Years ago, I became friends with this dog, that I took care of for about three years, while his real guardian was sick. We were connected more deeply than I had ever been connected with any human. We had beautiful relationship of respect, care and compassion.
Aften we had to go separate ways, I decided I wanted to work with animals. In my mind, thought that I had a natural talent, and I didn't know what else I was going to do with my life. I then was adviced to apply to an agricultural school. It was awesome school, I loved it, mostly, and I am grateful of everything I learned. I got to work with amazing animals and people and had alot of good experiences. But I also came across things that I disagreed with. We were teached that we have to be leaders...
There are good leaders, that gain the trust and respect of the animal. But then there are bad leaders... You probably have heard that there are many aggressive people, basically bullies, working with (usually) horses. I think those people have lost the important connection, and they might hurt themselves, but also, I think that the horses are in danger as well.
When you are in a hurry to get the animals to do whatever you want them to do, there is no space or time to communicate or create a meaningful relationship.
With cows, we were supposed to hit them, to get them to the milking area. We were told that they won't feel it like humans would, and when we hesitated, the teachers laughed at us and said that new beginners always hesitate at first, but will learn eventually.
I had romanticised pictures, in my head, about misty contryside in the early morning, with pasturing cows being called inside for milking. Reality was litterally very sh*tty, the cows stayed inside for most of the year and weren't given much freedom at all. You can only imagine how hard it is to keep that kinda enclosure, full of large animals, clean.
I thought that there should be another way.
I think that when we are with animals, we should have a way to communicate both ways, instead of just concentrating on being a "leader" (which people often misunderstand), and time and space to properly care for "our" animals.
Most of you probably argue that there shouldn't be pets at all... In many ways you are right. It is unethical to position animals where they have none, or only little independence and are considered "property". It's very hard to take proper care of another living being, and many domesticated animals end up in horrible circumstances. That shouldn't be happening at all, and shouldn't have happened, ever.
Still, there are domesticated animals, (for example in shelters) that need humans to care for them. I think there is an opportunity to learn softer way of taking care of them, and reminding ourselves that listening goes both ways.
I think this is very beautiful, respectful way of communicating:
If you are interested, there is this documentary as well:
What do you think? I'd appreciate any thoughts, feelings, experiences, stories, documetaries etc. you can share.
Do you disagree with something? Then why? I'd be happy to learn from you.
I'm sorry if I'm rambling on about things that are probably obvious to most of you, but I'm just curious to raise conversation.
Oh... If you are upset about the title...yes, I know that humans are animals, too. But to make the title more understandable...
Aften we had to go separate ways, I decided I wanted to work with animals. In my mind, thought that I had a natural talent, and I didn't know what else I was going to do with my life. I then was adviced to apply to an agricultural school. It was awesome school, I loved it, mostly, and I am grateful of everything I learned. I got to work with amazing animals and people and had alot of good experiences. But I also came across things that I disagreed with. We were teached that we have to be leaders...
There are good leaders, that gain the trust and respect of the animal. But then there are bad leaders... You probably have heard that there are many aggressive people, basically bullies, working with (usually) horses. I think those people have lost the important connection, and they might hurt themselves, but also, I think that the horses are in danger as well.
When you are in a hurry to get the animals to do whatever you want them to do, there is no space or time to communicate or create a meaningful relationship.
With cows, we were supposed to hit them, to get them to the milking area. We were told that they won't feel it like humans would, and when we hesitated, the teachers laughed at us and said that new beginners always hesitate at first, but will learn eventually.
I had romanticised pictures, in my head, about misty contryside in the early morning, with pasturing cows being called inside for milking. Reality was litterally very sh*tty, the cows stayed inside for most of the year and weren't given much freedom at all. You can only imagine how hard it is to keep that kinda enclosure, full of large animals, clean.
I thought that there should be another way.
I think that when we are with animals, we should have a way to communicate both ways, instead of just concentrating on being a "leader" (which people often misunderstand), and time and space to properly care for "our" animals.
Most of you probably argue that there shouldn't be pets at all... In many ways you are right. It is unethical to position animals where they have none, or only little independence and are considered "property". It's very hard to take proper care of another living being, and many domesticated animals end up in horrible circumstances. That shouldn't be happening at all, and shouldn't have happened, ever.
Still, there are domesticated animals, (for example in shelters) that need humans to care for them. I think there is an opportunity to learn softer way of taking care of them, and reminding ourselves that listening goes both ways.
I think this is very beautiful, respectful way of communicating:
If you are interested, there is this documentary as well:
What do you think? I'd appreciate any thoughts, feelings, experiences, stories, documetaries etc. you can share.
Do you disagree with something? Then why? I'd be happy to learn from you.
I'm sorry if I'm rambling on about things that are probably obvious to most of you, but I'm just curious to raise conversation.
Oh... If you are upset about the title...yes, I know that humans are animals, too. But to make the title more understandable...
Last edited by a moderator:
