I just feel horrible for animals to suffer and die, even when I understand it's in the context of food or defense. I've always been that way, and while it can be hard sometimes, I'm glad I have this level of compassion within me.

If I had a dog or other pet and had to worry about coyotes or bears or whatever, I'd have a gun or at least some kind of weapon always at the ready. I understand those of you who are against guns or certain other weapons, but when it comes to defending family--and that includes the furry, feathered and finned ones--all bets are off. And I'd not leave my animals alone outside if I knew there was a good possibility of them being attacked.

I even love alligators and crocodiles, but I don't want to get too close to any.