"They are only animals."

I find it very interesting when people make the remark "It's only an animal." Luckily, no one has dared say this to my face about Sassy's cancer treatment, but I know this thought circulates out there quite freely not only about animal oncology but also in regard to people making 'too much' of a connection with their pet or animal companion. Somehow, the dominant paradigm in our culture is that animals are of lesser value than humans.

Of course, the extreme demonstration of this paradigm is exemplified in the Vick dogfighting case that recently broke in the news. The dogs in his dogfighting compound were so inhumanely conditioned in hatred, anger, and aggression, that all fifty of them will be euthanized by the Humane Society because there is little hope of their rehabilitation.

Another example of our devaluation of animals is the mainstream meat industry in America where chickens are crammed in cages so tight that they can't move and slowly go insane. Their beaks are sometimes cut off so as to stop them from damaging themselves or others in such constricted, insanity-producing conditions. I am not a PETA-card-carrying vegan by any means - I do eat animal protein and am grateful for the sustenance provided. However, I do think the Vick case and the extremes in the meat industry, reveal a very dark place in the capacity of humans to be quite frankly, very inhumane.

There is a very slippery slope from the statement "it's only an animal" to the extreme cases cited above.

So when people make remarks that "it's only an animal," or "why would you treat a cat for cancer?!!" I encourage them to examine their own psyche, and the value system that comes behind making such a statement. In my view, if you cannot show love and respect to a beautiful, innocent (and perfect - animals live in the present moment always and don't carry the emotional baggage, resentments, and so forth that humans carry) animal, then what does that say about your ability to love other humans and even yourself? Animals are so perceptive, loving, and unconditional in that love. They truly teach us every day what it means to live in the present moment and to cherish life.

Respecting animals and caring for their well-being is a starting point for a greater humanity. Rather than a sign of weakness or shortcoming, it is a sign of revery, compassion, and strength. What furry friend will you show love towards today?