Importance

“Our task must be to free ourselves… by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty”
- Albert Einstein
Wherever you go, occurrences of animal cruelty and violence is happening. Chances are that you have witnessed at least one happening; the question is, what did you do about it? Most people believe it's "not their business". Others don't see the importance of standing up for creatures that can't do it for themselves. This is the definition of compassion. Sure, everything on the earth is technically "living". Companions are the animals that help us in our everyday lives, whether we realize it or not. They are just like us humans, when you kick them, they might fall, they hurt. They have feelings, it's just harder to convey because they don't speak the same language. As the dominant species, it is our job to help those who are unable, the ones below us on the food chain. Some may claim that it is survival for the fittest, but in today's world filled with technology and a growing population, that is becoming even more challenging. The point is, these animals are not just here for our own use, it's not up to us to be selfish. They give to us, we should give back.
Now I am not proclaiming the idea that animals shall be "equal" to humans. That just isn't possible, as all organisms are different. What I am saying is that humans should make an effort to be more caring for the other species that have a much harder life than we do. Even if it's just for dogs and cats, it takes little effort to be kind, and the reward is infinite.
I will tell you of my personal sightings of cruelty, stories I've heard on the news and I have witnessed later on.  Briefly I will tell you one. In July of 2012, I read about an incident that broke my heart. Basically, a four month old kitten was found in the neighboring state of Arizona buried alive in cement in a wet pipe up to his neck. When they found him, it was too late and the kitten later died. You can read the extensive report here. Obviously someone intentionally put a cat in concrete and left it there to suffer and die. This really saddens me because events like this happen every day. There is no other reason for this other than pure cruelty.
The philosophy is simple, it's the golden rule. Treat others they way you desire to be treated. "Put yourself in the other's shoes" as your mother would say. How would you feel to be that kitten? It never hurts to have some compassion.
This blog's purpose is to keep awareness for occurrences like this and encourage others to do something about this problem. I hope you feel informed and inspired to do the right thing.