Saturday, September 22, 2012

Saturday Scribbles - Obesity Amongst Captive Animals

Reverse Dietology
by Rachel Hoyt
 
 image by Naypong via freedigitalphotos.net

You just can't trust a pet
To ponder its diet.
You turn your back one sec
And they find ways to wreck
That fifteen minute stroll
Y’all took down to the knoll.
 
If they could only learn -
Eat less or burn, burn, burn!
No one said, "Clean your plate."
Or, "Stand still by that gate."
Captivity made them
Act weak like some humans.

You'd think that free shelter
Would not be a melter
Of motivation
And that adaptation
Would involve one's diet,
But you can't trust a pet.

© 2012 Rachel Hoyt. All rights reserved


Inspired by this BBC News article discovered via Boing Boing.


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writers' week writing contest

33 comments:

  1. Nope. Animals aren't too big on dieting and exercise for some reason ;D

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    1. It's nuts! I can't believe diet and exercise isn't more important to them. LOL.

      The contest offered 50 writing prompts. I chose the starting line of, "You just can't trust a...". :)

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  2. Very creative--I liked how you were able to combine the prompt, your rhymes, and the news story. There are so many obese pet cats and dogs now, but I never imagined elephants having this problem!

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    1. I'm glad you read the news story too! I didn't realize anyone other than zoos and pet owners were having this problem until I did.

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  3. Esp[ecially when your pet knows when you usually snack and encourages you to do so. If you eat, he eats! Or so his theory goes...

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    1. Ah yes, pets learn our habits just like children. :)

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  4. I've never owned a pet, so I can't relate. But I was married once. And yea, I had a hard time training her to diet and exercise.

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    1. I laughed so hard when I saw your comment! Hehe. Silly ex-wife. :)

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  5. I guess I'm like a pet, then... You can't trust me with food either. :D Just kidding, though, fortunately. I'm learning to control myself when it comes to eating, and I hope your pets do too. Haha!

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    1. LOL. :) My pets actually have themselves pretty well under control... or maybe I have them under control... but the poem was prompted by a news article about captive elephants. :)

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  6. Love it. Keep em coming, gurhl! :-)

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    1. Thank you Pam! I'll do my best to keep cranking 'em out. :)

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  7. I'm with the pets on this one ;-)

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    1. You're a smart one. :) We should definitely be watching out for them.

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  8. no more than i can trust myself with a diet...hehe...my cat is a trash can...he will eat anything.....

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  9. ahhh... to get to eat all day, if the food is out, huh?

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    1. It is definitely a strange concept to an animal. It's there, but I can't eat it? What?!

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  10. Made me laugh - wish I'd seen it earlier as was looking for a poem about animals for my son to memorise for school and I know he'd love this !

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    1. Awwwww, just the thought of anyone memorizing my poem to read at school makes me SMILE REALLY BIG! :)

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  11. I'd take that elephant out for a walk anyday :) - lib

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    1. I too would be honored to take that elephant for a walk anytime. :)

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  12. humorous, like what inspires.. stay funny

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  13. I mostly know cats - cats will occasionally yawn and stretch. Then eat, then sleep...and repeat. It's a great life if you can get it!
    Cool poem.

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  14. I love your tribute to Dr. Seuss. So true about animals. We try to make them human. :)

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    1. Thank you, Jenna! Indeed the animals can only learn from those whom they are around. :)

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  15. My cat desperately needs to diet but she refuses to stick to it. And I just don't have the time to make sure I am home every day to feed her exact amounts at the same times.

    I love your channeling of Seuss and Silverstein. I love how you are trying to pay homage to those great writers/poets.

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    1. I'm glad you feel and enjoy my love of Seuss and Silverstein. Thanks for visiting! :)

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Rhyming or not, I would like a lot to hear the thoughts my words brought...