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Do We Love Animals More Than Humans?
Posted by Dr. Barry Kipperman at 5:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (51)
Each of us could easily recite the myriad reasons that our animal companions hold such a special place in our hearts. A common argument levied against animal activists suggests that we prefer animals to people. Rhetorical questions such as, “If you could only save a baby or a dog from a burning building, who would you choose?” come to mind. These types of questions serve to obscure the real issue: that our societal treatment of animals is in dire need of improvement.
Fortunately, having to choose between “the baby or the dog” seldom occurs in real life. But maybe there is more than a sliver of truth to the argument, as evidenced by the responses to a recent blog here at Prime, “Cat vs. Spouse.” I suspect that if I had to choose between spending the next year on an island with either 10 random humans or an equal number of dogs and cats, I’d be looking for dog and cat food. It would be my version of Survivor!
On some level, I find this a sad reflection on the nature of my relationships with humans, and I acknowledge that I’m simply more comfortable around animals than I am around people. People have on numerous occasions caused me to feel disappointment and betrayal. I can seldom recall feeling let down in a similar manner by an animal. Maybe we simply expect more from people than we do from animals. I don’t expect a birthday card each year from my dog, Winston, and I don’t recall Lilly, my cat, saying “Thank you” for her new toy. Are our impressions of animals misplaced because our expectations of them are simply not as great? I suggest quite the opposite.
I believe that animals are devoid of all of the malevolence that people inflict on each other. In my view, animals are never deceitful, dishonest, manipulative, or malicious unless they are severely provoked or are in the wild, where Darwinian influences matter. OK, Winston may try to convince me that I forgot to feed him, but that doesn’t count. Animals are often able to forgive humans for unspeakable treatment. I can’t imagine that animals would ever take up hunting humans simply to entertain themselves, yet hunting remains a popular “sport” among humans.
I recall feeling livid years ago after seeing one of Eddie Murphy’s Dr. Doolittle movies. I realized it was because he imbued all the animal characters with the aforementioned odious human qualities, which he apparently thought that we would find humorous. His characterization of animals behaving more like people violated my lofty beliefs. It revealed an ugly world similar to the one James Stewart saw in It’s a Wonderful Life had he never been born.
In conferring animals with the best of intentions, I take a leap of faith. Although I don’t use the word “faith” often, perhaps my feelings regarding the inherent goodness of the spirit of animals are akin to the faith that others may have in a deity or higher power. I believe this knowing that my theory can never be disproved. My trust in animals softens the harshness and disappointment that my interactions with humans occasionally bring. It is my hope in my daily work as an animal doctor that I honor that trust and express my gratitude to them for their enrichment of the world in which those of us blessed to know animals live.
“I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being.”
—Abraham Lincoln
Posted to Family & Friends | Posted to Tags: cat, dog, love
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Phyllis says...
March 4th, 2009, 11:25 am
Interesting - in more than 50 years of living with both people and animals it never once occurred to me that perhaps I was asking less, or expecting less, of the animals in my life. The funny thing is now that I think about it that certainly is true but it’s also true that the animals in my life, save one grouchy cat, have always given more of themselves.
When people “accuse” me of caring more for animals than for people - it tells me that they have no idea what live is really like for most animals. For instance, the chicken industry kills 9 million babies each year in the US alone. Yet when the International Poultry Expo came to Atlanta, only a few dozen people protested and the media ignored us. Can you imagine how many people would be not only protesting but tearing down the walls of any “processing” plant that hung 6 week old human babies by their ankles and slit their throats? And the media would be breaking their necks to get the story out to the people eating their 99 cent baby nuggets.
It’s funny too that the people who care about and who have enough love for animals and people, are the ones whose compassion is being questioned. Last week at a circus protest I had quite a few people telling me that my time would be better spent protesting abortion, child abuse, the death penalty, even human over-population. But what were they doing with their time? They were paying to see broken, beaten, chained, and caged animals for their amusement. Some even told me they didn’t care if the animals were beaten, they didn’t care that Ringling has killed 25 elephants since 1992, it didn’t matter to them if the horses were whipped, they didn’t care if the tigers lived in small cramped filthy cages their entire lives - what they cared about was that their children got to see the show and that we not show the children what goes on behind the scenes.
