When it comes to animals and love of animals, in my opinion,
people are divided into two classes those who are able to
experience a profound love for animals and those who can’t and therefore don’t
understand the first group. My comments about this last chapter will probably
be understood by the people who at least once in their lives have loved an
animal, be it a horse, a cat, a dog or any other pet. The other group, those
people who have yet to have a special relationship with an animal, will
probably just think I am crazy¾but hopefully they will begin to
understand those of us who deeply love animals. And maybe they will be more
patient and understanding when they see someone who has lost a dear furry
friend.
Some people think
animals are animals and they are not meant to be loved, just enjoyed or used
for work. Some people believe animals lack the capacity to love and to feel the
same emotions humans do. I am not a scientist, and I have not done thousands of
hours worth of research about this topic, but I have had many pets, and I have
spent long hours with them. Here are my observations.
Animals have an immense
capacity to love us, to forgive us, to understand us and to remain next to us
no matter what. My relationships have been with dogs, but I know that the type
of animal does not matter; thousands of people are able to enjoy the love of
intelligent animals of different species all around the world. The Bible says that
animals were made for our companionship and enjoyment, and this is what I
believe. And because they are creatures created by God, we must take good care
of them.
In my opinion, being
able to love and be kind to an animal is the first step to being able to love a
human being. After all, animals are vulnerable, they never answer back, they do
not have a concept of revenge, and they always forgive and forget. If we are
not able to love such a creature, one that is always ready to love us and to
receive our love, then how do we expect to be able to love a human when humans
are much more complicated beings?
The pain that comes from
the death of a furry friend is real and deep. When we lose a pet, we need
people who are important to us to understand us and give us their support and
their love. So, next time someone you love loses a pet, please remember Ellie, and understand that
even if you don’t feel the same way about animals, there are some people who
do, and they are in desperate need of your love and understanding.
A pet can be a confidant to us, a best friend,
a companion, our playmate, our pal. When I think of my dog and I try to
describe him, I find it impossible. He is a very special creature that God put
on this earth for me to take care of and enjoy and love. He is precious to me.
When I am sad, he cheers me up; when I am scared, he makes me feel safe; and
when I am lonely, he is my great companion. He has been by my side for a very
long time, and he holds a very special place in my heart. It will be very hard
for me on the day I have to let go of him, the day I am asked to say goodbye.
Animals never judge us,
not by our actions, by our looks, by our personality or by our economic
situation. All animals want and care about is for us to love them. If you have
not yet had the wonderful experience of owning and loving an animal, I advise
you to give it a try. An animal will unlock feelings you never knew you had. Watch
programs on animals and/or wild life, or read some books on this topic
and learn about animal behaviour it will surprise you. Go ahead,
because loving animals is a way to start loving our world, and caring for
animals is a way to start caring for our environment. Take the first step, and
don’t be afraid. The experience you go through when you love an animal is worth the pain you
will feel when you lose the animal.
We are often too fast to see the dark side of the world. There is so
much to love, so much to enjoy, so much to share. Embark upon the adventure
that it is to love an animal, and you will see that there are many more sweet
moments in life in store for you if you just open your heart to them.
Wisdom to contemplate:
“The LORD God said: ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make
a suitable partner for him.’ So the LORD God formed out of the ground various
wild animals and various birds of the air, and he brought them to the man to
see what he would call them; whatever the man called each of them would be its
name.” (Genesis 2:18-19)
“Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of
eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in
what he has made.” (Romans 1:20)
