet develops independence and discipline in a child. When children realize that a pet is not just a soulless toy, they begin to take responsibility for the animal. Children perform all kinds of duties: they feed, walk, play, and clean up after pets.

 

It is necessary to determine the measure of responsibility of the child based on their age. Small children can only play with pets and help feed them, older children will be able to walk the animal, and teenagers will be able to take full responsibility for them. Teenagers become the rightful owners of their pets. 

 

However, even in a seven-year-old child, caring for an animal will develop a sense of responsibility. In front of the child, there will be someone small and defenseless; someone who needs to be helped and cared for. 

 

If you help a child with this feeling, then the child will be very happy to get up and take care of the pet, even if they need to get up at six a.m. to walk the dog. The dog needs to be fed and taken outside in the morning and evening. This responsibility gives the little owners a sense of protection and caring for the younger one. Children feel needed thanks to pets. In any weather, you just need to get up and walk with your pet. Early in the morning, even if it is a blizzard or rainy outside, you need to go outside to walk your pet. 

 

Communication with a pet helps a child to experience a different range of emotions. A careful and caring attitude to the pet forms in the child the right attitude to other animals. Proper familiarization with a pet helps to understand that all animals have their own feelings and we need to be careful with them and take care of them.

 

Having an animal can also help a child improve relationships with neighbors and acquaintances. Look out the window, for sure you will see at least one child or teenager with a pet. Two children who went out for a walk with their pets and noticed each other will definitely get acquainted. All the children on the street will be attracted to a child with an animal. And this is a great reason to become friends. 

 

Pets help relieve fatigue. After an exam or just a long hard day, they are always waiting at home and waiting to lie down together and relax. 

 

Animals get along well with children. They teach children care and responsibility. The most important thing is to have a good first meeting with them. Make it clear to the animal that there is nothing to be afraid of and explain to the child that this is a living animal and the child should be extremely careful. 

 

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Leave your thoughts for Elizaveta in the comments below — better yet, start up a dialogue with the Low Entropy community in person at a Conscious Connections meeting or online at our community site. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube to stay up-to-date with Low Entropy news!

The Benefits of Owning a Pet

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Grace Cheng (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

 

The experience of owning pets can be wonderful for children of all ages. Kids can learn important life lessons such as responsibility, trust, compassion, respect and patience through owning pets. Most children would love to own a pet of their own, but teaching them how to care for that animal, feed it, and clean up after it can be challenging. There are often pets that are not age-appropriate, which can make caring for them more challenging. The first important step is to choose a pet that is appropriate for the age of your child. It is unlikely that a young child, such as 5 years old, would be able to care for a large dog, but a guinea pig or a kitten may be more suitable. Older children should be able to select the pet of their choice, whether it is a dog, a cat, or a guinea pig.

 

The responsibility of looking after pets is a great teaching tool for kids. As soon as a new pet is brought home, the children will begin to learn about the responsibilities associated with pet ownership. Having an animal that relies on children to feed them, let them out for the toilet, and keep them clean, comfortable, and safe throughout their lives is an invaluable lesson that they will carry with a child throughout their lives. It will be easy for your children to learn what needs to be done daily to ensure the safety and happiness of their pets, and they will also learn by seeing the example you set for them as a parent.

 

What Can Children Learn from Owning Pets

 

  1. Decision-Making Skills

 

Having a pet requires children to make decisions. Making intelligent decisions is an important aspect of growing up and being mature. There will be many choices that a child must make, including deciding on the name of the pet, selecting a place to sleep every night, and choosing food for the pet. Making decisions is an essential life skill that will encourage a sense of control and self-esteem in your child.

 

  1. Time Management Skills

 

Children who care for pets learn how to prioritize at any given time. They learn that if they want to attend soccer practice after school, they must make sure that their pet has all the supplies it needs until they can check on them. You can teach your child about scheduling and prioritizing tasks by owning a pet.

 

  1. Learning Empathy, Patience, and Sacrificing for Others

 

Children learn empathy, compassion and kindness by caring for pets. They learn about making sacrifices for others when they give up some of their own free time to care for their animals. The importance of patience and empathy can be taught to children in the home through pet ownership. As you demonstrate how to manage your pet appropriately, your child will learn what levels of patience are necessary, as well as how the pet might feel in specific situations. This can inspire a child to explore empathy in greater depth.

 

  1. Building Self-Confidence

 

Having pets can increase children’s self-confidence, which contributes to their overall happiness, since animals help them feel loved and understood. Furthermore, they can help encourage kids to be more physically fit, which leads to a boost in their self-confidence and a greater degree of social interaction with their peers. Children often look to animals for companionship and friendship, and it is well known that establishing and maintaining strong friendships is an important element of self-esteem.

 

  1. Good Behaviours

 

Children can learn the value of practicing good behavior by training a dog, cat, or any other animal. Your children will learn all about rewards, incentives, and following the rules as they are being taught the commands – and the all-natural treats. Training an animal cannot only teach your child about rewards, but also about positive reinforcement and doing good for its own sake.

 

  1. Financial Management

 

Parents can take the opportunity to introduce some key concepts about financial planning through having pets. The cost of feeding, treating, medical care, grooming and other aspects of pet ownership can be substantial. Your children need to understand that owning animals is expensive. The care of your pet can also serve as an opportunity for you to teach your children the value of working for a living. Pet owners who are responsible for their pets should consider obtaining insurance coverage for their animals, as this may provide some financial assistance if the pet becomes ill or becomes injured. 

 

  1. Life and Death

 

It is difficult to explain the circle of life to children, especially toddlers and young children. As painful as it may be to lose a family pet, the loss of an animal is often a child’s first encounter with death. The loss of a pet can be a devastating life event for grieving children, and parents should provide them with all the resources they need. It is important to provide your children with the tools they need to heal so that they can better weather losses throughout their lives and grieve healthily.

 

Why not take the plunge into pet ownership if your child is ready to enjoy the benefits of having a pet? Your children may surprise you by how much they change positively when you add a new animal pet to the household.

 

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Grace has an accounting and finance background. She enjoys reading, writing, listening to music, watching movies and playing sports.