Monday, February 20, 2006
Animals Make Us Better People
Yesterday, the pressure reducer for my waterline burst open and soaked a dam and her litter. Andrew found them and brought them inside. I lined up my children, wrapped each rabbit in a towel and handed them out, one by one. My friend Kelvin was here for the rabbit registering event. He took a bunny, too. I watched this forty-something man drying the fuzzy baby off with the towel. He was so tender with it. My children all took their charges to their rooms and brought them back mostly dry after awhile.
That was just a small, non-monumental moment out of life, but it touched me. I loved the way my children were willing to pitch in. I love to see the care that goes into the animals. Or rather, I enjoy and appreciate the wonderful potential in people that caring for animals brings out.
I have read that children and teens who have pets are less likely to use illicit drugs. People who have pets live longer. I've always known intellectually that being involved with animals is a good thing. But now, I'm able to see many of the more subtle effects as well.
A pastor once told me years ago that to learn how to feel for other people, we should first act as though we care for them. That seemed very strange advice at the time. Later, when I studied psychology in college, I learned that people are not comfortable with internal discord- that is, with their feelings and their actions being at odds with each other. They will either change their thoughts and feelings or their actions to bring them in line with each other.
So, when we go through the caretaking acts with our animals, it can help our internal feelings get into line with those of one who cares about others and is willing to reach out and be helpful. I think that if we let them, animals can teach us to be more compassionate, more empathetic, and more loving, even.
Now it's certainly true that some breeders work with animals for years and still manage to be a pain to everyone around them. But we if allow them to, I believe animals can help bring out the very best that we can be.
Laurie Stroupe
The Nature Trail Rabbitry
Holland Lops Of Distinction
Precious Pet Rabbits
Pet Rabbit Care Information, Quality Pet Rabbit Breeders, and Rabbit Fun
¶ 11:46 AM
That was just a small, non-monumental moment out of life, but it touched me. I loved the way my children were willing to pitch in. I love to see the care that goes into the animals. Or rather, I enjoy and appreciate the wonderful potential in people that caring for animals brings out.
I have read that children and teens who have pets are less likely to use illicit drugs. People who have pets live longer. I've always known intellectually that being involved with animals is a good thing. But now, I'm able to see many of the more subtle effects as well.
A pastor once told me years ago that to learn how to feel for other people, we should first act as though we care for them. That seemed very strange advice at the time. Later, when I studied psychology in college, I learned that people are not comfortable with internal discord- that is, with their feelings and their actions being at odds with each other. They will either change their thoughts and feelings or their actions to bring them in line with each other.
So, when we go through the caretaking acts with our animals, it can help our internal feelings get into line with those of one who cares about others and is willing to reach out and be helpful. I think that if we let them, animals can teach us to be more compassionate, more empathetic, and more loving, even.
Now it's certainly true that some breeders work with animals for years and still manage to be a pain to everyone around them. But we if allow them to, I believe animals can help bring out the very best that we can be.
Laurie Stroupe
The Nature Trail Rabbitry
Holland Lops Of Distinction
Precious Pet Rabbits
Pet Rabbit Care Information, Quality Pet Rabbit Breeders, and Rabbit Fun
¶ 11:46 AM
