Of Dogs and People
There was an article online today about a man in Florida who was arrested for animal abuse. He is charged with shooting his sister-in-law’s dog and horse and then burying the “animal parts” in a shallow mound of earth. I
couldn’t help but contrast these two unfortunate animals with the privileged dogs at the Westminster Dog Show. As an animal lover, I don’t have a problem with the lavish care and lifestyles that those dogs receive; after all, they are the standard bearers for their breeds, as well as all the rest of non-pedigree canines. They have the genetics and environments with which to maximize their countenance and “strut their stuff” before judges and the world. For these dogs, it’s all about being born in the best gene pool for their breed. It’s not to say they make the best pets or are any better at unconditionally loving their pet parents, just that they get to enjoy their lives a whole lot better than than the thousands of dogs (and other animals) who are abused each day by humans.
What kind of person decides to deliberately engage in animal cruelty? Would this kind of person inflict pain and suffering on a fellow human? Quite likely, yes, especially if the human were vulnerable, and that’s the point here. What is it about vulnerability that can bring out the worst in people? Is it a projection of ourselves so that we strike out at it, attempting to destroy a weakness in ourselves? Is it then a form of self-annihilation? What about child abuse and neglect? How can we begin to fix such loathing to life itself?
It has to begin within each one of us. A good place to start is to recognize within each of us there is the potential for self-growth as well as self-destruction. We all have times in which it seems easier to see the threats, negativity and frustration in people and situations. Personalizing disparaging remarks of others can infuse us with anger or create feelings of helplessness, both of which set the stage for aggressive consequences. It becomes a slippery slope then to turn defensiveness into offensive attacks on others.
- Like everything else, if we try to live proactively, we can usually prevent having to live reactively.
- Each day, try to find something positive about your life, pet or home.
- Make that thought the building block for your day.
- Destructiveness is the product of avoiding our own weaknesses
- Avoidance behavior leads only to fearfulness and anxiety
Life doesn’t have to be lived in the extremes: animals shouldn’t be abused, nor do they all have to live by Westminster Dog Show standards. People don’t have to live aggressively, and they can learn to accept themselves with imperfections but capable of excelling in life. We can learn to take responsibility for our own actions and try to not place blame on others for our misjudgments and mistakes. Our kids don’t have to grow up with video/computer games in their hands nor do they have to all become Olympic athletes. We’re all in this life together: let’s make it work together with all of God’s creatures.
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About Dr. Virginia
As a licensed Psychologist practicing Cognitive therapy, I work with my clients to help them identify the personal issues that are preventing them from achieving a more satisfying and well-adjusted life.
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Find out who will be crowned Best in Show in the 2011 Westminster Dog Show airing on USA, Feb 14 & 15-7pm CST!
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