A Spiritually Enlightening Online Magazine. May's Theme: "Appreciation"
Volume 5 Issue 4 ISSN# 1708-3265

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Illuminations Aleesha Stephenson About the Cover Sheree Rehema The Bookshop Chapter Eight - The Conclusion Jennifer Kusz Little Nuggets of Gold Rev. Cheryl Jewett A Sense of Gratitude Marlene Buffa Destination Sun: The Road to Pure Joy Victoria Christian Dancing With The Masters Dj Brown Transformed by Divo Alegria Imperial New Species Gets My Name! David Suzuki PhD Outstanding Women In Buddhism Award Jacqueline Kramer My 9-Year-Old is Shaving Her Head for A Great Cause! Lee Nicholas Lifetalks Dawn Baumann Brunke Walk Your Talk Aleesha Stephenson Life in the Raw Melissa Gilbert Wyrd Lynx John Sacelli Being Mindful Janet Alston Jackson Pet-sense Jean Hofve DVM Meditate a Moment Featuring: Aleesha Stephenson Green For Life Victoria Boutenko Anger Thich Hnat Hanh The Shimmering World Living Meditation Steven Harrison Chia Seeds The Raw Food World Raw For Life DVD Vita-Mix Appliance

Appreciation seems like such a "human" emotion, yet animals are some of the most appreciative beings on earth.

If you ever talk to anyone who does rescue or shelter work, you'll hear it said that many animals, particularly sick or injured ones, seem to understand and appreciate what's being done for them, even when what's being done is painful or distressing.

One of the reasons why dogs are such popular companion animals is that they appreciate—with gusto—even the most mundane events. You come home from work, and your dog is ecstatic to see you; that's appreciation! You touch the leash, dish out the food, toss a stick—your dog is ecstatic—isn't appreciation great?

You extend a hand to your cat, and she twines around your legs, purring like a NASCAR engine; that, too, is appreciation!

Animals do everything for us. They give everything to us. Animals give their love, their trust, their bodies, and their lives—not just the pets in our homes, but animals help save our lives with medicines that were tested on them, they clothe us, and they feed our families with their milk, eggs, and meat. My animal communicator friend says that domestic animals willingly entered a partnership with humans to do exactly this. In earlier times, humans acknowledged the many sacrifices animals made on our behalf. But in this modern age, much of what they have received in return is cruelty and exploitation.

So when you use an animal product—whether it be milk in your tea, a burger for dinner, musk in your perfume, leathers, feathers, or the abalone shell you burn your smudging herbs in—always take a moment to appreciate the life of the animal who gave it to you, and say a word of thanks. Doing this even once a day will raise your consciousness in a dramatic fashion and the energy will be received, and appreciated, by the animal.

Since our animal companions appreciate us so much, how can we show some appreciation to animals in return? Here are a few ideas:

• Make a donation of pet food, towels (get lots at a thrift store or yard sale), or laundry detergent to your local shelter; call to see what they need the most.
• Volunteer to talk to an elementary school class about animals. If you have a child-friendly dog or cat, bring them along for a visit and 5-minute talk on pet care. Kids and teachers would love it!
• Take action on a campaign for your favourite animal group, such as Humane Society of the United States, ASPCA, RSPCA, British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection, Animal Protection Institute, In Defense of Animals, or other organization. It may be a simple as signing a petition or sending an email—just a few minutes of your time will help.
• Make sandwiches or cookies to drop off at your veterinarian's office. Vets and their staff are always hungry!
• Plant a butterfly or hummingbird garden.
• Microchip your pets; it's great "insurance" in case your pet ever gets lost.
• Learn about compassionate shopping; avoid products that are tested on animals.
• Adopt an adult dog or cat. Puppies and kittens are easy to find homes for; but older pets are the ones who will truly appreciate your love!

Appreciation is an expression of gratitude. It is also an expression of unconditional love. Who among us can't use more of that? Come on, spread it around!

Dr. Jean Hofve recently retired from holistic veterinary practice, but still writes and consults on holistic health and nutrition. She is a Medicine Woman of the Mountain Wind Lodge Nemenhah Band and Native American Traditional Organization (Oklevueha Native American Church of Sanpete). She founded SpiritEssence in 1995, which remains the only line of essence formulas for animals created by a veterinarian. For more information on pet health, nutrition, and behaviour, please visit the free article library at www.littlebigcat.com.

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Any advice given is for informational purposes only.