Hello guys, this is my response to the Cross Culture Question #3 tag. If you want to participate, the questions are listed here.
Do you like animals? Why or why not?
I like animals. I am so fascinated by these beings that have life in them other than humans. I never miss a chance to go to a zoo just so I can stare and observe these amazing creatures.
Do you have or have you ever had a pet?
I have a pet dog, her name's Panda and she's a dream come true. As a kid I used to wish and dream that I'd get a dog as a birthday present. This year, it happened as Panda came as my birthday present.
She came two months before my birthday though, as I've always said I wanted a new-born puppy. She was two months old when she first came.
Since having my own pet, I have been open to other people's pets, both dogs and even cats.
Are animals respected or looked down upon in your culture?
It goes both ways as it is with other cultures. In my village for instance, they don't like pigs there. They don't even eat pork.
The region I grew up, people love pets, dogs especially. I used to see parrots and pigeons too in some houses I went to and they were all treated right.
The one animal I know that is hated by many apart from rats is cats! I used to think everyone in Nigeria hated cats because that's exactly what it looked like.
Cats are considered witches and wizards and many wouldn't be caught dead near a cat. People are religious down in southern Nigeria so it's kind of a religious/superstitious thing that might be real for all I care. I have read about cats being an easy host for demons so it's not out of question.
When I first moved to the North I was surprised to see that cats weren't hated here. I saw more cats than I ever have in my life in about a week.
It was so exciting the first time I touched one and I began craving one for a pet. I still love dogs more though. Lots of people have cats for pets in northern Nigeria and I am now used to seeing them all around and since dropped my superstitious bias I grew up with.
What wild animals can be found where you live (or in your hometown)?
I live in Kaduna and it literally means 'crocodiles'. This place is named after crocodiles but I only ever saw one at the zoo. I hear there are a lot of them in the rivers though.
I did see an alligator in some other state that I lived in here in the north.
Are any animals considered good luck or bad luck in your culture?
Cats are bad luck, you should have gotten the memo by now. Another bad luck animal is the owl. My parents hate owls so much and I have no idea why.
We used to hear them hoot at night in the house I grew up in. Whenever my parents heard that sound, they said in a loud, commanding voice,
Holy Ghost fire! I bind you in the name of Jesus!
You can bet that I followed suit 😄 It was reflex to say those words and as a kid, all I sensed was fear. This made me fear owls. I haven't seen one physically before but I know exactly what they sound like.
There's another bird that's a goodluck sign in my culture but I don't know the name. It's a very common bird.
One day two of this bird landed on my foot and a lady happily shouted when she saw it. I was scared shitless and confused until she explained that it meant I'd have twin babies. Well, okay.
Do any animals have a specific meaning in your culture?
Basically, animals are food. That's as much as I know.
What animal do you feel most attracted or connected to?
Dogs of course 😊 They are a gift to mankind and really affectionate.
What’s the most beautiful relationship you’ve seen between a human and an animal?
My husband and a kitten actually. It was a stray kitten he saved but the kitten died within a few days and he was heartbroken. He had many plans for the kitten and he took care of her so well within the few days he had her.
He wrapped her in one of his favourite shirts and buried her when she gave up. She was a baby and he went on full dad mode, it was beautiful to see. It hurts that the relationship didn't last and he still talks about her with so much hurt.
What was your best experience with an animal?
My dog seeing me sad and trying to cheer me up. It was genuine concern and she was worried. Honestly the cutest thing ever making me smile amid tears 🥺
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