Those of us who adore other creatures, are at a loss that some humans can’t seem to see the strong bonds that we have with the animal kingdom. They have souls too, and there are many reports of animals grieving not just for departed human companions, but for each other.
Elephants will mourn for each other, even sea turtles return to spots where their companions have died. Sperm whales will swim with their dead babies for weeks, before finally letting go.
It’s heart-breaking sometimes to care for other creatures so much, in a world of unbearable cruelty. But that shows we have compassion, and we need to use that empathy to raise other people’s empathy up to the same level.
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened. Anatole France
Of course, in a world full of absolute bilge, rubbish bullying media and non-stop noise, introverts and thoughtful seekers love the fact that animals accept the quiet moments, listen without judgement, and sit close, when words fail. This creates a bond that goes both ways.
Time with animals calms in ordinary moments. An older neighbour walks a rescue dog and meets friends on the way. And benefits from improved mood and lower blood pressure.
Read Max the Miracle Dog. This is the story of Kerry, whose life changed forever, when after a traumatic car accident, he went from cycling over 600 miles a month, to becoming a prisoner in his own home. Unemployed and housebound, he was suicidally depressed.
His wife encouraged him to go on a short walk to the local shop. On the way, he met an adorable spaniel, peering through railings with his soulful brown eyes. This chance encounter marked a turning point in both their lives, each finding a fellow soul to care for.
Bob the street-wise cat had a similar effect on a homeless man. James was on the streets due to drug problems, and he came across a cat that needed medical care. He took the cat to the vet, then they lived together at the hostel. Their stories became a series of best-selling books, on how they both may not have meant much to ‘outside society’ but meant the world to each other.
Sharks have a bad press, as they rarely attack humans. But if they do, swimmers have reported dolphins circling them, holding back sharks with swift, tight turns. Humans that make it back to shore are not just grateful, but stunned.
Animals are completely innocent. They never betray your trust, they don’t lie or cheat or bully. And as long as they get fresh air, food, water and some fuss, that’s all they ever ask. And yet look at how society treats other creatures.
The only problem with children, is they grow up to be people. And I just like animals better than people. It’s that simple. Betty White (Golden Girls actress)
If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans. James Herriot
The older I get and the more people I meet – the more I love dogs. Anon
Animals don’t have a voice. But I do. A loud one. I’m a f**king big mouth. My voice is for them. And I’ll never shut up, while they suffer. Ricky Gervais
A Parable on Animals and Heaven
Sometimes you have religious peeps say that we have to accept that when we die, we won’t meet our animal friends. But for some of us, that would be Hell!
Imagine having to spend eternity with American evangelists, rather than your old faithful pooch or moggy?
One day, a man and his dog died. They were at the Pearly Gates, about to go in. The Angel said ‘Sorry we don’t accept dogs’. So the man said ‘In that case I’m not going in’. They walked on.
They came to another set of pearly gates. This time the Angel said he and his dog were both welcome. The man replied ‘But that Angel said that dogs are not allowed in Heaven’.
The Angel replied ‘Oh that wasn’t an Angel, that was the Devil’. He only allows people in, who are willing to leave their pets behind.’
Compassion is Not a Pie (of limited slices!)
Animal welfare writer Dawn Rabey once wrote that ‘compassion is not a pie’. People often accuse people who adore animals of not caring about humans. Say if you don’t give to Cancer Research or Parkinson’s Society or British Heart Foundation, because they test on animals.
In fact, donating to humane medical research is better science, as well as being kinder. If you a kind person with compassion, it’s likely you are as compassionate towards other humans and the planet, as you are towards animals.
Compassion is a pie that just keeps on giving.
Vivisection is a social evil. Because even if it advances human knowledge, it does so at the expense of human character. George Bernard Shaw
There will come a time, when the world will look back to modern vivisection in the name of science. As they do now to burning at the stake, in the name of religion. Kathryn Bigelow
Vegans Don’t Hate People who Eat Meat!
Vegans of course love anything that moves! But can feel goaded, being accused of ‘hating people who eat meat’. Of course we have strong beliefs. But the only way to inspire others, is to bring them along with you.
The only way to get rid of a shadow, is to shine a light on it.
In fact, vegans believe that humans are better off too – less starvation worldwide if land is used to grow plant foods, far less painful and heart-breaking illnesses like cancer, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.
And better mental health, knowing your dietary choices are not contributing to a creature feeling terror or pain, or living in a factory farm.
It’s pretty amazing to wake up every morning. Knowing that every decision I make is to cause as little harm as possible. It’s a pretty fantastic way to live. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
