How can we make the world a better place to live?  In a perfect world there is no suffering. What can we do to right the wrongs we see? I believe that it is up to us to continually strive to make the changes necessary to relieve as much suffering as possible.  So, if it were a perfect world, animals that are destined for the dinner table would not suffer in the process of providing us with food. 

Most people have heard the gruesome stories of how animals are treated on factory farms. Cows are castrated, de-horned, branded, and mutilated without pain killers. They live in filthy, overcrowded pens, are fed an artificial diet with hormones and antibiotics, are not allowed exercise and are separated from their calves at birth. Chicken, pigs and other animals are subject to the same inhumane treatment that causes them to suffer throughout their lives.

Publisher's Description: A boy and his dog, girls and their horses — the clichés click because they’re so often true. But some kids do more than play with their pets, and some animals do more than fetch and purr. These kids and animals love unconditionally, and through that love, the condition of each is transformed. This collection is for animal lovers of all ages — and for anyone who wants to smile or needs to heal. You’ll meet:

* Ricochet, the golden retriever who surfs in charity events to raise money for children with disabilities

* Casper, the rabbit who helps a boy sleep through the night in his foster home

* Sparkles, the Dalmatian whose fire-safety lesson saves the lives of a five-year-old and her father

* Snazzy, the black pony who helps a boy learn to talk

* Cocoa puff, the guinea pig who loves hearing children read

Because “grieving for an animal can be a pretty lonely place,” Barbara Abercrombie created this joyful, poignant, funny, and smart collection of commiseration. Readers meet the cat who entered a neighbor’s window and got in bed with strangers, the dog who demanded down pillows, and even a coyote who became part of the family. The essays highlight the sometimes surprising things animals add to a household — and how their loss reverberates.

and How They Can Heal You

Publisher's Description:

An investigation into animals and past-life healing, this work delves deep into the profound connections between people and their non-human companions. Using groundbreaking case studies of animals reincarnating in order to heal and release the past life traumas between them and their human counterparts, this book explains how animals travel through time with people in different guises to help them on their soul journeys. 

From an animal therapist with expertise in pet and human regression, this guide instructs on accepting physical and emotional healing from pets and how to relieve the trauma of bereavement by recognizing past animals’ past incarnations. Filled with inspiration and compassion, this resource will bring comfort to anyone who has felt the devastation of losing a pet.

Publishers Description: This wonderfully unique collaboration brings together two masters of their fields, joining original words by spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle with delightful illustrations by Patrick McDonnell, the creator of the acclaimed comic strip MUTTS. Every heartwarming page provokes thought, insight, and smiling reverence for all beings and each moment.

More than a collection of witty and charming drawings, the marriage of Patrick McDonnell's art and Eckhart Tolle's words conveys a profound love of nature, of animals, of humans, of all life-forms. Guardians of Being celebrates and reminds us of not only the oneness of all life but also the wonder and joy to be found in the present moment, amid the beauty we sometimes forget to notice all around us.

3 Hawks--

I am a fairly small four legged animal that can be found in nearly any neighborhood or area of this nation. I have learned to adapt to just about any living condition and food situation you can imagine. My fur is grey and black with some white mixed in here and there. I have rings on my tail, a natural mask on my face and I do most of my work at night. Yes, I am the Raccoon!

Are you the curious type?  I certainly am! Actually, there are many things that you and I have in common and me being the social type I am more than happy to share these things with you so that when you see me or some of my family members you may understand and appreciate us a bit more. That I work at night and have this mask has earned me the dubious distinction of being called a 'bandit' or 'thief'. But I see myself like your movie character Zorro! Why? Well, because I can charm you all the while I am taking things from you or your home. I should warn you though.....please don't feed any of us if we are around because if you do we may get dependent on your food and we can get pretty angry and destructive if you take it away all of a sudden. Besides, by not feeding us we will do our job to help keep the natural order of things in balance.