This is a lovely essay. I know how much animals feel—their sadness, grief, joy and fidelity to the ones they love. Unlike humans, they are not spiteful and never suffer from ebbs and flows of love. If you are their person, and you are kind, you will be given a lifetime of love.
I have had encounters with wild animals—in particular a skunk and a black bear—when I was out with my 7lbs. dog (don’t tell her she isn’t a big, fierce dog). On both occasions we were in extremely close proximity to our wild friends. The outcomes could have been dramatic. They weren’t. I would swear that bear and skunk looked to me for reassurance that everything was ok, then continued on as if they had never seen us. I am quite sure they knew what I was silently telling them. We were going our way and did not want to bother them.
As to the notion that animals love the one who feeds them, then how does one explain my cats and dog who graze? They do not wait for me to put out their dinner. But they love me anyway.
So true. Just this morning our Roxy the Rottie snuck back upstairs to spend a few extra minutes with me. My wife called out to her and asked if she had gone back upstairs. Roxy and I exchanged guilty glances before she hurried back to where she was supposed to be.
This is a beautiful essay. Those of us pet owners who consider our pets part of the family know this to be true. I think it’s important for children to be raised with animals to become empathic, loving individuals. Side note…my house cleaner is bringing her 3 year old with her because she has no one to watch her. The first thing she wanted to know if she could read the Pete book. My Dog Pete is on the coffee table waiting for her!
All animals absolutely, definitely, without question, have souls from the same Creator who gave us existence. They express thoughts and emotions. Don't try to tell me otherwise, when all I need do is look into one of my cats' eyes and see puzzlement, pain, fear, contentment, or love. Descartes and anyone else who disagrees be damned, indeed. May you, humans and animals alike, enjoy this Autumn as we travel through yet another season and toward trend of yet another year. 🍁🍂
I may have told you this story before, but my daughter actually met Jane Goodall. She was so thrilled because she’s an avid animal lover herself and admires her greatly. My daughter’s best friend works with the chimps at the North Carolina Zoo and she went to visit her, when she heard Jane Goodall would be there visiting the Zoo herself. They had a lovely conversation and it’s something my daughter will never forget.
And now to dogs having souls. They most definitely do and can express so many emotions. It’s so obvious from seeing pictures of Auggie, especially. You can see it in his eyes. They are so expressive. His love for you, joy with his green ball, and desire for his secret cheese. It’s all there in those beautiful eyes.
Absolutely excellent writing-I have always thought about how my animals are “feeling” I had a Calico that I am sure was my best kindred spirit. Still have pangs of grief about her 20 years later. Jane Goodall embodies the very cool relationship humans have with animals - her Institute provides education especially to young people - who will be the savers of the earth. Thank you for a lovely break from our current political nonsensical drivel.
I remember reading, a long time ago, something that has stuck with me. When referring to dogs, God said “I will send them to earth without wings so no one will know they are angels”.
Beautiful piece. Thank you. My husband passed away unexpectedly in April, and it has been my several, animal critters who have brought me continuous comfort. When neighbors, friends. acquaintances departed, it was my loving four-legged family who stayed on with me to provide comfort and love. They also reminded me daily I needed to get up, stay part of the world, provide walks, care. food and comfort to them as well.
I am positive that if there is a heaven my pets are there. When my little black cat Fos died I had a vision of her trailing angels in long white gowns, meowing for her dinner, with her tail crooked into its usual question mark shape. It was so comforting at the time. I have had both dogs and cats most of my life. They have the purest innocence of all creatures. Dogs are not always loyal and cats are not sneaky. But whatever you give them, they give back pretty much what you need and sometimes with interest. I cannot imagine a life without a pet.
This beautiful essay really pulled at my heartstrings. I don’t understand people who don’t like pets, farm animals or are indifferent to any wildlife in general.
Connecting with the animal kingdom shows you have respect for life - every little living being from aquatic to safari, rural to urban has a joyful (little) beating heart and emotions like us. I believe pets can help make a person be a better person.
Your essay brought tears to my eyes. Made me think of dear Pete. And my own dogs,rescues, who show so many human traits. They find their own way to express their needs and emotions. The occasional visitor may not see these subtle nuances but to their human they are actually speaking.
This is a lovely essay. I know how much animals feel—their sadness, grief, joy and fidelity to the ones they love. Unlike humans, they are not spiteful and never suffer from ebbs and flows of love. If you are their person, and you are kind, you will be given a lifetime of love.
