Caring for Animals - A Core Value

In Forbes, David Whelan tells about spine surgeon, medical instrument inventor, aggressive patent protector, billionaire and philanthropist, Gary Michelson. Michelson really cares about animals and is investing in science to reduce the number killed by animal shelters and those lost from their owners. In his tough childhood, his dog was a source of comfort. His caring for animals is a core value for him.

I am glad there are people like David Whelan in our world; people who have the means to do more than most of us can and are giving to causes that are important to them, that help those who cannot help themselves. Clearly animals are dependent upon us humans, in one way or another, for their well-being. Not all humans do such a great job at caring for or respecting the lives or these wonderful creatures. Many, however, do. I love animals. Maybe not all animals – snakes, for example really give me the heebie jeebies – but I do find just about all, if not all, animals fascinating and interesting and many I fight outright lovable.

I’ve had pets ever since I was about 4. After seeing 101 Dalmatians I just had to have my very own Dalmatian. One day at a pet shop (which were common then, not so much now and I know they are not good places to get pets) I saw a black and white toy fox terrier in its kennel and I announced, “Look! A baby Dalmatian!” My mother jumped on the opportunity and bought us the dog. She was not on board with what she thought would have been a dog that was too big and perhaps not great with children. I suppose I loved that dog so much that I never asked where her spots were or why she didn’t grow to the size Pongo or Perdita were in the movie. From then on we always had dogs. And other pets – cats, a rabbit and a horse.

Most of the animals I grew up with were strays. We lived out in the country on a gravel road with farms and houses on many acres that were mostly not within view of our road– a great place for unwanted pets to be dropped off by uncaring, cruel people who no longer wanted them or could no longer care for them. There was a pregnant cat who had three kittens and a pregnant dog who had three pups. At one time I believe we had 7 or 8 dogs and 5 or 6 cats at the same time. Crazy, I know, but at least we had the property to allow them all to run around quite freely. We were able to give them a good life. Every time we took in a stray we intended to find it a home but we became almost instantly attached to the animals and we couldn’t part from them. They brought us joy, laughter, love and heartache. The emotions I felt towards those pets were as real and as strong as any I’ve ever had. They were my friends, they were my family, they were loves of my life.

Caring about animals is absolutely a core value of mine. I donate regularly to several animal organizations and sporadically to others when I am able. I’ve picked up dogs running loose and helped them find their way home. My husband and I actually witnessed someone drop off a dog on my parents’ road when leaving their house one day after a visit. We were able to get the dog into our car, arrange for its veterinary care and found it a home. I cannot pass by a dog without giving it a little attention (I ask, of course, if I am a stranger to the dog). I’m clearly a dog lover but I care about wildlife as well. It’s their Earth too. And they were here first. We need to be mindful of all creatures as we develop our world, as we do things that can harm their habitats. These creatures are innocent, natural beings. They have no power over us humans but we have great power over them. We have a responsibility to not abuse that power, to not do harm to them.

I need little motivation to practice caring for animals. It’s deep within me. Every kiss and snuggle from my dog helps ensures it stays that way. Every time I watch a Nature show on PBS or witness the awesome footage in the Planet Earth series I am further certain I will continue to support and care about animals. They have given me, I think, a greater capacity to care and love and laugh than I would have had otherwise. And for all they have given and will continue to give to me I owe them as much as I can give back.

Is caring about animals a core value for you? What motivates the practice of this value?