I was at Stratford-Upon Avon last July when I saw a dog, resting by the side of the Avon River, and looking intently at the waters as though he was contemplating something. Perhaps he was thinking of this world where he lives, thankful to have a home and a loving family to care for him. Perhaps he was wishing that human beings could be more compassionate to his kind all over the world.
Yes, there are many stray dogs and cats in this world. Once in Yangon, I saw a grey dog all skin and bones standing in front of a lady selling food. He looked a pedigree breed yet sadly, homeless.
In Nepal I saw a number of scruffy looking stray dogs at the Durbar Square in Kathmandu. They seem to be able to sense a good soul and would follow them hoping for food, or in one case, standing very close by an old lady, herself a beggar.
In Kota Bharu, Malaysia, I saw a Maltese, its white coat dirty, being exposed to the elements, sitting outside a coffee shop, probably abandoned. You could tell he was once loved in a home with a family, as he was so unsure of himself. Each time someone came out of the coffee shop, he would look up imploringly and follow the person a few steps to see if he was picked up. Each time his hope was dashed, and he would walk back, dejected and sad, to the front of the coffee shop.
My heart goes out to all the homeless dogs. In the newspaper report recently in Singapore, the dog shelters are all full to capacity and they had to turn down people who, when the "cute puppy" novelty wears off, and tired of their dogs, want to send them there. The waiting list is 6 months. Many owners unfortunately cannot wait six months and that is when they abandon their dogs to the streets. It's a very sad situation.
A pet, I was told, brings out the best in a person. Responsibility, caring, loving, sacrifice - these are attributes that make a person grow in maturity, sensitive to the needs of others. The same attributes that you build up when you care for a pet dog; attributes that you would want your children to learn and acquire.
A nation is judged by the way its society treats animals, which are also created by God for man to have dominance over them. A responsibility called for by the Divine, not only to care for our animals, but for all the gifts of Mother Nature, so freely given. In upholding this responsibility, our children will see and learn from us, so that together, we will leave a better, more compassionate world for their children and their children's children.
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened"
Anatole France
French Poet and Novelist