People who accuse us of not caring enough are the very ones who have chose not to care. Our compassion for the animals makes some of them uncomfortable and the “you care more about them than us” argument is a way to justify their selfish refusal to care.
kerry says...
March 4th, 2009, 8:21 pm
When man domesticated animals , we made them dependent on us, and thereby responsible for their care. In return, they give us unconditional love and tremendous loyalty. Unconditional love and loyalty are rare among humans, but an integral part of domestic animals. I love my sweetsie, but I know he can feed himself, take himself on walks , keep his litter box clean, and otherwise take care of himself . If something were to happen to me, lots of women would want to adopt him. Maybe part of what makes us love our companion animals so much is that they need us , and it is comforting to be needed and loved so unconditionally.
zaskira says...
March 6th, 2009, 6:33 pm
Ilove animals, im a vegetarian. my folks eat meat in front of me and i dont judge but, when i tell someone im a vegetarian they ask me why? isnt it obvious? animals are there for us and dont hurt us at all unless we provoke them or we’re in THEIR territory. them accusing us of caring about humans more than animals is very hypocritical. animals are us WE are animals too. we just have free will. they DON’T if animals had free will we would be dead and eaten just because the U.S killed their children and china pelted their babies. - for fur and food. pets love us very much ♥ if america saw how their meat was being processed and etc. they wouldnt EAT half the stuff they eat now. *shakes head* if i were to chose between a baby and a doggie.. i would try to save both. a baby NEVER did anything to me and neither did a dog. id rather die and have them survive. if i could only save one id take the one i couldnt save and die in the process as long as they were both safe. humans are animals too. most of us are just hypocrites.
sarah says...
March 6th, 2009, 6:47 pm
What a wonderful article and thoughtful comments. I have often said I prefer animals to people more and more as I age. I have seen enough selfishness, cruelty, and lack of love or committment. Even though I work daily with the public in a healthcare position, I find myself asking patients about their cat or dog, bird, or whatever animal they own. I regale them with my own stories of my sweet dog, the upside down turtle I rescued, the pigeon with no back feathers and a broken leg that I had for the summer as it regained its health and finally took up with a friend and flew away only to return time and time again to sit on the wire and fluff her feathers as I called to her. I feel joy to see my dog walking to the door to meet me each evening even as she grows older and slower. I am amazed and infuriated as cruelty is heaped on helpless animals and I do my small part to stop it wherever I can. The unselfish love of a dog is an example of perfect love as far as I am concerned.
Vanessa says...
March 6th, 2009, 6:56 pm
Preferring the company of animals has been my view point for as long as I can remember. For me, it’s simple. They are perfect beings. Closer to both the Earth and the Creator. They don’t wonder if there is a god or why we’re here. They simply “know” and don’t worry themselves with questioning what is. They live as they should, in the present and with what they were born with. They appear, to me, to be complete beings. Humans on the other hand, for some reason, have soiled their very existence by the ego-based ways they’ve chosen to live. Animals don’t cause other animals to become extinct, nor do they obliterate their natural resources or habitats. Humans, who are suppose to “know better” do the exact opposite. Animals live and accept the balance of nature. Humans do everything in their power to fight against in the name of preserving their less-than-important lives. A being who brings love, joy and comfort while taking so little to sustain itself, is of far more value than someone who can out purchase/preach/ponder another. Animals are teachers sent to show us how WE should be, not the other way around. Whether domestic or un-domesticated, they possess a wisdom they freely share with us because they know we’re better than this.
Randell Meier says...
March 6th, 2009, 7:01 pm
Well said, Dr. Kipperman. I like the scenario of spending a year on an island and choosing between humans or dog and cats. I’d choose the dogs and cats as well. Humans are capable, in so many ways, of behaving badly.
Patty says...
March 6th, 2009, 7:11 pm
Well put, Phyllis. I will use many of these points when I am confronted regarding my choice to be compassionate….Rock on!
Lee says...
March 6th, 2009, 8:38 pm
It is all too often that I too get questioned regarding my devotion for animals, Phyllis and Kerry, I agree with your points of view. My compassion for animals makes people Very uncomfortable, I’ve been made to feel like an outcast sometimes as I try to protect the voiceless against, quite frankly, disgraceful, uncompassionate, all to frequent, cruel human behavior. The more I show compassion for our animals, the more I get “harassed” and thrown under a bus for caring for animals more than people. Animals don’t harass me.