I have had encounters with wild animals—in particular a skunk and a black bear—when I was out with my 7lbs. dog (don’t tell her she isn’t a big, fierce dog). On both occasions we were in extremely close proximity to our wild friends. The outcomes could have been dramatic. They weren’t. I would swear that bear and skunk looked to me for reassurance that everything was ok, then continued on as if they had never seen us. I am quite sure they knew what I was silently telling them. We were going our way and did not want to bother them.
As to the notion that animals love the one who feeds them, then how does one explain my cats and dog who graze? They do not wait for me to put out their dinner. But they love me anyway.
So true. Just this morning our Roxy the Rottie snuck back upstairs to spend a few extra minutes with me. My wife called out to her and asked if she had gone back upstairs. Roxy and I exchanged guilty glances before she hurried back to where she was supposed to be.
This is a beautiful essay. Those of us pet owners who consider our pets part of the family know this to be true. I think it’s important for children to be raised with animals to become empathic, loving individuals. Side note…my house cleaner is bringing her 3 year old with her because she has no one to watch her. The first thing she wanted to know if she could read the Pete book. My Dog Pete is on the coffee table waiting for her!
Lovely. Thank you!
All animals absolutely, definitely, without question, have souls from the same Creator who gave us existence. They express thoughts and emotions. Don't try to tell me otherwise, when all I need do is look into one of my cats' eyes and see puzzlement, pain, fear, contentment, or love. Descartes and anyone else who disagrees be damned, indeed. May you, humans and animals alike, enjoy this Autumn as we travel through yet another season and toward trend of yet another year. 🍁🍂
I may have told you this story before, but my daughter actually met Jane Goodall. She was so thrilled because she’s an avid animal lover herself and admires her greatly. My daughter’s best friend works with the chimps at the North Carolina Zoo and she went to visit her, when she heard Jane Goodall would be there visiting the Zoo herself. They had a lovely conversation and it’s something my daughter will never forget.
And now to dogs having souls. They most definitely do and can express so many emotions. It’s so obvious from seeing pictures of Auggie, especially. You can see it in his eyes. They are so expressive. His love for you, joy with his green ball, and desire for his secret cheese. It’s all there in those beautiful eyes.
I’d be thrilled to meet her too. And yes, Auggie’s a sweet soul.
All animals have souls, not just pets, but all animals. And if people can’t see that, it’s their loss.
But it’s the animals’ loss, too.
Agreeded
Factory farming, the unspeakable horror. Thank you so much for honestly thinking and writing about all animals.
Absolutely excellent writing-I have always thought about how my animals are “feeling” I had a Calico that I am sure was my best kindred spirit. Still have pangs of grief about her 20 years later. Jane Goodall embodies the very cool relationship humans have with animals - her Institute provides education especially to young people - who will be the savers of the earth. Thank you for a lovely break from our current political nonsensical drivel.
I remember reading, a long time ago, something that has stuck with me. When referring to dogs, God said “I will send them to earth without wings so no one will know they are angels”.
Beautiful piece. Thank you. My husband passed away unexpectedly in April, and it has been my several, animal critters who have brought me continuous comfort. When neighbors, friends. acquaintances departed, it was my loving four-legged family who stayed on with me to provide comfort and love. They also reminded me daily I needed to get up, stay part of the world, provide walks, care. food and comfort to them as well.
Amen❤️❤️❤️
I am sorry for your loss, and glad you have lovely creatures to comfort you.
Ah, jeez, R.F., it’s only 5:25 am here.. I haven’t finished my morning tea and you’ve got me crying.
I am positive that if there is a heaven my pets are there. When my little black cat Fos died I had a vision of her trailing angels in long white gowns, meowing for her dinner, with her tail crooked into its usual question mark shape. It was so comforting at the time. I have had both dogs and cats most of my life. They have the purest innocence of all creatures. Dogs are not always loyal and cats are not sneaky. But whatever you give them, they give back pretty much what you need and sometimes with interest. I cannot imagine a life without a pet.
This beautiful essay really pulled at my heartstrings. I don’t understand people who don’t like pets, farm animals or are indifferent to any wildlife in general.
Connecting with the animal kingdom shows you have respect for life - every little living being from aquatic to safari, rural to urban has a joyful (little) beating heart and emotions like us. I believe pets can help make a person be a better person.
Your essay brought tears to my eyes. Made me think of dear Pete. And my own dogs,rescues, who show so many human traits. They find their own way to express their needs and emotions. The occasional visitor may not see these subtle nuances but to their human they are actually speaking.
Lovely …
Beautiful boys. ❤️