melissaasmith.hubpages.comMelissa A Smith on HubPages

MORE HubPages Sign In Join 97 Melissa A Smith Joined 9 years ago from New York Last activity 22 hours ago Contact Melissa A Smith report Follow me here: 152 Articles 261 Followers 9 Following About Articles Activity Following Followers Fan Mail My blog is Captive Animal Logic: http://captiveanimallogic.blogspot.com/ There are many controversies, half-truths, and opinions...most condemnatory...floating around the internet about exotic animals as pets. Most of the vitriol is coming from people who haven't, have no desire to, and will never own an exotic animal. I hope my articles can clear the air and provide a balanced perspective. The exotic pet trade is neither perfect nor an atrocity. It is simply like any other pet trade. I am an advocate for the right of individuals to own animals in captivity *responsibly, regardless of species. Topics I explore include but are not limited to exotic pets, zoos, Seaworld, why domestication is a useless word, and animal rights vs. animal welfare. I receive criticism from BOTH sides of the ‘fence’, and you may not agree with everything I have to say on every subject, but I encourage you to approach my logic with an open mind. Accolades 9 100 100 100 10M II In the Spotlight The Sad Animals in Zoos Myth Exploring the phenomenon of people thinking animals are "sad" in zoos because of the expression on their faces. Can you read an animal's mind by looking at it? In the Spotlight Animal Planet’s “Tanked” Controversy "Tanked" is a show that gives Animal Planet good ratings, but what message is it sending? I will review the show as well as its potential negative impacts on the aquarium hobby. In the Spotlight Exotic Pet Statistics: Lion, Tiger, and Big Cat Attacks and Fatalities in the United States (1990–2014) The final, irrefutable truth about exotic cat incidences in the United States. Are big cats in captivity a threat to public safety? In the Spotlight Organic, Free-Range, and Humane Dog and Cat Food Options Avoid factory farms and find dog and cat food that is produced using humane and sustainable farming methods. Learn about the diets and the quality of life of different meat animals and where you can obtain cruelty-free food for your pet. 0 Reptiles & Amphibians Eye Problems in Leopard Geckos: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention 4 hours ago If your leopard gecko's eyes are closed, have discharge, or other issues, this is a common occurrence that should be addressed immediately. 0 Exotic Pets 10 Venomous Pets That Are Legal to Own 2 days ago Some exotic pets are venomous, but how safe are they to own? Can they cause human fatalities? Here is a list of venomous (not poisonous) species kept as pets. 0 pethelpful.com 6 Pets That Look Like Cats but Aren’t 2 months ago Here are six animals that resemble cats and are sometimes kept as pets. 0 pethelpful.com Iguana Can’t Poop? 11 Important Solutions 2 months ago This is a complete guide to potential solutions and methods to help green iguanas and other lizards that can’t defecate due to constipation, illness, or spinal injury. 0 pethelpful.com 10 Reasons Toucans Make Excellent Pets 3 weeks ago Toucans are not bad pets despite the claims of some; they actually make good pets. Here are ten reasons why. 3 soapboxie.com 10 Reasons Why "Tiger King’s" Carole Baskin Is a Megalomaniac 4 months ago Who is Carole Baskin? Here's what you need to know about Big Cat Rescue’s CEO. 0 pethelpful.com Pet Wallaby Care: A Comprehensive Care Guide for Beginners 2 months ago This article discusses basic care requirements for a pet wallaby. Consider this your go-to exotic pet care sheet for domesticated wallabies. 16 pethelpful.com Why You Should Never Trust Dog Food Advisor 3 weeks ago Is Dog Food Advisor legit, reputable, or a credible source to get information about your dog's food? 7 pethelpful.com 7 Reasons Owls Make Great Pets 8 months ago Pet owls can make good pets for the right owners. The purpose of this article is to address the influx of misleading information as well as the double standards that people tend to have when discussing alternative exotic pets. 1 pethelpful.com 10 Exotic Pets That Are Legal in Indiana 9 months ago Which exotic pets are legal in the state in Indiana? 