when i was a kid...

I agree with you, Mauro. The animals show us how very simple life should be. They live in the "now." When my dog, Kayla passed at 16, I had a crushing feeling in my chest that I could not shake. I stayed in motion, day to day, but I felt her absence- deeply. Going to Saints helped me move through that grief. I still miss her terribly, but it helps to be among these old dogs and it makes me feel closer to Kayla. Love from an animal is so pure, simple and steady. They do show us how easy love is. Kayla was my truest friend.

Many animal lovers are DEFINITELY contemptuous of animals. It's why I struggle so much in my animal rescue work with cats and dogs. If I even suggest that my fellow rescuers are being biased because they believe cats and dogs are deserving of life but certainly not cows, pigs, chicken and fish there is a huge defensive backlash. It's amazing how North Americans excoriate other countries for the animals they may eat but give no thought to the torture we inflict on certain kinds of animals right here in our own backyard.

But really there's no good argument for why we give the very best of ourselves to some animals and the very worst of ourselves to others. It's simply human contempt and, of course, human selfishness (This animal tastes SO good...therefore if I choose to respect said animal I will not have yummy taste sensations any longer.)

Actually treating other animals as equal travellers with us on this Spaceship Earth means a lot of soul searching and re-evaluating of our relationships with others. That's why I like your blog, Carol! I think you are always re-evaluating and soul searching.

And this is one of the funniest things I've ever had the pleasure to read => "good luck on this one too…for now i am just peering into puddles to see if there is anything in there. i suppose you have to start somewhere." :)

It is a paradox that, depending on the mood, is funny: we spend so much time in search of something unknown, but we are sure that it is better. I often caught me walking in circles and stuck in that trap and I ask myself: What the hell am I doing ?!?!? I should stop thinking so much and do something, right ??? I believe this is because we are thinking beings (in our own opinions) and form images and self-images that the passage of time shows to be false, then look for another in a never-ending quest. The beloved and adorable animals just are what they are and I believe in some way try to show what we seek, so close to us. Is this the price we pay for "knowing" thinking? Who knows ...

adding to that, they give us alot of peace to... a feel of unconditional love... when you are absolutly fed up with the human race... they come through for ya, like ceaser says (dog whisper), humans do better living with animals then not, we need them as much as they need us...I have had so many single girl friends messed up in live, to the verg of ending it, then they get a dog or a cat,..... well now life is worth living from the love they get from that animal.... love your blogs, finally a place i can read and agree with someones thoughts, love your thoughts,,,,, i am vowed to help your cause all the way, you got your self a big fan here, and your getting more fans... through my work net working... alot of good people there that love animals, and very interested in your place... example , today my tax lady, use to feed that elephant at the langley zoo that died there a year or two ago, she was the one that paid and fed it the whole time apparently, i told her about your place, she wants to sponsor a animal there, i told her to sponsor chance! anyway we will see. but i am putting the work out to everyone, ok, enough of my response blogging, you will see$$$ soon, ok, oh ya, i am available to come up there next week in the eves, thurs-sat, someone get back to me on that, i will go up anyway even if you don't