Test my belief system

[robvalue]

I believe every life form only gets one life, so I don't want to take theirs away if I can avoid it. In the case of fleas, I can't avoid it without my dog suffering.

I don't specifically spend time thinking about fleas on other dogs, but yes, the idea of all kinds of life all round the world suffering and dying makes me incredibly sad. So sad that I have to cordon it off under "it happens but I can't do anything about it" or else I'd never be able to function. I'm not saying killing fleas is OK, I'm saying it's the lesser of two evils.

As for my dog then yes, part of the equation will be seeing my dog suffering and the pain it causes me. If you take morality back far enough, it's eventually going to be "selfish" motivations, in that this is the way I think things should be, or the best approximation. When I agreed to become the guardian of my dog, I accepted that I would have to protect my dog and live with those consequences. I'd far rather live in a world with no death or suffering, but I don't have any choice. I draw my lines as low as I practically can, to minimize harm and to maximise wellbeing and happiness of as much life as possible.

I'm not sure what else I can say, I hope I've answered your questions.