3 pethelpful.com Causes of Sudden Death in Hamsters 9 months ago What disease, illness, and problems cause a pet hamster to die suddenly and unexpectedly? 0 pethelpful.com How to Help Your Iguana Gain Weight 4 months ago How to help your skinny, underweight, or anorexic green iguana gain weight. 0 pethelpful.com List of Fox Species that Can be Pets 3 days ago This article includes a list of types of pet foxes and a profile of their care, temperament, legality information and what it's like to keep them as pets. 3 pethelpful.com 10 Methods to Get Ball Pythons to Eat Frozen-Thawed, Dead Prey 9 months ago How to get your picky ball python to eat frozen rodents. 9 pethelpful.com Causes of Sudden Death in Guinea Pigs 8 months ago What causes pet guinea pigs to die early and unexpectedly? Know the potential causes and warning signs for when your guinea pig's life may be in danger. 8 pethelpful.com The Best Hamster Cage Size: How Big Should It Be? 13 months ago Guidelines for the size of your hamster cage, associated research and cage-buying options. We will also take a look at why Critter Trails might not be so terrible. 6 pethelpful.com Can You Own a Raccoon Dog as a Pet? 4 months ago Why don't you see raccoon dogs, or tanukis, as pets in the United States, and should they be legal? 2 pethelpful.com 8 Small, Easy-to-Care-for Pet Snakes for Beginners 14 months ago These pet snakes are great for those new to snake care and who prefer snakes that are small in size. 4 owlcation.com The Only Mammals that are Bipedal 2 years ago This is a list of animals that walk or hop on two legs. 25 pethelpful.com 10 Exotic Pets That Are Legal in Arizona 15 months ago Here's a list of exotic pets that are legal in Arizona. Learn about the rules, regulations, and which animals are banned as pets. 6 pethelpful.com 8 Pets That Look Like Rodents but Aren't 14 months ago These 8 animals look like mice, rats, and other rodents but belong to other groups. 8 pethelpful.com 9 Exotic Pets With Long Lifespans 13 months ago Here are nine domesticated and exotic pets that have long lifespans or live the longest compared to other species. 4 pethelpful.com Debate Topic: Exotic Pets Should Be Legal 12 months ago Review some pro-exotic pet arguments for essays, school debate, or general conversation. 1 pethelpful.com 15 Pets You Can Own That Look Like Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals 14 months ago Certain animals resemble dinosaurs and can be owned by people as pets. Discover how these species are related to prehistoric creatures and learn some interesting facts about them. 1 pethelpful.com 8 Exotic Pets That Smell Bad 14 months ago Which exotic pets smell bad? Why do they stink? 1 Turtles & Tortoises 5 Reasons Feeding Turtles Live Food Is Animal Cruelty 2 years ago Live feeding of a puppy reveals why you shouldn't feed turtles live prey. 18 pethelpful.com Are Exotic Pets Legal in Pennsylvania? 14 months ago Which exotic pets are legal in Pennsylvania? Can I own a monkey, fox, or a hedgehog in the state? 0 pethelpful.com Dog Ate Chocolate? 5 Critical Steps to Take and My Personal Experience 13 months ago Learn what steps you should take if your dog eats chocolate. What dose is considered toxic and what symptoms indicate a toxicity? I'll talk about how I managed my dog when she ate chocolate. 2 pethelpful.com Types of Squirrels People Keep as Pets 13 months ago Are pet squirrels legal? Can they be kept as pets? Here is a list of squirrel species people can own. 8 pethelpful.com 7 Cuddly and Affectionate Exotic Pets 14 months ago Which exotic pets are the most cuddly and affectionate? Some exotic pets make better companion animals than others. 30 pethelpful.com 10 Exotic Pets That Are Legal in Florida 14 months ago Learn about the legalit...