word definitions- rescue & adopt

[skjl47]

Hello; I am often behind the curve with regard to changed word use. I suspect that the terms "rescue" and "adopt" may have a different common meaning than what I ahve been use to.

An example of "rescue". A few years ago neighbors lost their house. They had a large common pleco they could not take with them. I took the pleco in one of my tanks for a few monthts untill I could find a place for it. I thought this might be a "rescue" as the fish was going to die otherwise. I did not pay for the fish.

In reading thru posts I see mention of a fish being rescued from a fish shop. I now suspect fish were bought and paid for like I have done for decades. What is a "rescue"?

I also suspect that the term "adopt" has a changed implication. Is the term "adopt" used to replace the term "bought" as well. Instead of saying I bought a pet, do some now say I adopted a pet? If so, why is the term adopt prefered by some?

 

[predatorkeeper87]

I use the term "rescue" for both situations you described above:
1. Taking a fish from someone who cannot care for it properly
2. Buying a fish from an LFS because it is being kept in poor conditions
As for adopting fish I generally only use that term when I'm given a fish for free...either because the owner didn't want it or couldn't keep it any longer.

 

[Warborg]

I don't feel comfortable using the word adopt for fish. For cats, dogs and children...yes.

But anyways I see rescue as being in an emergency type case and the fish/pet is free(90% of the time) and is going to a better home. Adopt is where the fish/pet/child is up for sale where someone agrees to take them in but if it's not them there is time to find someone else.

 

[predatorkeeper87]

I don't feel comfortable using the word adopt for fish. For cats, dogs and children...yes.

But anyways I see rescue as being in an emergency type case and the fish/pet is free(90% of the time) and is going to a better home. Adopt is where the fish/pet/child is up for sale where someone agrees to take them in but if it's not them there is time to find someone else.

out of sheer curiosity what makes you uncomfortable about saying you adopt fish vs. other animals? (children included)

 

[Warborg]

It's just I've never heard it used until today

 

[krichardson]

I also suspect that the term "adopt" has a changed implication. Is the term "adopt" used to replace the term "bought" as well. Instead of saying I bought a pet, do some now say I adopted a pet? If so, why is the term adopt prefered by some?

It's all in how the individual wants to use the words;generally when a child or an animal is adopted it is thought to be taken from one situation and placed in a better situation so that can be considered a rescue.When dogs and cats are adopted there are usually fees involved that the new owner must pay so he or she is pretty much purchasing the pet.

 

[convict360]

I use the term "rescue" for both situations you described above:
1. Taking a fish from someone who cannot care for it properly
2. Buying a fish from an LFS because it is being kept in poor conditions
As for adopting fish I generally only use that term when I'm given a fish for free...either because the owner didn't want it or couldn't keep it any longer.

This.

 

[jamntoast]

yea adopt says to me the person didn't want a fish anymore or really cant keep it but gave it away. rescue means to me the situation the fish was in was bad and the person could have paid for it or gotten it for free but its in a better situation now. I cant say I hear too many people say adopt about fish though. which is weird. I think its because cats dogs and children can be cuddly and fish are thought of as ornamental, so you buy them. like lamps.

 

[Wailua Boy]

The problem with "rescuing" fish from a store that is housing them improperly, is once that fish is bought more will be ordered; as profit has been obtained. That individual fish may well of been rescued but it adds to the demand and perpetuates the cycle...

 

[skjl47]

When dogs and cats are adopted there are usually fees involved that the new owner must pay so he or she is pretty much purchasing the pet.

This is one the ways the term "adopt" strikes me. It being another way of saying that a pet was purchased. I guess I was confused as to why apply the term to pets at all. Could it be that "adopt" has a more acceptable conotation than "own" when some think of pets?

adopt says to me the person didn't want a fish anymore or really cant keep it but gave it away.

I find this connotation of "adopt" likeable and can also see how "rescue" can work.

may well of been rescued but it adds to the demand and perpetuates the cycle...

Yes, as long as the pet store moves the merchandise they have less incentive to make the conditions better.


This thread has stalled. Thanks for the replies. I guess I will keep using "buy" and "own" as I have been using them for decades. I do have a better understanding now.