h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Some people might already be starting to wonder if I am not getting a bit pie obsessed (pie-eyed) after only five days. This after all my second pie related journal this month, as there has been talk from other players in this great game of themes. I assure you I am not adopting a pie theme and have no specific plans for pie related posts later in the month. However, I rule nothing out.

As it happens an entirely innocent question raised in the fallout from my previous pie journal raised and old grudge in my mind. What pies would be vegetarian? On the basis of name-of-pie-equals-person-who-eats-pie logic, I suggested rabbit pie as a potential vegetarian pie. However in reality I think most of us know that this falls into the name-of-pie-equals-person-in-pie category. Which, you see, reminded me.

My wife and I own a rabbit and a hare. This them: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=437841709607341&set=a.152804911444357.31712.107028026022046&type=1&theater
This was a photograph taken by a professional photographer in Eastbourne, where we live, to as part of a series she took to enter into the Eastbourne's cutest pet competition she is running. We were walking them quite innocently past her premises when she came out and invited us in to take part. These are pretty much what you would seem them in if you saw us out with them in mild weather. They have leads, and other coats for colder weather. They have various collars and attract widespread attention. I like to think it is reasonably obvious that they are, at the very least, treasured pets.

As I said, they get a lot of attention. Almost all of this is from people telling us how adorable they are and how someone they know owns one, and would we mind if they stroked them or took a photograph? They have been photographed more times than I care to count. Some people, and when I say 'some people', I mean almost old men, can't go past without making a remark about rabbit pie.

Why? Seriously, why? What are they hoping to achieve? Whatever you think of doting to any degree over an animal, is it necessary to make such a remark? God forbid I should have such high expectations, but is it kind? No, it bloody well isn't. I mean I know that they will not live forever. We have kept rodents of all sorts as pets for years and I am painfully aware of their mortality but I don't really wish to be reminded of it. Oh, and no, I don't it funny, thanks, old man. Would you appreciate it if I pointed out that you were getting on a bit? Well? Would you? Why is it different? It's just a bit of fun isn't it? Tell you what, we'll have the rabbit pie at your funeral, that'll be fun. Since we're adopting the brutal logic of eating the dead, it seems a shame to waste your remains, so why not mince them up and put them in some vol-au-vents?

Alright, look, I know I eat meat. You might argue that this slightly blunts my bleating demands for animals rights, but it isn't actually animal rights I'm after on this occasion. Shockingly, I'm asking for myself, here. It upsets me when one of my animals dies, because I am fond of them, enjoy their company, find them relaxing and fun to be around. They display such guileless and straightfoward affection and appreciation for the care they are given and they are so much simpler than humans. So look, all I'm asking is that, given I keep these animals as pets, not with a view to putting them in a pot, you understand that I don't like you reminding me that they will die, and that I would be a little but grateful if you could just act as if you had thought about what I might think, and that you were even slightly bothered by it.

[Amy P]

pets are loved and grieved by most of us.
We get to decide what creatures to share our life with.
I am forever amazed animals like to hang out with us!

I've always had dogs but have enjoyed an array
of other creatures.
Nothing to exotic.
Parrot,iguana,several cats,oscars whom
are personable for fish. Would not want to be petless.

I've never been around a rabbit long term.
I'm sorry you're missing yours.

Rude old men.

Abbii'm sorry, I'e confused you- they're not dead, it's the reminder that they will be I object to.

Thanks Hellboundforjoy

Hi Amy.

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