November 9, 2007

On November 7th Best Friends Animal Society hosted the unveiling and signing ceremony of A Religious Proclamation For Animal Compassion that I was please to attend at the Nation's Capital.

It reads in part; "As people from diverse religious traditions we are united in our belief that animals have intrinsic value as part of God's creation.

We proclaim that creation is a gift of love, that we have been entrusted by God to care for creation, that as an integral part of creation, farm, wild and domesticated animals depend upon us, both directly and indirectly, for their welfare;

that as heirs of their respective traditions, religious communities bear a special responsibility for the welfare of these animals; and that as ambassadors of compassion, religious communities should extend compassion not only to the human family, but to animals and to all creation." 

November 16, 2007

When I was a young boy I had a constant companion. He was a little black dog who followed me everywhere.

When I had begged for a dog my father told me that it would be my job to feed, water and clean up after him. It was my first lesson in responsibility.

And then one day he wasn't there when I came home from school. My father took me for a walk and told me my dog had been hit by a car. He used the event to explain how everything must die. It was my first lesson in mortality.

I have performed over 1000 pet funerals over the past 25 years but I have never walked away from the gravesite of a pet without the certainty that it had been a moment of reconciliation between God and creation.

November 23,2007

My cat has no desire to impose his will on others, but he will not tolerate the will of others being imposed on him.

He takes from the world only that which is necessary for his existence. He accepts himself for the mortal being he is and meets humans as his equal, no more, no less.

The cats great and small give me companionship that I can respect, and love that has no ulterior motive.They have taught me how to attain their quality of serenity and given me understanding of the true value of life.

November 30, 2007

We frequently hear about things people have taught their dog to do. Some of them are quite remarkable. But there are many things that we can learn from a dog, for instance;

When a loved one comes home, always run to greet them.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm, but stop when you've had enough.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout...run right back and make friends.