Why I Love Animals More Than Humans #ThursdayThoughts

The above quote means so much to my mum so she wanted to share it and explain why. 

Of course, most animal lovers would agree so she doesn't need to explain. But as she is co-writer of this blog I decided to let her have her say instead of always being dictated to by me :)

Professor Noel Fitzpatrick

First, a little bit about Noel Fitzpatrick. He is The Supervet (also The Bionic Vet) - the world’s leading neuro-orthopaedic veterinary surgeon. I know that I mentioned before that I often hide when Supervet is on TV, but that's because, being a cat, I don't like vets very much. They scare me (just like human doctors scare some humans.) Some vets are great, but some I've met haven't been that nice, and well, they make us furries hurt don't they? Mum says they do it to help us feel better. Well, let's just say I know that that's what they are meant to do!

So before I hand you over to Mum, let me just say that I do admire Supervet. And I know why humans admire him too. He does great things for animals and is pure genius at what he does. Having said that, all his team seem like incredible human beings too and also deserve a pat on the back (or some purry furry hugs) for the the amazing care and respect they have for all the animals that pass through Fitzpatrick Referrals.

Here's Mum

This quote just resonates deeply with me. It's what I've always believed myself. To me animal love is the purest love. It's that strong intense feeling I get whenever I look into my sweet Athena's eyes (those all-knowing eyes of kitty wisdom), and whenever I hug her - in that moment all that exists is just me and her. One powerful super spiritual bond. Just the two of us together against the whole world, existing for each other. Soulmates forever and ever.

Most people will say (and I've had it said to me many many times) that I feel the way I do about my pets because I have never had children.

Well, sorry to disappoint, but actually I have been a mother - to my beautiful Tuxie cat Suzy. And now I am a mother to my beautiful tabby girl Athena. This love I feel is simply too powerful to put into words, but I am sure many of you animal lovers will understand.

And my cats end up saving me. They are my reason for living. It may seem over dramatic to some, a bit too Wuthering Heights, but I don't care. It's my life and this is how I want to live it.

I just want to save animals

Someone asked me the other day what it is I want to do with my life and when I said "to save animals" the look on their face said it all. This person, who I like and admire very much for various other reasons, sadly does not share my love for animals. Maybe this person thinks I'm wasting my life and should be aspiring to other "great" things (like marriage & babies, or making lots of money). But then I think to myself how sad it is that they can't experience that beautiful human-animal bond.

To most people, I may be a failure. And many times I have felt one too. But to my cats, to my amazing beautiful girl Athena, I am her world. I am someone. I rescued her. I have given her the most amazing life and she has done the same back to me.

Who rescued who?

I was in the depths of despair when Athena and I met at the rescue shelter 5 years ago. I have battled depression for most of my life, and I had just lost my dad a few months earlier which depressed me even more. I decided it was time to adopt a cat and then found this precious tabby kitten who wanted me the moment I stepped into the cattery. She made a great fuss to get my attention, climbing up the wire mesh door of her pen. The other sweet kittens were very quiet and didn't seem that bothered. But Athena, oh how she fought for me to get her out of there! And when I touched her little paw through the door, that was it. Bonded forever.

Abandoned in someone's garden as a tiny kitten, Athena's first few weeks of life must have been horrific. But thanks to the work of the charity that rescued her, she came to me as the most affectionate little cat I have ever met. She gives so much love, her beautiful expressive green eyes always filled with emotion. And I love her SO much.

Love has always been a scary feeling for me. Maybe it's because I'm overly sensitive.

All I know is that pure unconditional love is what really makes the world go round. It is the best thing. The greatest love in the world.

That's why this quote really touched me. It's great to know others feel the same about animals. Noel Fitzpatrick totally gets how people feel about their pets. And I love how he calls them mum and dad on the show. Never refers to the humans as owners. How wonderful is that?

We are not owners. We are pet parents or guardians, or their humans. But never owners. No one should own anyone.

So yes, I admire Noel Fitzpatrick and have total respect for him. Of course I have never met him, but I do know that he is so passionate about his work and also extremely intelligent. He gives so much of his life in order to improve the lives of animals, to make a difference in this world for the sake of both animals and humans. An extraordinary human being. How many of those are currently in the world? Yes, I'm sure there are many but I'm just tired of all the evil that exists out there, and the shallowness of most people.

Hope

It's been a tough few months for me. But my love for my beautiful tabby girl keeps me going. And the hope and love I see in other animal lovers' eyes, and knowing that others feel the same way about animals, makes me realize that humans aren't that bad after all. At least some aren't.

And I love all you guys who read and comment on my blogs. I really believe that animal lovers are the nicest people around. I am so glad I have you all in my life too. Makes me realize I am not the only one who feels so passionately about animals and it's so wonderful to be able to share the love for our animal family across the pet blogosphere.

Truly blessed

If you have an animal in your life then you are truly blessed. When you're going through hard times, your beloved pet will always be there to help you through. Like days when you can't face getting out of bed. I've been there. And still end up back there sometimes. But Athena helps me through those awful days and stops me reaching for the bottle like I did in the past.

All animals matter

One last word: My love for animals isn't just for pets though. I believe all animals deserve love and respect and to be treated fairly and with compassion. They each have souls and their own lives to live. They have as much right as anyone to be free and happy and not exist merely to be used by humans. I won't go into animal rights in this post. I'll leave that for my other blog. But people must remember that all animals are sentient beings and should be respected as such. Animals give us so much, often much more than any human could. 

The quote above comes from the video Supervet:The Ethos Behind Fitzpatrick Referrals. You can click on the link to see it or view it below. 

P.S. Keep watching until the end to see Noel's adorable dog Kiera. What an amazing strong bond they share! Melts my heart :)