Post #711206 by LostIsland on Sat, Mar 15, 2014 11:03 AM

I was initially going to stay out of this because the back and forth seems kind of childish. It doesn't seem that either side has any interest in actually understanding the point of view of the other. At least half of communication should be listening, not plugging the ears and yelling "I'm not listening to _____", all while focusing on what to say next.

That being said, I don't know that too many people are criticizing or calling him greedy because he wants to move on with his construction plans. Anyone who's renovated structures, be it residential or commercial, can tell you it is an expensive, stressful process. I don't blame him for wanting the fish out of there. I would have handled it differently, but who am I to judge. Remember, Rufus means a lot to folks primarily because of their personal experiences at the Bahooka and memories tied to Rufus. This man has no such connection, so it is a bit unfair to expect him to have the same passion many of you might have.

However, his actions appear to be almost completely driven by greed. Anyone who decides that a living thing's value is only relevant when folks start raising money or when his presence (or lack thereof) will affect business, shouldn't be surprised when folks think of him as greedy. His 180 seems to be motivated far more by the thought that he may "possibly attract customers that care about said fish" than it is about Rufus' safety.

Folks probably assume he has the money, because most folks don't make major decisions based on the assumption that folks are going to give them money. Most folks make those decisions based on their own financial circumstances.

"If he saw everyone raising money to move Rufus - why wouldn't he reasonably assume that perhaps if he keeps Rufus there and builds a new bigger tank - that people would NOT want to support that too?"

In other words, Rufus' safety comes into play only after he sees an opportunity to get some money/customers out of it. I rescue animals. I do so because I care, not because there may be a way to get money/customers out of it. People who care, don't need financial encouragement to follow their heart and do the right thing. They are driven to that end by the very fiber of their being.

Folks don't want that money going to him because it was raised to help Rufus, not to enrich someone who's level of compassion seems to be tied to his bank account. I don't know this man nor do I wish him any ill will. However, I (like most people) can only make observations based on what I see. His actions don't appear to be motivated by compassion so much as financial gain.

That's not even addressing the question of what happens if Rufus' presence doesn't draw the interest or customers he hopes to gain? Will he still focus on Rufus' well being? ...or will it be "thanks for the money suckers and so long Rufus"?

So far as the other fish are concerned, some folks have shown concern for their well being. Those who haven't, likely care but are focused on Rufus as a result of his age. He has affected and been a part of the lives of far more people than any of the other fish. Does that make their lives less important? Of course not, but it does make it understandable that folks feel a far deeper connection with him than the other fish. It's not really rocket science....