“The Weekly Bleat: Friends”

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“If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans.”  ~James Herriot, All Creatures Great and Small

sadie 2

Our beloved Sadie and Scout aren’t with us anymore, but we still think of them and miss them.  I love the sequence of pictures below which was taken about three years ago.  Sadie and Scout were such good friends, and their tenderness toward one another was often moving:  They were always together and seemed to enjoy keeping each other spotless as they took turns with their grooming.  Our Labrador Retriever mix, Sadie, was so easy going.  She would frequently give up her rawhide bone to Scout as he preferred a slightly chewed bone, since it was softer and easier to manage.  And, only after a bit of whining on Scout’s part, Sadie was always happy to oblige– nudging the bone with her nose in Scout’s direction.  Also, whenever Scout would get into trouble for digging in the yard, Sadie would walk over and stand between Scout and whoever was scolding him.  Sadie loved Scout as Scout loved Sadie.  They had many good years together and were a joy to each other as well as to our family.

Here’s the thing:  I truly believe animals have an inner life that’s not too different from our own. From what I’ve observed over the years, I’ve learned that these sentient beings experience most of the same emotions as we do.  I’m fortunate to have been around both farm and domestic animals my entire life.  I’ve seen the expression of anticipation, joy, and sadness in their faces and behavior, and in my opinion, it’s because of this emotional intelligence that they deserve our respect, consideration, and love.

“We have to understand that we are not the only beings on this planet with personalities and minds.” ~Jane Goodall

“Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way.” ~John Muir

Categories: Reflections on Farm Life, The Weekly Bleat

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  4. Your posts often make me miss the laid back life on the farm, the smell of grass and hay in the rich dampness of the evening and the morning hours, the dogs enjoying their home and lives … good stuff. Ancient. You cannot go wrong with a way off life that has been successful for millennia.

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