My animal observations and other comments

Here is my assignment for class:

Observations of the Clan

I awaken and there are eight clan members visible. Six members are feline, one is canine, and one is a rodent. In actuality, there are eight feline clan members, one canine, and three rodents. The six felines and solitary canine are all in various states of repose on my bed. The canine is a French Mastiff named Cosima. She weighs 130 pounds and she is snoring rather profusely. Her body is very relaxed and stretched out. The felines are each curled up into a ball and about 5 inches from one another. Truthfully, there is not much space remaining for me, but I somehow manage to snake my limbs around their bodies. I feel their body heat and the gentle movements of their breathing. The cats" names are Wooly, Ellie, Charlie, Osama, Chuckie, and Lottie. The other two cats named Tommy and Monkey are not present.
The three rodents are actually albino laboratory rats. They are Ruby, Lilly, and Billie. I can only see Ruby right now. She is sitting up in her cage and she is rather fat. This combination makes her appear like an ostrich egg. Her weakness for baked goods is rather apparent. I decide to get up and three or four cats jump off the bed. I pass the cage and in my high pitched "pet voice" I say, "Good morning, do you want breakfast?" to the rats. Now all three are visible and clamoring in the cage. I reach in and stroke each one softly. Lilly likes to grab my hand and bite, but ever so gently. I think about what they had for breakfast yesterday, and decide on a bran muffin for their repast today. I do not want them to be bored with their diet. The rats settle in on their breakfast, and I turn my attention to the rest of the clan.
I move to the kitchen to get myself something to drink, and I am surrounded by cats. Chuck lets out a high pitched meow while Osama lets out a tiny sound that does not resemble most feline communications. I spend a moment petting each one and saying its name. Then I scoop some dry food into the bowls and move on. Cosima, the dog, is telling me with her eyes and boisterous jumping that she needs to go outside. I let her out and contemplate the clan and my relationship to it.
I am a Buddhist, and thus celebrate and cherish all life forms, especially the group of pets I affectionately call, "The Clan." And although there exists in the clan a definite hierarchy, with myself being at the top, each individual of the clan knows not only its position in the clan, but also, it knows that however high or low its ranking, it is secure, protected, and loved. Each member's physical and psychological needs are met on a daily basis. A variety of nutritious and interesting foods are offered, as well as an abundance of physical affection.
Each pet is viewed as an invaluable and irreplaceable member of the family. Cosima bumps the door and I let her in. Her big mustard-colored eyes plead for a snack. I grab a couple of liver treats and they delicately disappear into her colossal jaws. She has brown and white speckled paws the size of my hands and a head that is the largest in the canine kingdom. Her appearance is very intimidating, and people are constantly asking me a plethora of questions about her. "What kind of dog is that?" or "Is she friendly?" She is descended from the ancient Roman coliseum dogs, Molussers, Bulldogs, and French herding dogs. Her face looks like a humongous Bulldog, complete with piggy nose and wrinkles. Her intimidating exterior belies a gentle and loving soul.
And yes, I believe each member of the clan has a soul, a spirit, an essence, that goes beyond what many people believe. The dog, the cats, and even the rats are all sentient, intelligent and spiritual beings. I know this fact from both intuition and experience. I remember the day Wooly, the cat, attacked someone who was trying to hit me. I remember the day that Ruby, the rat, and I curled up in my bed to take a nap, our flesh pressed casually against each other. I remember the day Cosima, after being beaten, starved, and abused, looked into my eyes with an entirely new expression of trust and contentment.
My views about the animal kingdom are, I hope, not novel. I feel a profound connection to all species, of which my own pets are just a few examples. My connection to them is physical, emotional, and psychological. Each individual animal is unique and has an intrinsic right to exist. Their capabilities are vast and largely undiscovered and under appreciated.
Perhaps these are a few reasons why I cherish the members of the clan so thoroughly and profusely. Practically speaking, I have never been married and am somewhat of a hermit. The clan provides continuity, companionship, and entertainment. I am not lonely, but I feel certain that without the clan I would be. I am happy, comforted, and safe. My pets are happy, comforted, and safe. It is a truly lovely relationship.


On a totally different wavelength, I am really enjoying all the other postings. Our synergy as a group is palpable and strong. It makes me begin the believe that maybe we can turn this planet and the way we treat animals in a different direction. I feel completely comfortable saying anything. Well, that's all for now. See you Tuesday!!!