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What makes some of us humans want to connect with and care for animals, particularly wild animals? Is it that they force us to try and understand in different ways? Is it that we must find new and varying ways to communicate? Is it their silent confidence or elusive mystery? Is it that they sometimes allow us to remain in their presence? Whatever it is, I am thankful that it happens to me!
Observations and encounters with animals has enriched my life. Beyond my emotions of wanting to help them, I have been motivated to learn what they need and prefer. I have learned some cool stuff, but I have been able to actually help some animals in need. I was in a debate with someone who imagines that animals prefer what they prefer, which is usually not the case. That person operated on pure emotion and their “help” actually causes potential harm to the very creatures they want to help. It’s a form of anthropomorphism that borders on obsession, and not in a good way (I have a passion for saving tigers and alligators that might border on obsession, but it’s beneficial and not harmful)! Other people sometimes want to dominate and kill wild animals—whether it’s out of fear or a desire to feel superior in some way. That is equally as harmful and destructive. My hope and prayer is that all people learn about wildlife and learn to coexist with wildlife. My hope is that they will help animals in need, not harm them. There is constant debate over how to carry out conservation. Is it kind to hunt deer to prevent overpopulation? Where do humans fit in the food web if they choose to eat meat? I don’t have all the answers. But I know that humans can do better. We can preserve habitat. We can reduce waste, litter, pollution, and other harmful acts, if we just look outside ourselves. If we stop and think, “Is this good for wildlife”, we can make better choices. That’s a great start! And we can educate each other and encourage one another to do the right things in smart ways. We can open our minds and hearts. When wildlife prospers, so do we! I just received an email from an author I admire, who raised an orphaned coyote and gave him the best life possible until his last breath. She put her entire self into raising and caring for that creature. After passing, she mourned for a solid year-and-a-half. I wrote back and told her I felt similarly after losing my German Shepherd Freya. I have mourned the loss of every animal friend I’ve ever known. Lisa of Alligator Alliance asked me if I believe that we will see our animal friends in Heaven when we pass on. I wholeheartedly believe so! First, Heaven is said to be a place of eternal joy. So, they must be there! Also, I have taken pets to Blessings of the Animals at various churches. One pastor opened such a service with “I believe that in Heaven, there will be beer and dogs” (He was of German descent. They often drink beer as Southern Americans drink sweet tea). Finally, there have been a number of reports by people who have flat-lined and been revived of them seeing loved ones in Heaven, including pets, and Jesus, too! One such account was given by Roy of Siegfried and Roy. I am someone who has Native American ancestry, and my faith is Christian. My spirituality is a combination of both, and my family has raised me to love and care for all living beings. I am also a student of biology and zoology. I learn new and amazing facts about life on this planet all the time! So, do I think all animals go to Heaven? Yes! I believe they have spirits or souls—an awareness of being. They are masterpiece designs of God. In the Bible, it mentions that the lion and leopard and lamb will all live in harmony in Heaven. So, whether it is a beloved companion pet or wild gator, I believe it has a place in Heaven when it leaves this earth. As with all angels, I believe our beloved animal friends who have crossed over not only watch over us and protect us, but they also send us reminders and signs of their love. A year after Freya had passed, I was feeling sad in a moment and suddenly smelled her scent and felt warmth all around. I thought of her and felt comforted. So, while it is a gift to experience a connection and bond with an animal, it does make it harder to lose them. But it is also a gift to have the hope that you’ll see them again one day, and that they are always with you. They are forever a part of you. We can honor our angels in a number of ways. Lisa mentioned that she and her husband John started a foundation in memory of their cat Lambert. We can help other animals or people in need in honor of our angels! Living our best lives, taking good care of ourselves and others, and remembering them fondly are other ways to pay tribute. The gifts are endless!  Today, it warmed my heart when a group of kids came to me with a little tree frog that they wanted to help. It was in a high traffic area of a playground, and they were concerned that it might get trampled by kids at play who might overlook the tiny frog. One of the kids, whom I know to be very interested in wildlife and good at gentle capture, joined hands with me. Together we held the frog, so it would not escape. We found a suitable branch and leaf for the critter, far enough away from any crowds. The frog jumped onto the kid’s shirt, as if to show its gratitude, and then into his palm. The frog then slowly climbed up onto the tree branch. The kids all cheered and returned to the playground, happy. This got me thinking that the key to future conservation of wildlife and habitats is in teaching young people to value, respect, and act kindly towards nature. Today, I saw it in action! Whether its tree frogs, alligators, orangutans, or dolphins, we need to consider wildlife’s well being in all that we do. Let’s not only share this message with other adults. Let’s teach the next generations, as well!  |
