The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.
Mahatma Gandhi

Jan 30, 2010

But he bit me

This is a common story, an owner has a dog, that is very playful and never aggressive. Then one day out of the blue the dog bites the owner, attacks him. And the sad ending of the story, the dog is given away or killed. Humans are so blind that they always blame the animal, and are always shocked – how could this happened ? They even go over the edge “we had a beast under our roof”. The truth is, animals are unpredictable and can have better or worse days, just like humans. This may be considered as personification of animals, but it goes beyond doubt that animals can feel, they can be happy, scared, sad. They never attack without reason, even if the reason may be not understandable for humans. Besides, humans are far worse. They quarrel with each other, shout at their offspring, hit each other in rage or anger. From our point of view humans are scary, noisy creatures walking on two paws, and they are a threat. If every human who acts in rage were to put to sleep like the poor animals who just had a bad mood or act according to their instincts (hunting instinct is something all animals have, it is the driving force to survival, it may be dormant but it never fades, and humans should understand that), the world population would decrease by half or maybe more. If humans can act unpredictably and its generally accepted (here I omit all the human psychos and other criminals) why can’t animals ?

Note: the only exception would be animals that have rabies, then they are dangerous and act without reason. But its not like animals want to have that sickness, it just happens sometimes.

Jan 26, 2010

Toys rn’t us

I often wonder, what drives humans to have pets. Their looks ? Their cuteness ? It is beyond doubt that animals are beautiful, all kinds and races. Humans may be good looking or bad looking, and animals are always beautiful. But if looks are the reason, then pets are treated just like an object, like an accessory that looks good in the family pictures. I’m not saying that tamed, domestic animals are not given proper care and attention. I’m sure they are given food and care. But what was at first a cute ‘toy’ later becomes a burden, a problem. Especially during winter times and summer times. Winter times apply to dogs and all the animals that can’t use a toilet at home. Cats don’t have that problem. And its not dogs fault they can’t do it at home. Their owners should understand, but no, its cold outside it’s a problem. I often see owners taking their dogs for a walk during these very cold days, and they never look happy. But to be honest, nor do the dogs. Why ? Because in winter they are taken out not as often. And they hate being indoors all the time. Also, why is it that people living in flats, adopt large dogs ? That’s insanity. Large dog, small spaces, no freedom of movement. It is especially the case with Siberian Husky. I’ve seen many of those around, who’s owners live in flats, not houses with gardens, and I’ve seen their sad eyes. I’m not saying these dogs are not treated properly, they always look healthy and well groomed, but their eyes show the truth. Their spirit is often fading. During summer, all animals need to be strong. In Poland cases of pets being left by the road are numerous. Animal hotels aren’t cheap, and its easier to just leave them in a forest. Pets aren’t toys that you can throw out whenever you feel like. Furthermore, I think children are often not brought up properly around pets. They do treat them as toys, as something to cuddle, pat, observe, but the responsibility fades somewhere and usually parents are the one taking care of their pets. And after kids grow up, a dog or a cat become just your usual burden. I’m not saying it happens all the time, and I give my regards to all those animal lovers who get pets with conscious knowledge of responsibilities and suitable environments for particular animals. Humans should remember that large dogs require space and a lot of exercise, and even smaller dogs have to go out more than once a day. And don’t treat cats as toys, some races are submissive, just like humans can be, but it doesn’t mean they are fond of it all the time.

Jan 23, 2010

The story of pointy tail

There are numerous stray animals around neighborhoods in Poznan (Poland). Most of the time, they keep away from humans, minding their own business and struggling to survive. Pointy Tail was no different, with an exception. He was beautiful, and had that wise look in the eyes. He attracted attention. Hence some good hearted people fed him, and he never ran away from them. Also he always knew how to behave, never bit or scratched the hand that fed him, nor he attacked people. He was a real cat aristocrat with his tiger like pattern, dark grey with a white tip at the tail. Today he died. Somebody poisoned him and he died in agony. The culprit remains unknown. It makes me wonder - why? Why did somebody add poison to Pointy Tail's food ? That cat never did anybody harm. I guess, somebody didn't like his presence around. Its not like the neighborhood cats walk around your flats or houses, then what could possibly be the reason ? Some say, that stray animals spoil the surroundings (i.e. relieve themselves everywhere), but the same applies to domestic dogs that are taken out for a walk, and who's masters don't bother to clean after. And humans should remember, that its the only way the animals can do it. Outside. Humans invented toilets but animals were here first. If their stuff bothers humans, they should clean after them. Not kill them. That is only a speculation, I do not know the reason behind Pointy Tail's death. He mated a beautiful grey kitten, and their offspring will soon wander around this neighborhood. I hope they will live at peace.

Note: what I find disturbing is the accessibility and low prices of some rat poisons. Anybody can lay their hands on such products and poison any animal. I believe such chemicals should only be available to people working as professional pest terminators. Although it would be best, if they were never created at all. They are ways of getting rid of rats without killing them.


A word of introduction

I welcome you random visitor. If you wish, spare me a moment and open your eyes. I'd like to share my mind with you, about our surroundings and our little brethren - animals. People often take them for granted, treating them wrongly, hurting and abusing them. I hope that you, like me, can admire them. Let us enter this wonderful animal world and ponder about human cruelty. I will guide you through stories I come across, pictures I see, artwork I admire and thoughts I have. Me - a wolf in a human skin.