Ann Parker says...
March 6th, 2009, 8:56 pm
I am grateful to share the planet with the author of this piece as well as those who commented. I often feel so discouraged about my human counterparts and feel overwhelmed by the seemingly endless numbers of people who just don’t care about the unfairness levied on many animals. Likewise those who just don’t want to know, lest that knowledge would make it uncomfortable to enjoy their habits and conveniences. But listening to you all, I remember with great comfort that there are some humans out there who care deeply and who aren’t going to pause because they are outnumbered. And we all keep pushing forward, ’till there’s more of us.
Christina says...
March 6th, 2009, 10:02 pm
Very well-written. You put my feelings into words very nicely. I completely agree that animals do not let us down the way other humans tend to. They really remind us of what is important in life, and give us unconditional love.
One small problem with something you said: “In my view, animals are never deceitful, dishonest, manipulative, or malicious unless they are severely provoked or are in the wild, where Darwinian influences matter.” Even domesticated animals are influenced by evolution. They continue to accumulate mutations, most of which are harmful, and some of which are helpful. These mutations affect the ability of animals to survive and reproduce. Artificial selection is still evolution. It may be somewhat difficult to visualize, because evolution tends to occur on a time-scale much larger than we are capable of fathoming.
Aside from that… Loved the article. And great Abe Lincoln quote :o)
Victoria says...
March 6th, 2009, 11:33 pm
Thanks Phyllis - I’m on my way to my first Lennon Brother’s circus protest in 1 hour at Helensvale on the Gold Coast in Australia. A major shopping centre, Westfields, has sponsored it. I now know what to expect from people who will be attending when they read our brochures and give their kids our stickers “animal circuses are a crying shame”.
JUDI S. says...
March 7th, 2009, 1:09 am
ANYDAY, I WOULD PICK AN ANIMAL OVER A HUMAN BEING. THEY DIDN’T ASK TO BE DOMESTICATED. ALL THEY ASK FOR IS LOVE….UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. I’VE NEVER FELT THE WAY I FEEL FOR A HUMAN AS I DO FOR ANIMALS. I’M IN LOVE, AND I LOVE DEARLY, BUT MY LOVE FOR ANIMALS FAR SURPASSES HUMAN LOVE. CAN’T EXPLAIN IT ANYMORE CLEARLY THAN THAT.
Nancy says...
March 7th, 2009, 1:33 am
Wonderful article and so true! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I couldn’t agree more. I would prefer the unconditional love of animals vs many people who live to be negative and find fault.
elinor Israel says...
March 7th, 2009, 1:52 am
Truthfully, I have to say that, yes, I do love animals more than I love most humans. Animals are not mean spirited, they do not pre-meditate hurting another being, they do not lie, cheat and steal, they do not step on each other in order to get ahead. My own animals give me unconditional love, they do not criticize me nor do they hurt my feelings. I can trust them completly. They demand nothing of me. They don’t talk about me behind my back. Can I say that of all humans? No. I certainly prefer the company of animals to that of most humans. Of course I put my children and grandchildren first. Maybe my husband and possibly my best friend but, over all, animals have better character than any human I know.
Marko says...
March 7th, 2009, 2:11 am
I love you is all I see in my companions eyes and I love them so much.
Wolf Lorber says...
March 7th, 2009, 2:26 am
Many people do not appreciate that some beliefs and actions are not “mutually exclusive,” such as love for animals and love for humans. It is a common human failing. In example, one can believe in allowing abortion (with some restraints) and still be “pro life,” or in allowing executions (say, when evidence for murder has not been wholly circumstantial or contrived) without being “un-enlightened” or a barbarian (a belief rooted in respct for life). Although such exemplary beliefs are not “PC” or socially fashionable, they are rational.
Carol Liveston says...
March 7th, 2009, 4:26 am
I have a very large “human” family, and an equally large “animal” family. I find I get along MUCH better with my animal family. I wouldn’t say I love them more, just desire to be around them more. My life is so much more complete with them in it.
By the way, we had a house fire a year ago. After I was certain all my kids were out, I went about saving my animals. The fire was intense and very fast, but I continued to re-enter to try to save as many pets as possible. While dragging my blind & deaf dog out, the fire was on my heels. At that point, I was forced to stay out due to danger. We lost 4 cats out of 11 pets. I was devastated. 2 blind ones made it to safety. I had about 4 minutes to act before the entire structure was engulfed. (old wooden house, went up like dried timber).
