I know some animals who are treated better than people and some shamefully mistreated.
The Bible (God’s Word) cautions us all to remember animals are living creatures of God, though not on the same level as man. However, the responsibility and care of the animals to meet their needs are placed upon mankind. Genesis 1:28.
Proverbs 12:10 reads “A righteous man regarded the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.”
II Samuel 12:3 Nathan a prophet tells King David about a man that had a little ewe lamb he raised with his children. It ate his food and drank from his cup, even slept upon his chest like his own daughter did. This implies that in times of old, animals were house pets.
Matthew 15:27 speaks of a Canaanite woman who came to Jesus with a need for her daughter. The disciples said to send her away. Jesus said but I have come for the lost. This woman then came and worshiped, saying “Lord, help me.” Jesus answered, “It is not meet to take the children’s bread and cast it to “dogs”. Meaning she was not of his people. Her reply was, that is true, but the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. And her daughter was healed that hour, because of the Canaanite woman’s great faith in Jesus’ healing power.
Luke 16:21 we can see where the dogs had compassion caring for a man as one of their own. It tells of a beggar full of sores, and hungry, and that dogs came and licked his sores.
Exodus 23:11 & 12 it is written of Laws of human relations and Judgments, that people work their land and gather in its yield. But the seventh year let the land rest leaving some behind that poor people and animals may eat. It also says to work only six days and rest on the seventh day each week, including your animals that all might be refreshed. The Bible considers kindness to animals important as do I.
Something I would like to bring into a clearer understanding is found in the account of Noah and the ark. Genesis 7:2 states that of every CLEAN animal Noah took SEVEN. Three pairs of two, male and female, and one odd for sacrifice when the earth dried Genesis 8:14 & 20. The animals taken into the ark by two were animals that were NOT Clean.
Helpful Facts & Tips
SAFETY & HEALTH
Many plants and trees are poisonous to your pets. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has a list of these plants and trees on their University of Florida website. Phone: Poison Center 1-800-222-1222. The ASPCA has information at the ASPCA website.
Improve your pet’s digestion with wheatgrass, a natural digestive aid they may eat anytime by growing in a container indoors. Also safe to share are leafy greens and broccoli with both dogs, cats or any indoor pet.
Happy Juice, known as Flower Essences, such as Bach Rescue Remedy are great for relief of fear and anxiety. Put a few drops on your hands and rub the pet’s head and ears. You can even put a dropperful in a spray bottle and spritz to infuse the air.
Play therapy engages the cat’s mind, body and emotions. It taps into the deep hunter instincts and resolves a wide range of physical ailments and behavior problems. Regularly scheduled daily play of about 15 to 20 minutes will help with boredom during the day and before bedtime with stress free sleep.
There are many resources for pet health. Cesar Millan, one of the most sought-after authorities in the field of dog behavior and rehabilitation for more than 25 years has a new TV show, “Better Human Better Dog” now on National Geographic and Disney+. Check your local stations for time and day. He also has a website: cesarmilan. For books, check your local library or bookstore (in person or online). I recommend The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets, By Shawn Messonnier, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
Specifically for cats is CATSTER that specializes in all things cats, from behaviorial issues to nutrition to shopping. Jackson Galaxy has a TV show on Animal Planet with an ongoing approach to cat issues on My Cat from Hell. Check your local stations for day and time. He has a website – Jackson Galaxy.
Special homemade treats recipes for dogs. abound. Products with Xylitol or artificial sweeteners are toxic to dogs. Other ingredients to avoid are chocolate, nutmeg, or grapes/raisins. For a more comprehensive list of foods to avoid, visit the ASPCA site. The best ingredients should be organic, non-GMO ingredients.
MUSIC – SOUND THERAPY:
When sound travels through the air it is measured in Hertz (Hz), which is defined as cycles per second. Varying hertz have different effects on people and animals.
Janet Marlow, an inventor and entrepreneur, has made significant contributions to the field of species-specific music, particularly in the context of improving the lives of pets through carefully crafted and scientifically informed music compositions. She has helped pet owners create more harmonious and stress-free environments for their beloved animal companions at Pet Accoustics.
Interesting facts: Pets love music, each species grooves to its own beat.
Humans hear up to 23,000 Hertz. People hear in stereo.
Horses hear up to 33,500 Hz, and prefer rhythmic pieces, resonates natural movement.
Rabbits hear up to 42,000 Hz, and like long tones, yoga or reiki that holds a chord.
Dogs hear up to 45,000 Hz. Animals hear in mono sound, which is why dogs tilt their heads.
Cats hear up to 64,000 Hz. They like classical or new age music,- a personality fit.
Aquarium fish hear up to 3,000 Hz. Classical music at feeding time calms them.
Domesticated Birds hear up to 8,500 Hz. Nature sounds in music are comforting.
We, as caregivers, need to be aware of our pets’ hearing. Understanding that music supports their well-being, along with a healthy diet and a loving home, may add years to their life.
Information gathered from Natural Awakenings Magazine; pet article written by Sandra Murphy of St. Louis. Sound research by Janet Marlow, founder and CEO of Pet Acoustics,.
