(Madisyn Taylor)
Since prehistoric times, animals have acted as companions to humans on their journey toward enlightenment. Animals as disparate in character as house pets, birds, sea creatures, and insects have been our mentors, teachers, and guides. There is much we can learn from animals as they offer us the unique opportunity to transcend the human perspective. Unlike human teachers, animals can only impart their wisdom by example or by feelings we get from them. An animal teacher can be a beloved pet or an animal in the wild. You may even find yourself noticing the animals in your backyard. Even robins and bumblebees have lessons to share with you.
Animals teach us in a variety of ways about behaviour, habit, and instinct. House pets embody an unconditional love that remains unchanged in the face of our shape, size, age, race, or gender. They care little for the differences between us and simply enjoy loving and being loved. Our pets encourage us to let our guards down, have fun, and take advantage of every opportunity to enjoy life. You can also learn lessons from the animals you encounter in the wild if you take the time to observe their habits. Cold-blooded animals show us adaptability and sensitivity to one's environment. Mammals serve as examples of nurturing and playfulness. Animals that live in oceans, lakes, and rivers demonstrate the value of movement and grace. It is even possible to learn from insects that live in highly structured communities--everyone plays a vital role.
Animals teach us about life, death, survival, sacrifice, and responsibility.
My Thoughts:
Until I was in my forties I had always pets that were fully functioning. Right number of legs, no bits missing and ones that could see and hear. Then I adopted a little white border collie pup that was born deaf and blind It worried me that I would not be able to give her quality of life, or that she would never be happy and content. What I failed to comprehend was that as far as she was concerned dark and silent was a normal way of life. She knew no different and so just got on with things as any other animal would.
She got into mischief, she learnt to be house-trained, she played, she loved her food and most of all she loved going out on walks and meeting new people. Everything was ruled by touch and smell and she was amazing to watch.
The problems were more fundamental. Here condition was known as a double merle) due to the result of the irresponsible breeding of merle coloured dogs (the ones with the pretty splodge patches of colour on them) she suffered from fits. Not all do, but it is very common.
Once we lost her, we have had several more so-called dysfunctional animals as either foster dogs or our own.
Please see our website for more of our story.
The House of Misfits - https://houseofmisfits.weebly.com