In the book Pond a Connected Existence, caring for pets in listed as a sustaining activity for people. We are drawn to animals that can be domesticated, and they in turn learn to depend on us. The intertwined existence of people and domesticated animals requires careful observation and empathy by people who care for them.
A few days ago on one of my many lovely walks in L.A., I saw a woman walking several dogs of varying sizes. As I approached them, I saw that the largest dog had a rubber band holding his mouth shut. I also noticed that the supposed-to-be-caring dog walker looked very rushed. As we passed one another, I felt a surge of negativity and so I asked Spiritual Presence about what I had just witnessed. I witnessed injustice, cruelty, and selfishness.
This post is a reminder to people who live with or care for dogs. There are humane ways to prevent a dog from opening his mouth when being walked in public. Muzzles are not injustice and cruelty. Many are made in a somewhat comfortable way that allow the dog to have a somewhat normal experience when being walked.
If you or anyone you know puts a rubber band around a dog’s snout, know that the dog is experiencing injustice, cruelty, and loss of trust in humans. People should know better, and if they don’t then they shouldn’t be caring for dogs.
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