My children once explained to me that although animals share our world, we treat them as inferior instead of as different. O yes they argued humans think we are vastly superior, so clever, so advanced. But we are wrong they said, all the beings on the planet are just different versions of life, intelligence, adaptation. Each have special skills and advantages. The sense of smell in a dog is 40 times bigger than ours, just for one example. In fact the lads always believed that dolphins might even be superior to all life forms…..
They knew more about it, being closer to animals than I ever was. They slept with them, they kept them in the pockets, under their jackets, about their person. They kissed them and talked to them. They dressed them up in clothes and fed them with a spoon. They studied them.
When they faced me with deeper philosophical teachings like this, most of the time I was willing to learn.
Now looking into the eyes of animals I feel apologetic for all our human superior attitudes and ignorance. They look back into my eyes as if they are listening intently, but especially if we have never been introduced, they look kind of wary……..and who could blame them…..
So much truth in your words, children are usually more in tune with their animal friends than we are. I even remember talking to my cat when I was a child. Beautiful captures too 😉
O yes talking to the cat, I still do that!!
Great. I was so close to animals when I was young, not so much now, which I regret. Love the cat too. Miaow
Miaow, always wondered how to spell that Clare, I think you are still close to sea creatures, from what I've heard:~)
Lovely and so true, as I am realising… you learn a lot from listening to children and looking at the world through their eyes ;0)
Yes Naomi they certainly seem to be in tune with the world in a special way…..
So true – we have such special bonds with animals and children especially as they grow up with them in their lives – they have a certian respect.
I think so too! It's all in there learning to nurture, to care and how to make friends……
The wisdom of children. The more I "know" animals the more humbled I become.
Yes! Humbled is the perfect word for it Jenny:~))
I think the same too, for some reason I always feel sorry for animals! We do think we are superior! However they have instincts which we do not have… they can do lots that we can't do… It's as if they are trying to communicate with us but we just can't figure out what they want… does that make sense. So instance, every time I see a donkey I think they are sad, am I just weird? Yes maybe so…
All things nice…
Funny you should say that about donkeys. I had a nice photo of a donkey in this post but he looked so sad that I started to feel he might have been abused or something and I took him out!! So I have learned something, maybe they just LOOK sad?
This is all so true, how I wish that animals weren't so badly treated by some.
Sarah x
I suppose mutual respect would be a good place to start…..thanks….
Lovely photographs and words, as always. I can identify totally with your children's views about dogs, in particular. I reckon I'm still a 'big child' in terms of dogs' eyes, empathy and intellect. Amazing creatures!
Thanks Jean, they are amazing! And cuddly……
Zooooooot – tres lovely.
Merci!!
I'm a big believer in the intelligence of animals. Is that a border collie? Or an Aussie? I have an Aussie (Australian Shepherd) – who I sometimes believe is smarter than any of us. Alert and aware..and so fully alive!! Beautiful thoughts and images!!!
Thanks Marcie, she is what we call a "Shep" and is actually a working dog. So I'd say closer to a Border Collie but with a bit of something else throw in…..she lives on the farm next door……
If only they could talk… they would probably speak more sense and more kindness than many humans.
Some animals certainly seem to have great empathy and raise our endorphin levels just by hanging out with us, hence they have started to use dogs in the treatment of long term hospital patients…..thanks Mairead:~)
Dogs and horses – they enter your soul. Such spiritual & intuitive creatures, I feel dumb in comparison. They read my mood, share my tears and their love knows no bounds – nor mine for them. I'm constantly amazed by the intelligence of Flora my puddleduck, too – I'm trying to learn her language – it takes time. Lovely photos.
Ah how nice…….must be a challenge to learn puddleduck…….thanks and good luck with it:~))
Oh if only we could hang on to the wisdom of childhood – and your children are very wise.
I thing we humans forget we are animals too…
Anna :o]
Thanks Anna, I think I agree::~))
A tender post. From the splendid photos to the inspired narrative, well done!
Ah yes , I love that word tender…..thank you Deb:~)
As I discovered the visitors in my garden, I started to understand just what your boys were saying…that is why I garden for wildlife now…I am fascinated by the insects as well as the bigger creatures. I love to talk to them. I respect them and share my space with them. I am honored they visit and share the space with me too.
I know Donna, and that's why I love visiting your garden blog, it is very important to show that basic respect and I think we gardeners get it back in spades:~))
Your photos are really gorgeous. I understand what your children were saying, I have grown up between animals on a farm and as a child was always talking to cows in the cowshed in winter. It was as if they understood me, horses are also very intelligent, but most intelligent are sheepdogs. I have one and it is as if we talk together, he understands everything, he is always with me, it's me and my shadow.
I love that you have a sheepdog, they are amazing. The one in the photo is a working dog and it fascinates me to see that other side of his character, so responsible and skilled. Thanks Janneke:~))
Truly beautiful photos! And, I think children teach us so much!
I agree I think they do! If only we would listen:~))
"A little child shall lead them" comes to mind, Catherine. I didn't grow up with animals (too many kids, I guess?!) but I find myself connecting with them a lot as I get older.
I had to laugh about the sad donkey comment and reply. Think about Eeyore's personality in Winnie the Pooh books. HA! Maybe they really ARE that way "by nature?" 🙂
And the "working" border collie…I have seen first hand here in the Netherlands whenever the sheepherder comes around. I could spend a day watching the dogs alone. They find so much JOY in herding the sheep. It's like this is what they were made for!
Ginnie, thank you for reminding me of Eeyore! I suspect donkeys are just as happy or sad as all the other animals but those eyes certainly confuse me! But dogs…… yes they are the happy smiling ones, most of the time:~))
Animals are a blessing in our lives…
Thank you for that Madge….
Hello Catherine
What beautiful images you have captured here.
I can hear your children say "Mum, we told you so" As I write my dog, Spice Girl is giving me the eye.
Helen xx
Haha! Brilliant Helen, I know exactly that eye!!
What a great change from the usual blog portraiture! And the basis of your writing is just too true…
Beautiful pics.
I always feel we can learn a lot from animals.
I am just in love with that white horse and his precious nose! And you're absolutely right—I see no lack of depth or inferiority in their eyes. Each one contains the wisdom of the ages : )
Oh, so very true. These photos are amazing and your children were right. This is all about biological diversity, not about superiority. We, human beings, are so arrogant… but every single living creature matters and tells us about different -and valuable- ways to experience reality