I foster with my local Humane Society. I find it rewarding! We are currently trying to raise money to build a shelter by selling small paw print tags, like the March of Dimes does, for a $1. I sent invites to friends hoping they can help out. I've had many friends accepting the invite. Which is wonderful! However several friends declined and one even sent me a nasty little message about it being a waste of money and resources and the animals that are strays should be euthanized. I was heart broken at such a comment! I couldn't believe that and asked for an explanation. I was then entered into a debate about animals having emotions and souls!!! Apparently some people believe animals don't have feelings and when they die they just die because they don't have souls. I've had several pets, not being a spring chicken anymore, in my life time. They all had their own personalities and personal quirks, many of them loved something others disliked! They showed every emotion, from happy to jealousy, that humans have! I've seen a mother give birth to a litter and mourn for the one who didn't make it, I've seen a cat sit for days and figure out child locks on a cabinet door where his treats were stored! I've seen animals that know how to communicate when they wanted something. To think that humans are the only animal with the ability to reason, or feel emotion, is the most self centered, egotistical rubbish I have ever heard! Animals feel a lot more than humans can, they mourn the loss of a human when no one else does. My belief is that animals of all kinds are a creation of the Goddess and God and are a creation of love! Since I believe in reincarnation I also hold a personal belief that our souls can sometimes be reborn as animals either as a reward or to learn a lesson. They deserve the same love and respect as humans! They could be an ancestor sent to watch over us. I would like to hear other's thoughts on this subject, just shoot me an email at dancingmooncoven@yahoo.com or join my group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/dancingmooncoven/ to discuss it.
Blessed Be
Lady Alice