Photo of the Week #34: “Bond”

Photo of the Week #34: “Bond”

“Kindness is not a human exclusive trait. It is found in all creatures and my image depicts the close bond of mother and child.”-John Scott

This image was submitted to our 2017 Our World is Kind Photography Contest.

Photo of the Week #23: “When Winter Comes”

Photo of the Week #23: “When Winter Comes”

Photo and Text by Sandeep Sahani

“Varanasi, India. Migratory birds from Siberia fly several miles away from the cold Arctic regions and prefer warmer climate along the Gangetic belt. Several tourists from across the region flock to the ghats for bird watching. People like to feed the birds.  Bird feed is sold on the boats, they buy it and feed the birds.”

This image was submitted to our 2017 Our World is Kind Photography Contest.

Tails of Compassion: Kindness and Compassion in Animals

compassion from animals

We often hear about how humans should have more compassion towards animals. There are often stories in the news about unkind treatment of animals by humans. We were raised to respect our fellow animal friends and show compassion and love towards them. By taking them into our homes we are offering them a life that they deserve. But, what do we understand about compassion from animals?

As those with pets will attest, sometimes it is the animal that brings that extra spark of joy to our day. Our pets are there when we return home from a long day and are there during some of our roughest moments. Animals offer a type of compassion that is innate and pure.

“I live with five dogs in my house hold. Therefore everyday is full with love and compassion. I captured this photo because this dog acts more human than dog.” says Savannah Barth, photographer.

Many organizations exist that work with animals and use the compassion in animals to help those that are ill or in retirement homes. Organizations like Tails of Joy in Connecticut bring the kindness of animals and use it to bring joy and comfort to those in need.

“If having a soul means means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans.” – James Herriot

When animals are loved, they love you back

Like humans, animals clearly can show empathy and caring for others, including humans.  These are images from Waterford Country School, a unique school in Connecticut that, as part its mission, takes in injured or disabled animals to give them shelter and rehabilitation.  Linda, one of the caretakers, clearly has an intimate relationship with the horse “Rusty Bucket” an abandoned horse taken in by WCS.  Not only does she actively love Rusty Bucket, but it is clear he loves her back.   As does Stormy the squirrel who Linda healed to get ready to go back into the wild.  Rick McPherson, the director of experiential education, came to Waterford Country School because “I was feeling a need to work with people instead of doing engineering work, I had no previous experience with animals, my love of animals developed here while working on the schools farm. ”

A cool aspect of WCS is that the rehabilitation of these animals is done by youngsters from the area who have significant social problems.  So while the animals get help, so do these kids.  For more info about WCS, please visit their site.