Somebody

I can honestly say, that I have loved animals my entire life.
My parent's had a dog when I was born, and I loved her with all my heart. She was my companion, my sibling and my little dress-up doll, all rolled into one sweet, precious, golden ball of fur.

But, Honey was much more then a "ball of fur", and I knew this at a young age.
I was taught that my dog, was a somebody. And she was treated as such by my parents and relatives.

Honey was not an "it" or a "thing. She was a "she", a "being" a SOMEBODY.

When we are young children, and we are shown by our parents, and loved ones, how to treat another living being, then we naturally grow up to be adults and parents who teach our own children to do the same. We lead my example.

There are some people who feel differently, and I feel bad for them. I'm also concerned for the pets that they may have, as well. They're missing out on a very special part of life.

Animals are by nature the most compassionate, feeling, innocent beings on this planet. Their capacity for love, acceptance, maternal instincts, protectiveness,  sorrow, and fear, knows no boundaries and is as PURE as a child's, in every sense of the word.

They are a somebody. They feel the same feelings we humans do. They have the same capacity for love, as we do.....UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.
They just don't have a voice to express these emotions. But, they do express them with all that they  have. And I feel that this is what makes them exactly like us.

This lack of voice, is what makes them so vulnerable to cruel humans, but so endearing to those of us who love them. Their pureness of heart speaks volumes to us.

Their time has come. We need to do better for animals. We need to hear them, and see them and protect them, and treat them like the somebodies that they are.

It starts with a small change, a shift in OUR speech and in our behavior.
Because, unfortunately, without us as their voice, without us as their protectors and advocators, animals will never be thought of as our equals.

Here are a few simple suggestions to help you open up a conversation with your kids, relatives and friends.

-Always refer to your pet as he or she, they or them. Never as an "it". Call them by their names when your want their attention, or it's time to eat or go for a walk.

-Let your children know that it is not okay to yell,  hit, or mistreat their pet, in any way.

-Adopt a "No Bullying" rule at home. Talk with your children about how words can hurt other people, their friends and their family. Pets are part of the family, and just like at school, we don't bully our friends.
If you teach kids that animals have feelings too, and get hurt just like people do, it is a bit easier for them to understand.
-Include books, TV shows and movies about animals into their daily life. There are many great books out there that teach these lessons.

*S.J. Goes Home By J.C. Car
*The Cats On My Block By Valerie Sicignano
*Sandwiches For Duke By Ann Sadler
*Move Over Rover! By Karen Beaumont
These are just a few of the many, many great books that teach children about animals and their feelings.



A pet IS a  somebody, and they deserve to be treated with respect, compassion and most importantly, with love.

If you or your children have any topics that you would like to see covered in this feature, please feel free to contact me at mariannediiorio@yahoo.com.