Silent Companions

watch original V-Blog in Persian

Last night we had dinner at a dear friend's house. They are the most hospitable people and always treat us with generosity and warmth. They also happen to have three dogs. One is always quivering and they say it's because he's part Jack Russel; one has an incurable skin disease, which makes him untouchable and lonely; and one of them is quite large and was tied to a pole most of the night. Of him, all I heard was screams and wincing.

Now, I have a lot of friends with dogs. Most of them are never allowed in the house. In South Africa, the motive for getting a dog is often to maximize protection. So you find people buying vicious sounding dogs in order to scare potential thieves. Some buy dogs because their kids beg them to, others buy one on a whim. But one thing I know for sure is: bringing an animal into your home is a decision that needs to be taken very seriously. Unfortunately, more often than not, people who bring in animals neither have the time, nor the space, nor the love that is necessary to give to their four-legged companions.

Dogs, for example, need space. They need exercise, discipline, food, interaction and love. These are all components that most dogs I see around me don't seem to get at all. Last night was a great example. The family already owned two dogs, one of which had developed an incurable skin disease. Ironically, it had been the one that nobody in the family had spent time touching or petting much. Perhaps it was his body's reaction to a lack of warmth.

In my opinion the family was already overwhelmed with the two dogs it had, but for some reason they took on a third, bigger dog. That dog was still a puppy, hence in the prime of its time to run and play. But it was tied to a pole. When I asked the family how often they take him for a walk, the answer was 'not really'. But I did find out that he is allowed to run around their little garden when the guests are gone.

Now, some of us come from cultures where dogs and cats are disliked. In some countries people burn stray animals or throw things at them. In relation to those extremes, this family is more than kind to be providing a home for their three dogs. But if we forget our traditions and what we've been told and investigate the goodness of animals with our own eyes, we will see that there is so much joy to be found.

Having lived with my pavement-special, Rocky, for over a year, I can say that any cruelty towards animals is inhumane and undignified of the human station. We who have a soul, a conscience and wisdom should be above all compassionate to all created things. Dogs exemplify patience, uncompromising loyalty, a desire to protect you, unconditional love, instant obedience to their beloved master and are always happy to see you and run to you, no matter how rarely you give them attention, what you give them to eat or how terrible you look or smell! Tell me, how many humans do you know who exemplify these virtues?!

Of course there are some vicious, frustrated and aggressive animals, but they mostly reflect the upbringing by their owners. If you train and discipline your dog using positive reinforcement rather than punishment, you will witness the amazing fruits of your endeavors as you rear a happy, healthy and good-natured companion. If we learn to establish a harmonious relationship with our animals and our nature, then there is no way we can possibly be capable of harming another human soul.

In the Baha'i writings we are told:

"He (the true seeker) must show forth kindness to animals. How much more to his fellow man, Him who is endowed with the power of speech." - Baha'u'llah