Nature Is Beautiful - Douglas Squirrel

Nature is beautiful. A Douglas Squirrel with two white spots on its head.

We Live In An Integral System

We live in an integral system that's interconnected and interdependent. Thoughts, behaviour and actions in one part of the system affects things elsewhere. As such, we should be mindful of our thoughts, behaviour and actions.

In everything we do, we should seek to benefit others/animals/Nature instead of ourselves.



Daffodils and a Bumble Bee



Copyright © 2016. Carter Kagume. All Rights Reserved.

Animals: Intelligence In Nature

Updated Jul 1, 2015.

In our arrogance, we think we're the only intelligent species on earth, we're not. Nature has given all her species the intelligence they need to live and survive.

Intelligence in Nature takes many forms:

• Animal Architects: 
• Beavers build dams.
• Spiders build cob webs.
• Birds build nests.
• Animal Navigators:
• Some animals such as some birds, butterflies, fish etc., can travel hundreds, even thousands of miles on migration routes, using their God-given internal navigation systems.
• Animal Communication:
• Animals communicate in many ways - using sounds, body language, scents, hormones, touch etc.
• In this YouTube video [1] starling murmurations shows how starlings communicate so seamlessly, they operate as one entity.

While animals take only what they need from Nature, we not only take what we need, but also, we take more than we need, and we intentionally destroy Nature for our own selfish purposes. Is destroying one's home a sign of intelligence?

Animals don't have weapons of mass destruction. We do. Is this a sign of intelligence?

You may think our technological advancement is a sign of intelligence, but we've built magnificent cities where people are isolate, alone and unhappy. For all our advancements in science, are we any happier? No. We're empty, lonely and unfulfilled.

Today, we're all immersed in selfishness, seeking to benefit ourselves with no regard for others. We have to change from selfishness (seeking to benefit ourselves) to bestowal (seeking to benefit others and Nature).

When we enter into bestowal, we'll become aligned with the integral laws of Nature. When we connect in mutual bestowal, and begin to cooperate and collaborate, we'll find our true potential - benevolent intelligence - realized through the wisdom of the crowds [2].

Nature is an integral system that's interconnected and interdependent. We're a part of that system, not above it, not outside of it. The intelligence in Nature takes many shapes, forms, sizes and forms. When we enter into bestowal, we'll truly appreciate that.

In everything we do, we should seek to benefit others, animals and all of Nature instead of ourselves.
___________
References:

1. Gretna Green Starling Murmurations. www.youtube.com. Retrieved Jul 1, 2015.
2. Wisdom of the crowd. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Jul 1, 2015.

Copyright © 2015, Carter Kagume. All Rights Reserved.

It's Time For Businesses To Take Responsibility

Edited Feb 20, 2015

Today, businesses are focused solely on making money. In their quest to achieve their selfish goals, they harm their employees, customers and all of Nature. This kind of behaviour has to stop.

We have to change from selfishness (for me) to bestowal (for others). Instead of seeking to benefit ourselves, we should seek to benefit others and all of Nature.

Businesses have to start taking responsibility for how their products affect people, animals, society and all of Nature. 

One of the ways to achieve this (and in the spirit of transparency), is to disclose how their products are made through clear and obvious labeling. Here are some suggestions, perhaps you have your own ideas:

1. Food:
• GMOs:
• All genetically modified foods (GMOs) should end immediately.
• Where they temporarily persist, GMOs (and products with GMO ingredients) should be labeled.
• GMO Free:
• All food that isn't GMO (and products that don't have GMO ingredients) could also be labeled, e.g. GMO FREE.
• Nutrition Scale:
• All food/products ingested by people and animals should have a label with a nutrition scale. For example:
• 1 - for low (or no) nutritional value
• 10 - for the highest nutritional value
• All items could be subjected to this scale, not only food, but also things like cigarettes, alcohol etc. Special labels could be used for products that are known to cause harm to others. 
2. Treatment:
• Products should be labeled to let consumers know how employees, suppliers etc., are treated. For example:
• Ethical Treatment of Animals (ETOA)
• Ethical Treatment of Farmers (ETOF)
• Ethical Treatment of Suppliers (ETOS)
• Ethical Treatment of Employees (ETOE)
3. Environment:
• Products should be labeled to show the impact the product has had on the environment. For example:
• Environmentally Friendly Product (EFP) could mean that no herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, growth hormones, fertilizers, toxins etc., were used. Or that no harm was caused to the air, land, waters and Nature as a whole.
4. Recycling:
• Businesses should be more actively involved in recycling their own products. Having a recycling logo on a product isn't enough.
• Businesses could include clear recycling instructions, even mailing instructions if need be.
• Businesses could also offer money, credit or other incentives for used products that are returned, which could include items such as electronics, to burger wrappers, to coffee cups, to gum wrappers etc.
• Whenever I see fast food wrappers, gum wrappers, cups, bottles with logos etc., littered on the ground, I always think - why aren't the companies doing more to make sure that doesn't happen. It's negative advertising for companies when their wrappers / products / containers (with their logos) are strewn as litter.
5. Benevolent Score: 
• Just as FICO [1] scores are used to measure consumer credit risk, benevolent scores could be used to measure business benevolence - the positive impact businesses have on people, animals and all of Nature.
• Businesses that harm people, animals and all of Nature, receive a low benevolent score.
• Businesses that benefit people, animals and all of Nature, receive a high benevolent score.