So, yes, if faced with a burning building, I chose to save BOTH. You would, too. My animals ARE my family, as well. But on a deserted island, I would have to choose animals as my companions. Much more peace and joy!! To all the other animal nuts out there like me, I agree 100%!!!!
Christina W says...
March 7th, 2009, 7:23 am
There is no doubt I love animals more than people. I’m not saying I would be cruel to a person or have no compassion, I do actually but its from arms length. Like the author, if I had to choose between spending time w/an animal or a person the animal would win. Some of the most precious time for me is when I’m sitting outside w/my chickens, donkey, goat, cats, dogs and assorted wildlife that show up. I think this will be the times I miss most when I die. Animals are loving, funny, thoughtful and thought filled. People, not all obivously, are just self centered and mean (take a look at our economy and the coporations that help lead us here). I feel most connected to God when I’m in nature and with His creations other than people . DOG is GOD spelled backwards..wonder why…
Barbara Moore says...
March 7th, 2009, 7:50 am
I agree with everything said here. My whole life has been centered around the Love I have for all animals,because people can and will make your life miserable in one way or another. Animals look to people as their God on this earth, and reguardless of the treatment they receive they always keep the faith it will get better.Some people say animals have no soul and there is not a going place for them when they die. I refuse to believe that because if Jesus will come back someday on white horses where were they kept?If every day life was centered around the devotion a pet has for you, think of all the things you would not hear of,like spousal abuse,gang killings,abortion,ect. Animals feel pain,love,neglect,and abuse just as you do ,so what exactly makes a soul? A spirit that is no different than what is inside you. My little Pom “Dundee” is the light of my day and no amount of money could buy him. My 14 yr. old born blind dog “Kellie” has never seen the light of day, but she puts the sunshine in mine and can do as much as a dog with sight. I know when she leaves this earth she will go to a place she will know what she missed down here,but for now she is Happy and Loved and people unlike me ,would have passed her by because of her handicap and missed out on her soul. And people with this nature will do the same to other people,where I have saw my Pom guide her and care for her whole life. Is there Life after death for animals? Count on it and remember God knows when a sparrow falls and will catch it. You will be accountable for all your actions on this earth when the time comes,so I’d advise “be Kind to all God’s creature’s or it may come back to get you on Judgement Day.
Lucy says...
March 7th, 2009, 8:04 am
I enjoy being in the company of dogs. People are too much of a pain in my back side at times and very needy. I enjoy simple things like walking for hours, watching tv, my home is my piece of mind, and my dogs are a pure joy. When I am irritated with someone my dogs calm me down, they are so funny and loving. I trust my dog to protect me better than my mate.
Darrell says...
March 7th, 2009, 9:33 am
I suspect animal cruelty, whether in the form of factory farms or a circus, is never given much thought by most people. It is much easier to just go about your daily life and not think about it. Religion is much the same way. If people really thought about the cruelty spread throughout the various religious writings, they would react with horror.
Theresa McKinley says...
March 7th, 2009, 9:38 am
In response to Phyllis’s comment, people must be made aware that there are many, many human babies who are turned in their mother’s womb, anywhere from six to nine months, and the doctor delivers every part of the baby except the head, which remains in the birth canal. Then the obstetrician holds the baby, face down and inserts a pair of scissors into the back of the baby’s unborn head, opens up the scissors and destroys the baby’s brain. This poor ‘unborn’ baby struggles in horrible pain for as long as it takes to kill his/her brain. When the baby is killed, the baby’s head is then delivered and the entire child is thrown into the garbage. This procedure is called a ‘partial birth abortion’. It is my firm belief that as long as we kill our own children, how can we make inroads into helping other species. I have been involved in animal rights for many, many years, but I also am involved in helping our own tortured unborn babies.
Don’t we as animal rights activists hold all live sacred?
Elaine says...
March 7th, 2009, 1:17 pm
In a nutshell……….it’s just sometimes easier to respect an animal than it is to respect humanity.
K.B. says...
March 7th, 2009, 1:33 pm
Well, i have always thought that animals by some magic miracle are devoid of the ugly side that we humans have. Somehow they are just better than us.
Daniela says...
