Critters and Us...

From Jim: A recurring conversation around here has to do with our relationship with the critters. We have come to understand and appreciate that we share this world with them and that they seem to see that too. We don't feel like "owners" or "masters", just other critters. We respect their differences from us and believe it is really unfair to expect them to be like us-to be "human". They're not, can't be, never will be. We have the cognitive capacity to recognize this and, thus, the obligation to behave correspondingly. The very fact that we can be accepted into their "culture" is profound, and to us deeply spiritual. The sanctuary is populated with all manner of creatures. There's the equines, of course. There are also the calves and goats. We have cats and dogs and chickens and guineas. We also are visited by a number of members of the wildlife community. They're not so welcoming of us, but they are still a part of this place. We try to get along with them-except for flies, mosquitoes, ticks, and so on. I suppose we're not to gracious to equine parasites either. On the other hand, the visiting song birds, wild turkeys, chorus frogs, raccoons and squirrels, and the ravens sure are fun to have around. The point is we don't see ourselves as superior beings. We're privileged to have a seat at the table. This old world would be a sad place without the critters that share it with us.