Never have I imagined myself writting about animals but thanks to question, What is your relationship with animals? - Cross Culture Question #3 I would be able to by providing answers to them
So here we go
Do you like animals? Why or why not?
I do not like animals, I have tried over the years to appreciate them more but I just can't bring myself to it. let's just say I have zoophobia even if you get me the harmless, smallest and the cutest animal there is, I am sure I wouldn't be able to stand it.
Do you have or have you ever had a pet?
Funny enough, I grew up with a dog as the family pet. Her name was cherry, I admired cherry from afar, if she wasn't in the dog house or chains you will never see me around the cherry.
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This is exactly how cherry looked like
I talked about her a lot in school as a child but never touched or came close to cherry... She wasn't violent at all but I was just scared of being around the cherry. Funny enough I miss all the hide and seek and running and jumping at the sight of our dog.
Are animals respected or looked down upon in your culture?
Sadly No
there is no single regard for animals in my country, it is even evident with the way the animals are cared for in our zoo, they are kept without food or proper care that’s why it's no surprise how non-violent animals became very violent because of hunger.
My people see animals and think of hunting, there is no exception..they hunt and consume at will.
There are only but a few individuals who care for and respect animals, and the reason is they are more exposed and have a proper orientation towards animal life.
What wild animals can be found where you live (or in your hometown)?
I lived in Edo state and I have visited the zoo. people go to the zoo mostly to see the lion and the huge python snake they have..so that the two wild animals I am sure of because I saw them but I believe we have lots of wild animals in Nigeria as a whole but people are quick to kill them before finding out what they are, the Constant killing of these animals that makes most of them extinct.
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I pray we do better in my county.
Are any animals considered good luck or bad luck in your culture?
Animals are regarded as evil/ bad luck than good luck, so many myths about how the presence of different animals in a home is a sign of a bad omen. animals like Black cats, bats, owls, vultures, and snakes are considered evil.
What’s the most beautiful relationship you’ve seen between a human and an animal?
I love the relationship I see with most families and their dogs, not in my country though, but there is this Chinese family I follow on the gram who had 3 dogs since they couldn't have children at the time. They treated these dogs like family it was so beautiful to watch the day-to-day caring for their dogs.
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It was even more beautiful when she had her twin babies. It's sad how people in my country try to imitate these people who genuinely care for their dogs, they get dogs and take pictures for the gram only and completely neglect the dogs' health and hygiene. If only they can do better too.
I hope I get over my fear of animals (zoophobia) soon, a puppy in my home wouldn't be a bad idea at all.