March 7th, 2009, 2:12 pm
I love my three dogs, they are gratefull, they care about me, and they have been by my side in my most dificult times and I have offently said that I actually think they understand me more than most of humans do, I also think that they are great listeners ( yes I talk to my dogs). I have had the opportunity to rescue a dog from an abusive owner and I haven’t seen in my life a more grateful creature than this dog, her eyes are filled with unconditional love and gratitude and I am sure, for my experience of growing up with dogs and living with them, that she is not capable of betraying me, abandoning me or lying to me, all qualities that us humans have mastered in the way we treat each others.
I believe that animals are pure creatures created by God and that eventually all the damage that we as the “superior” especies, have caused to them and to the nature will be punished, animals are not ours to eat, to wear, to make a show out of them, they deserve respect and if we make a commitment with one of them to be our companion, we have to keep that commitment for as long as it takes.
I have offently said that if animals ruled this world, if they were the superior especie, there wouldn’t be wars, or Global Warming, or economic crisis, the perfect armony created by nature would have never been altered and/or destroyed. We should learn from them, from their kindness and aply their qualities to the way we conduct ourselves and our societies.
Colleen says...
March 7th, 2009, 5:39 pm
I don’t think it’s strange that you’d rather spend time on the island with animals than people. I definitely would as well. For those of you who have read “Lord of the Flies,” you know why. Human nature is scary and horrific. Dogs and cats will always love.
sugee says...
March 7th, 2009, 8:18 pm
Buddhists believe that life is never ending and everything comes back after a death “rest”. When conditions are right, like spring buds in warm sunshine the life force returns sometimes as it’s former form and sometimes in another. Humans are no different we sometimes return as humans, and sometimes we return as animals, plants, etc., but mostly we return to the same places and among the same people we lived in life. Take this explanation for what it’s worth, but loving an animal is no different than loving a human. We have known and loved them before. This explanation also offers a glimpse into why we don’t necessarily get along with siblings, parents; our relationship was created in the past where karma gets paid back or received in this life. Destiny can be made with every thought word and action. Learning to make good “causes”, good will, good thoughts, good deeds toward everything reaps good karma in this lifetime and in the next. Be careful or be more loving to your pet, we shared some kind of relationship with them in the past and will again forever in some form or another. Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo
Dawn says...
March 8th, 2009, 1:06 am
No matter what type of day I have I always come home to 2 very grateful dogs. No matter what I buy them or give them they are always happy and always happy 2 see me.
Nancy Pennngton says...
March 8th, 2009, 6:49 pm
Ashley Judd, confronted with a similar question (I think it was “why don’t you do more for children?”) in her very effective denouncement of animal killer Sarah Palin, had a very good reply (she was appearing with Defenders of Wildlife on TV - Larry King, I think) and explained that it’s all interconnected and we should extend compassion to all. I don’t think that it’s because we expect more from our human friends, I just think that the animals we spend most of our time with have superior qualities.
karen wall says...
March 8th, 2009, 7:23 pm
With the rare exception of 2 friends, it was my dog, Riley, who sat next to me and let me cry no questions asked, when I was being abused by someone. When I take him to visit patients in my hospital, he does not ask them why they drink or use drugs, or why they are there. He just sits with them and gives them positive energy. I would rather have a dog than a child.
Angela says...
March 9th, 2009, 9:44 am
Beautiful article, Dr. Kipperman. Thank you for expressing something that I have felt and encountered for a long time. I agree wholeheartedly with Lee and many of the other comments. People do seem to be very uncomfortable with my passion for animals and animal rights. I do not push my views on them (unless you count education via demo’s and handing out leaflets, etc., and trying to lead by example). I have been confronted many times by people tellling me that I should be demonstrating/caring about the rights of children not animals (including by my work colleagues). “We” are told that animals have no rights, that animal welfare activists do not care about humans, and that animal rights activists are weirdo’s (this frequently by a Canadian TV host - whose name I will not mention - though I have written to him to express my concerns on his comments). It is my experience that people seem to view concern for animals as political - I am not sure why. What I do know for sure, is that since being a small child it has always been my cats that have comforted me when in pain, and my heart goes out to Karen in compassion and understanding. Many people think that it is odd that I don’t have many close human friends: I do not.
Jen-X says...
