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What's The Point Of Bravery Awards For Animals?

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sp1814 | 18:22 Fri 17th Nov 2017 | News
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Sure, they make us humans feel good - but animals have no idea what a medal for bravery actually is:

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/service-dog-receives-coveted-medal-for-bravery-eats-it-instead_uk_5a0ea92ae4b0e97dffec9d36?qrb&utm_hp_ref=uk-homepage

Surely a more appropriate award for Mali would be a lifetime supply of Pedigree Chum, a field of female dogs* and all the postmen he can chew on?





(*I don't think we're allowed to use the 'B' word on AB).
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Get a life sp. ;o)
I don't know that your suggestion of the canine equivalent of 72 virgins is entirely appropriate...
I heard this on the radio this morning. From what I know, this dog deserved all the medals that it could get.

Don't be horrid sp !
sp - You're answered your own question with your opening remark - so that's conversation closed right there.
if they aren't even edible, mikey, what's he going to do, show them to his grandpups?
//but animals have no idea what a medal for bravery actually is://

No but a well rounded person who had entrusted their life to the animal would! Or is fear only something that you are able to relate to?
andy, surely it's worth considering why we give medals to animals to make ourselves feel good?
I think is recognition for the trainers and handlers as much as anything else. I am sure that this super dog deserves all the extra treats that it can get.
Of course it is, Mikey, the dog didn't train itself :-)
jno - // andy, surely it's worth considering why we give medals to animals to make ourselves feel good? //

I am sure there is a deep-seated psychological reason which could be explained by a scientist with most of the alphabet after their name, but as far as the AB is concerned, I think the answer is straight-forward - it makes the handlers, and animal lovers in general, feel good, and I for one am all for that.
I must admit I tend to agree with the OP. A dog has no concept of bravery, its desire is to please its master/mistress, for which the reward should be loads of doggie chews, not medals.

An animal doesn't know it's risking its life, it's just doing its job,
Isn't that exactly what Humans get Medals for?
er, no, humans do know they're risking their lives, and they know what a medal is too.
Baldric - // An animal doesn't know it's risking its life, it's just doing its job,
Isn't that exactly what Humans get Medals for? //

It is - but the difference is, humans have free will, and a capacity to understand danger before they put themselves in a situation.

As advised, animals like dogs simply like to please their owners and have no concept of risk and potential consequences.
jno - We cross posted, but I can see we are in agreement.
No, I get where Sp is coming from.

Yes, you're summery of what he'd prefer is probably correct, though I'm assuming he's been neutered so female friends probably won't be required ;-) The medal is more a deserved feel good thing for his handlers.

As long as he sees out retirement with everything his little doggy heart desires i'm happy.

A dog may be a highly trained military or police dog but it still gets scared. This particular dog has gone against its natural instincts - to run away. The actual medal is pointless but the highlighting of the work these animals do is important.

These dogs can do tasks in minutes that may take a human hours. I find them fascinating - especially Police Dogs (mainly GSDs).
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But why not give the animals (horses also get awards) something that they will appreciate?

Okay - have a ceremony for the handlers, but don't give an animal a medal. They literally have no idea what a medal is.

Give them the world's best chew toy!
-- answer removed --

AH @ 18:52, yeah, I believe that's pretty much what I said, but thanks for confirming it.

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