Grade 6 Unit 2 EA 2
The Love of Animals
“People and animals are supposed to be together” (Temple Grandin). Mankind has always
depended on animals for survival: as a source of food, as a means to work, and as fierce protectors.
Eventually, humans began to watch these beings more intently, taking note of peculiar personalities and
interesting behaviors. Some animals were even tamed, and these “pets” became a part of the family,
forming strong bonds with their owners. In all cases, humanity has forever been intimately intertwined
with the animal kingdom. We have a fascination with them, and through observing and interacting with
animals, we learn valuable lessons on perseverance, selflessness, and unconditional love.
We’ve all heard them…stories upon stories about animals who don’t give up. The ant who
works to build up food for the winter, the tortoise that slowly but surely wins his race, or Milo and Otis
who walk through snow and ice to find their way home. Animals are the most resilient creatures on
earth; they adapt and evolve as the conditions and circumstances around them change. Humans are
continuously amazed at the perseverance of animals. With the advancement of science and
technology, veterinarians have seen first-hand just how quickly animals can overcome obstacles. For
example, Winter, a dolphin at Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida, was found in a lagoon, caught in a
crab trab line at only three months old. It destroyed her entire tail and two lower vertebrae. Seeing
her innate fight to survive, doctors and marine mammal trainers fit Winter with a prosthetic tail and
began to rehabilitate her, though odds were not good. After months passed, Winter began eating and
swimming well with her new tail. The aquarium vets claim that Winter's “energy and ability to adapt to
her new physical form has surpassed the expectations of many experts.” Similarly, cats, dogs, horses,
and even kangaroos and elephants have been successfully fitted with prosthetic limbs, but the speedy
recovery astonishes surgeons. "It's not like when a person loses their leg," explains Susan Marino of
Angel's Gate Rescue. "Animals are extremely adaptable and we've seen dogs and cats that make the
adjustment immediately” without holding back or being scared. Animals don’t worry about looking
different or spend time longing for the past; they take what life has handed them and move forward,
expressing sheer joy for simply being alive. Humans can learn so much from observing the tenacity and
perseverance of animals.
Furthermore, society can gain incredible insight by observing the selflessness of animals. Some
were designed to protect and serve. Iconic four-legged heroes, Lassie and Old Yeller, displayed
sacrificial devotion as they defended their loved ones at all costs. Much like these fictional characters,
there are real superstars in the animal kingdom that give their lives daily to serve and protect. Temple
Grandin tells of a dog named Max, who monitored his owner’s glucose levels and woke her husband if
they fell too low. Seeing eye dogs are equally faithful. These disciplined companions remain alert and
by their master’s side at all times, forgoing the behaviors most dogs enjoy, such as romping through
yards, digging holes, and chasing cats. Humans are innately selfish; we must make intentional decisions
to deny our desires or put ourselves at risk to serve another. Animals do this instinctively, without
contemplating the sacrifice they will be making. In 1996, a mother gorilla saved a little boy’s life after he
fell twenty feet into the ape exhibit at a Chicago zoo. Carrying her own baby on her back, Binti Jua
scooped the unconscious boy up, cradled him in her arms, and shielded him from other hostile gorillas
(New York Times). This act of courage inspired millions of people who heard the story. We can learn
much about selfless giving by watching how readily and joyfully an animal serves and protects.
Finally, our lives can be improved by building relationships with animals. Countless anecdotal
stories and memoirs demonstrate an animal’s ability to show compassion and love unconditionally. In
his memoir, Saying Farewell to a Faithful Pal, John Grogan recounts the time his wife came home from
the doctor after a miscarriage, and their dog Marley “gently rested his blocky head in her lap and just
whimpered,” as if he knew that she was hurting. Years ago, my own Chihuahua, Wiley, climbed into my
lap as I wept over the loss of my father. Resting his tiny paws on my shoulders, warm belly against my
chest, he gently licked the salty tears from my cheeks with big sad eyes. The sympathy shown by both
of these dogs was unrestrained and sincere. And having Wiley share in my grief somehow helped to
calm my soul and comfort my heart. According to the Research Center for Human/Animal Interaction,
interacting with animals releases the hormone oxytocin, which creates a feeling a happiness and safety.
This is why animal assisted therapy has become more popular lately. Dogs, cats, horses, and even
donkeys have been used by psychologists and doctors in hospitals and clinical settings to help children
and adults work through a traumatic experience or learn social skills. Animals accept us as we are, free
of judgment or stereotypes. In “My Story”, Grandin says, “Animals kept me going.” When no one else
understood her, the bond she formed with horses was special. Anatole France captured the true beauty
of human/ animal relationships in her quote, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of the soul remains
unawakened.” Interacting with animals and discovering the way they love unconditionally can certainly
improve one’s quality of life.
Best said in the words of American author Benjamin Hoff, “Lots of people talk to animals. Not
very many listen, though.” Animals clearly have a way of improving our lives physically and emotionally.
They overcome obstacles, give freely of themselves, and show undeniable compassion; these are
teachings many of us can use. Our lives will be the ones forever changed, if only we take the time to
share our life with them and listen to what they have to say.