March 9th, 2009, 10:41 am
Wow, these comments are are so beautifully written, so thoughtful. It’s nice to find a community of people who understand the connection many of us have with animals and the joy they bring to the world. If you love animals, I recommend reading, “The Good, Good Pig” by Sy Montgomery. She poignantly explores many of the themes on these posts!
Denise says...
March 9th, 2009, 1:55 pm
Animals seem to understand the concept of “treat others as you wish to be treated” more than humans do. Regardless of how they are treated by humans, pets still have an undying devotion to them. We as humans should try to be worthy of that devotion.
Bonnie says...
March 9th, 2009, 5:54 pm
What a breath of fresh air! All of these comments are infinitely interesting to read and I have read my own thoughts and feelings in so many. Why is it that people often feel the need to criticize? Being kind to animals is not an exclusive quality, one can be that AND kind to children, elders, etc. Just because one group needs something doesn’t mean it’s necessary to ignore everyone else. Yes, I too think it’s all connected, so goodness created is just that. There is plenty to go around! To those people I’d say, “Rather than questioning what I choose to give my time to, you might like to check your own schedule.”
Nice article.
Marta says...
March 9th, 2009, 9:02 pm
Beatiful article as well as beatiiful answers. And in all these answers it is to be noted that the proportion of women is greater. Please don’t misunderstand this comment, it’s only that is interesting that a human being whose capable of give life is in love with all the creation, both babies and animals.
I don;t know if there is any catholic there reading this. Well, I’ll tell you something. The poor brother of Assisi in Italy, Saint Francis of Assisi used to call the animals: “Our little brothers”. And the tradition tells that when the people wouldn’t listen to his preach he turned to the animals, and birds stayed still, o fishes pop out of water. He was a man and a Saint. And every year all animals are recieved in the Church of Assisi and blessed.
Thank you for all this love for any kind of animals we share, “sweet crazy community” .
From a very far away
Rosario, Argentina
Charlie Lammers says...
March 10th, 2009, 12:38 am
I too have received criticism from people who accuse me of caring more about animals than humans. I point out to them that virtually every problem affecting human existence is caused by humans, not animals. Animals don’t start wars or profit from them, enslave people or other animals and they don’t rob me, slander me or exploit me in any way. Relatively few people have enriched my life in any significant way, many have hindered it. Animals show me unconditional love and want nothing but to be loved in return. I hate to go places where my dog is’nt welcome.
J says...
March 10th, 2009, 6:08 am
I agree with pretty much everything here. Humans fight to remain ignorant to the horrors that befall beautiful animals.
Humans deserve that treatment for treating animals like that. Every time I see a human I can’t help but be angered at their lack of intelligence, they act stupid, have stupid remarks, and just look stupid in general.
I’d much rather stand on a hill and look out at wildlife and tree’s, not houses and pullution.
Humans are the worst thing to happen to this world.
Think about it, if humans never existed imagine how beautiful everything would be, there’d be no ugly houses or ugly humans, just beauty. No global warming, the ozone layer would be perfectly fine still. The only massive problem would be when the sun blows up in trillions of years to come.
Human’s are the biggest mistake of evolution.
Maggi Zankel says...
March 11th, 2009, 3:37 pm
I agree with J. Homo sapiens is the worst organism to evolve on this planet. As Albert Einstein said “Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the universe.” We have robbed wildlife of its ecosystems and trashed the planet. Our egocentricity keeps us seeing only as far as the ends of our noses.
It has to be recognized, however, that Nature’s system does involve eating, or being eaten…no animal lover can deny this. Mankind has taken this Food Chain to horrific lengths with industrial farming. We seem to be on a trajectory to total destruction of all life on Earth.
pamela says...
March 18th, 2009, 1:43 pm
dog all the way
Tammy says...
April 8th, 2009, 3:04 pm
I am ashamed to be part of the human species. Humans are heartless, greedy, cruel and selfish in ways animals aren’t.
I am all for human rights as well as animals rights, but if I had to choose a desert island group, I think the animals would beat out the people!
Karla García Toscano says...
April 8th, 2009, 7:25 pm
Hi Barry.- I loved your comments, they sound totally honest, from the heart, and I felt very identified with them , (pardon my English).
I love animals, and for me also it si sometimes easier to feel cumfortable with them thant with humans, since I was a child, they have always been present and always make me smile and feel understand, they don’t talk, which they can comfort me more sometimes than the empty words of a person.
