While others had gushed at how cute the two husky pups were, he left a message telling me to get rid of the image and relating it to some porn comment. Now, please before anyone tells me to relax and so on, I know it was all said in a joking manner etc. That's not the point. Today when we were chatting, I was teasing him saying that I probably shouldn't be talking with him. He asked why and I told him about his comment and one thing led to another and he said he can't believe how sensitive I get about things that don't matter. And I shot back saying that just because they didn't matter to him, that didn't mean that they didn't matter to anyone else. (No, this didn't get to be an out of hand fight). Anyway, he then said that I was coming across as a person who cared more about animals than people. And for a second it made me pause and think. And then ofcourse I said, I guess I am. I'm not fighting it. And I realized that somehow I've become very passionate about animals. Me - the person who used to scream and run for dear life at the sight of a snake has had a python put around her neck, has stared at king cobras and boa constrictors in fascination at the Singapore Zoo. (Ok, I do feel shaky just thinking about the snakes). I, who literally ran screaming from a toy pomeranian, now own and smother with affection, a German Shepherd Dog. I, who called upon all and sundry to kill a spider, now follow a spider around and wonder how it can get by on those tiny thin legs and make sure I put it outside instead of having it hit with a paper, etc. You get the idea I'm sure. It's fascinating how a person can change. And just realizing this left me gobsmacked.
Now as for caring for animals more than people - there is truth to that statement. Especially when it is humans who are causing innocent animals a lot of harm. Then you're right, I don't give a damn about the people. For example take a look at this story about the treatment of Moon Bears in China. Or my previous post about treatment of dogs and cats in China. When I come across such stories, I cry. And I'm not embarassed by this reaction, nor do I make any apologies for it. I hate humans in that emotional moment and care more for the animals. I'm trying to do whatever small bit I can in making their world better, but I also know I'm not neglecting my loved ones. So I guess I'm balancing it out in my own way.
Anyway, thanks S for making me think about this. :) We should argue more often (not that we don't already). I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I react first and think later most often. It's not always good, but sometimes it works well.
7 comments:
Healthy thinking I say... I have had the same change actually. I always liked animals, and we used to have a dog when I was a kid, but I never really thought of them as anything else but animals. Not worthy in a way. Now I see them as defenceless creatures that could use some help and support before the big buffoons (I mean other humans) make them disappear from the face of the earth...
Discussions that make you think is always good!
Lovely pups indeed Vee:-)
Althought I agree on the love for animals part (became a veggie because of meat industry for human demand), I also guess you would feel the same love and compassion for a baby or little innocent child?? Could it be the innocence and dependence that attracts us so much?
Nerdine: Thanks for your support! :)
Dimitri: Oh I definitely feel the same amount of love concern and other emotions with regards to a baby or a little innocent child. You made me think! I know innocence is something that does attract me, because these days we find so little of it. And I think it's very important for children to have their innocence and childhood intact. But dependence... I don't think so. I know I like taking care of things but in these situations it's only because others are preying upon the helpless.
I agree there Vee, perhaps innocence and helplesness is a better way of describing what I meant. Whether a dog in distress or a child crying in panic, it would probably ring the same bell (with both of us :-)
Rightly said Dimitri. :)
You're a feeling person Vee - we need more our you. Sometimes I think we hone our humanity by how we relate to animals. Carrying our 15 year old Chihuahua outside so he can pee is my daily connection to a sort of humility and love - he wags his little tail and wiggles his feet as if he IS going up and down the stairs by himself.
Thanks a lot Gary. That comment made me feel really nice. :) You have a chihuahua? Awesome! What's his name? Poor thing's 15 years old eh? I bet he can use all the help he can get. I'm glad he's still got his pride around though. hehee
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