Quit smoking guinea pigs

Some time ago I was talking to a smoking young woman. She knew that I specialized in smoking cessation, and she jokingly told me that she would see me in a few years, that she was young and could quit anytime she wanted.

I hid a smile while wondering how many times I’ve heard people make a fool of themselves the same way.

I directed the conversation to my beloved guinea pigs. You love them and take care of them as if they were children. They were groomed, allowed to roam freely in her home, cuddled and fed the best fresh foods.

I asked her if she thought guinea pigs deserved better, and she said of course they did. I asked her if she would let them smoke and she said I was being ridiculous.

So I wondered out loud that if grumpy little creatures are treated so well, why don’t they deserve the same treatment.

She was confused for a moment and then glanced guiltily at her cigarettes on the table. He muttered something about everyone who needs a vice, and redirected the conversation back away from anything health-related.

We humans are weird, loving our animals but not given the same dedication to their care.

I wonder where in your life you care more than your body, and maybe you can think a little more about yourself. Of course this is your body and your life and you will likely outlive many generations of guinea pigs.

Of course we can offer animals the ultimate kindness, that is, a sweet death. As a smoker, you will be medically supported until the bitter end.

Wow, that sounds awful, long, long from a healthy, smoking young woman who still sees several decades of healthy breathing ahead of her.

As Paul Simon said in his song “The Boxer,” the man (or woman in this case) hears what he wants to hear and ignores the rest, which is why many young smokers don’t notice the endless anti-smoking campaigns with shocking images.

Guinea pigs, dogs, cats, horses, and even rats will continue to live in luxury while some of their owners will slowly kill themselves through ignorance, arrogance, or sheer stupidity. Sometimes the hard truths are unpalatable but it is no less important for people to take the action they need to.