I am very happy that animals exist, they help me to resist the problems of life, and I learned soo much from them,I am still learning and I may not know or am sure of what to do in many aspects of my life but some things have been always a constant in my life and love for animals and their rights I can asure will never change.
Kind regards.
Karla G.T.
Tim says...
August 21st, 2009, 2:06 am
“In my view, animals are never deceitful, dishonest, manipulative, or malicious unless they are severely provoked or are in the wild, where Darwinian influences matter.”
Huh? I guess you’ve never seen your cat catch a mouse. Domestic cats deliberately taunt and torture mice they catch before finally killing them. Some say it’s so that when it’s finally time for the mouse to get the fang treatment, it actually desires the sweet release of death.
Also, it’s interesting that domestic cats hunt mice, insects, birds, and other small creatures even when they have plenty of food to eat in their human-provided bowls. Humans are the only animals that hunt for sport, you say?
Sherry says...
August 27th, 2009, 11:20 am
Where do I find a Canadian Boy that is crazy about animals like me… this site is great.. and the first post is how I feel about animals. I do love animals more then humans. I care for my pet just like she is my daughter. We are a package…. I should tell my friends about this site… they all think Im nuts for loving animals.
Bill says...
September 24th, 2009, 12:48 pm
Very well expressed views all. It’s really comforting to know that my feelings for animals are not mine alone. Tim is obviously a hunter…trying to justify sport killing by pointing out that some animals kill too. Pathetic, Tim. I would hope that our ability to rise above baser instincts places us in a position of greater responsibility to reduce, not increase suffering.
CJN says...
September 25th, 2009, 12:27 pm
Humans are animals, so animal rights are also human rights.
Kim says...
September 25th, 2009, 1:34 pm
I have no problem whatsoever stating the fact that I like animals much more then any human beings I know. The fact that 65 million living beings are tortured and murdered every year so that humans can satisfy their taste buds is proof enough to me of the cruelty and selfishness that is the human race.
Cherry says...
September 26th, 2009, 12:15 am
Other than my daughter and two grandchildren…..give me animals any day of the week. Love that re. animals or people on a desert island. I’m with you; load up the dog and cat food, I’m outta here.
cath ens says...
September 26th, 2009, 10:41 pm
they give much more than they receive …
amanda daniell says...
September 28th, 2009, 7:16 pm
Beautifully said. I feel the same. Animals fill my life with hope and wonder. Very few human beings are capable of the love and consistent generosity that all animals uniquely give. Thank you for such a heartwarming topic and somewhat sad topic. I wish human beings were more compassionate. And it does make me very sad to see their constant violence.
Lynn says...
September 30th, 2009, 12:52 am
Thank you for this post.
I’ve had pets since I was 4 years old and I always went to my beloved dog when I was upset. She’d let me cry on her fur when I was behaving like a petulant child. Never did she judge and never did she ask for much. Just some cuddles and some quality time.
Now, 23 years later, I share my home with 4 cats and 1 dog. Latte (the beagle) sounds like Winston, always trying to get another round of food or treats.
I’ve been a big lover of all animals my whole life and the one thing I regret was to not become an animal doctor. Seeing my love for animals somehow always give people ammunition to ask me that same question and I never knew how to answer it without seeming completely void of emotions for people.
I believe animals do not have any ill intent towards us and in fact would like to live in harmony on this planet. People need to be kind and respectful towards each other. As we humans should be too towards God’s other creatures.
Julie C. says...
November 13th, 2009, 6:19 pm
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I feel that each one of you (with the exception of Tim, sorry) has expressed very, very eloquently what is in my heart and soul. I would love to have all of you in my neighborhood. What I admire most of all, is the courage of your convictions, which I lacked, at times, in my earlier years.
Many years ago, there was a religion-oriented TV program “Lamp unto my Feet.” I can’t quote verbatim what I heard there once but the gist was “animals follow their instincts, they do what nature tells them, man does things at will, mostly against nature with disastrous results - they are putting the wrong animal in cages.”
Finally, German humanitarian Albert Schweitzer, one of the greatest men in recent history said:
“A man is ethical only when life, as such, is sacred to him, that of plants and animals as that of his fellow men, and when he devotes himself helpfully to all life that is in need of help.”
Again, many thanks to those of you above, I am proud to be among you.