It's time for businesses to take responsibility for their actions, specifically how their products affect people, animals and all of Nature. It's no longer about making money, because that system is antiquated and unsustainable.

Round tables need to be established to discuss these issues and find solutions that benefit people, animals and all of Nature.

In everything we do, we should seek to benefit others instead of ourselves.

_______
References:

1. FICO. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Feb 19, 2015.

Copyright © 2015, Carter Kagume. All Rights Reserved.

Why Do We Laugh At Other People's Distress?

Outside of hunting and other animal instincts, when animals see another animal in distress, they often rush over to help, to provide comfort, sometimes they lick or cuddle, they do what they can to try and make things better.

In this YouTube video [1], adult elephants rush over to help a baby elephant.

Humans on the other hand are a different kind of species. When we see other people (or animals) in distress, we often laugh at them, we think it's funny, entertaining. Fails and pranks are common on YouTube, often captioned with language that reads, check out this hilarious video.

In this YouTube video [2] a father laughs when his son crashes into a tree. The caption: Boy on bike crashes into tree HILARIOUS. That doesn't even make us animals because animals don't do that. It makes us selfish creatures, a strange kind of species.

We have to change from personal selfishness (seeking to benefit ourselves) to mutual bestowal (seeking to benefit others). Are we going to have to learn parenting and relationship skill from animals?
________
References:

1. Baby Elephant Falls On Its Back At Zurich Zoo, Adult Elephants Rush Over To Help. www.youtube.com. Retrieved Oct 16, 2014.
2. Father of the Year - Boy on bike crashes into tree HILARIOUS. www.youtube.com. Retrieved Oct 16, 2014.

Copyright © 2014, Carter Kagume. All Rights Reserved.

Why Is It Called Animal Husbandry?

Why is it called animal husbandry?  [1] Are we the husband, looking after and taking care of animals? If so, then based on the way we abuse and exploit animals, we're an abusive husband.
_______
References:
1. Animal husbandry. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.

Copyright © 2014, Carter Kagume. All Rights Reserved.

Animal Abuse And Exploitation Has To Stop

Edited: Nov 8, 2014.

WARNING: This post contains graphic content that some readers may find disturbing and distressing. Discretion is advised.

Today, we're immersed in the quality of selfishness, seeking to benefit ourselves with no regard for others. Animals suffer cruelly on account of human selfishness. We treat each other so badly, why would we respect other forms of life on earth? 

A recent report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) announced that the world has lost 52% of its biodiversity over the last 40 years. [1]

Jesus Christ was abused, beaten, mistreated, then crucified. Some animals are abused, beaten, mistreated, then killed. Animals are a big part of our lives, and unfortunately, in many cases, our relationship with animals is abusive and exploitative, which has to stop:

1. FOOD:
• Poultry:
• Eggs: Hens are kept in small battery cages and can barely move. [2]
• Chickens: Broiler chickens bred to be as large as possible, to produce as much meat as possible. As a result, some can't support their own weight. Some suffer leg deformities, broken bones, get fecal burns from resting in their own feces, and some die of heart failure. [3] To prevent pecking, they're debeaked (their beaks are cut off), which leads to acute and chronic pain. [4] 
• Turkeys: Turkeys are reared in cramped spaces, some become blind due to light manipulations and they're also debeaked. [5] 
• Pigs:
• Sometimes pigs are subjected to negative treatment by their handlers (slaps, punches, kicks and bites). This leads to fear and stress in the animals. [6]
• Pigs transported to slaughter suffer terribly. More than 1 million pigs die each year due to the horrors of transport alone. They're beaten, electrical prods are stuck into their rectum to get them to move, they're crammed into 18-wheelers so tightly that their guts pop out of their butts, some die because they freeze to death on the sides of the trucks in winter, some die of heat exhaustion in the summer, and some die of heart attacks due to the stress of the ordeal. At the slaughter house, many pigs aren't stunned properly and they're still alive when they reach the scalding tank. [7]
• Cows:
• Dairy cattle: Dairy cattle are impregnated continually, calves are immediately separated from their mothers, and cows are given hormones to increase reproduction and to increase milk production. [8] As a result, some have abnormally large udders, which are painful and uncomfortable.
• Beef Cattle: Cattle are branded for identification, which is painful. [9] Cattle transported to slaughter suffer terribly. They're crammed into trucks, they freeze to the sides of the trucks in the winter, and they collapse in the summer due to the heat. At the slaughter house they're shot, sometimes unsuccessfully, and they end up dying piece by piece. [10]
• Seafood:
• Fishing: Overfishing has depleted fish stock worldwide. [11] Often, other unwanted sea creatures are caught in fish nets and die as a result.
• Fish Farms: Fish are cramped into small spaces with little room to move. Often, they're riddled with disease. [12]
• Sharks: Shark fin soup is a delicacy in some places but their treatment is deplorable. Their fins are cut off and the rest of the living shark is thrown back into the ocean (shark finning), where it dies a slow, cruel death. [13]
• Lobsters and Crabs: Lobsters and crabs are kept alive in small, cramped cages in restaurants and at markets. They're cooked alive, dipped into hot boiling water.
• Leftover Body Parts:
• Unused muscle tissue, tendons, bones and other animal by-products, known as "animal protein hydrolysates" can be added to processed foods, even ice cream. [14] Do we really know what we're eating? 
• Pesticides:
• To control pests, farmers use pesticides, which kills pests and other animals such as birds, severely poisons about 3 million agriculture workers (killing about 18,000) each year, and results in air, water and land/soil pollution and contamination. In the USA, the human health and environmental cost from pesticides is about USD $9.6 billion. [15]
• Coffee - Kopi Luwak:
• These are coffee beans that have been eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet, a small nocturnal mammal. The coffee is supposed to be the most expensive in the world; however, the animals are caged and kept in deplorable conditions. [16]
• SUMMARY:
• The food industry is all about making money, and they seek to achieve profits by whatever means necessary. Unfortunately, animals suffer as a result. We should really think about what we're eating and how animals are treated.
• How can we be so cruel? The inhumane treatment of animals can never be justified.
2. FASHION:
• Clothes:
• Animals are killed for their fur, and leather is used to make jackets, shoes, belts, wallets, gloves etc.
• Jewelry:
• Elephants are killed for their ivory.
• Oysters are killed for pearls.
• There are bear tooth and bear claw necklaces, shark tooth necklaces etc.
• There's jewelry made out of animal bones.
3. ENTERTAINMENT:
• Races:
• Horse Racing (Gambling): Horses are overworked. Sometimes they break a leg and have to be euthanized, which is what happened to Eight Belles, who broke both front ankles and had to be euthanized on the track. [17]
• Greyhound Racing (Gambling): Animals suffer broken legs, broken necks, paralysis and heart attacks. [18]
• Running of the bulls is popular in Spain: Sometimes people and/or the bulls are injured. [19]
• Fights:
• There's bull fighting, dog fighting, cock fighting etc., all harmful to animals.
• Zoos:
• Animals are kept in small, enclosed spaces, like a prison.
• Aquariums:
• Sea creatures are kept in small, enclosed spaces.
• Dolphins, killer whales and other animals are trained to perform in ridiculous shows.
• Circuses:
• Animals are trained to perform in ridiculous shows.
• Animal Rides:
• There are horse rides, camel rides, elephant rides [20] etc. The animals are beaten and mistreated, 'broken' to make them rideable.
• Acting:
• Animals (dogs, monkeys etc.) are trained to 'act' for the film and television industry. They often look miserable and/or fearful, from being over trained.
• Roboroach [21]:
• A USA company called Backyard Brains developed a backpack that fits onto a cockroach, allowing a user to control a cockroach. This is cruel and abusive.
4. PETS:
• Pet Stores:
• Animals are kept in small confined cages.
• Puppy Mills [22]:
• Female dogs are mated over and over again to produce puppies.
• The dogs are kept in deplorable conditions.
• Smuggling:
• Exotic animals are smuggled out of their native habitat to be sold elsewhere as 'pets'.
• Theft:
• Thieves steal other people's pets to sell them for money.
• Abuse:
• Pets are often physically abused, beaten, mistreated, neglected, starved, sexually abused (bestiality) etc.
• Loneliness:
• Pets are often left alone by their busy owners for long periods at a time. In Britain, it's estimated that one in four dogs is depressed, caused by the stress of being left alone. [23] 
• Drugs:
• With the recent trend to legalize marijuana for recreational use, pets are also affected and become intoxicated when they inhale the smoke, eat the dried plants, or eat foods laced with marijuana, such as cookies. [24]
• Not to mention all the other animals and creatures in and around the home or smoking location (spiders, flies, bees, birds nests, raccoons etc.), that may also be adversely affected.
• Hot Cars:
• Some owners leave their dogs in hot cars while they run errands, and sometimes the dogs suffer heatstroke or die because temperatures in cars can be up to 20C (70F) greater than the temperatures outside. [25] 
• Abandonment:
• Unwanted pets and other animals are left at shelters or abandoned elsewhere, such as by the side of the road. This is traumatic for the animals.
• Food:
• Pet food can be expensive, especially for lower income households. As a result, pets may not get the appropriate nutrition or diet.
5. VETERINARY SERVICES:
• Expensive:
• Veterinary services are expensive and even though most people want the best for their pets and animals, they may not be able to afford the expensive fees and/or medications. As a result (and because they may not have a choice), some people may let their pets suffer through ailments without medical attention, or (at worst) the animals are put down.
• Lack of Personnel:
• Another issue is that there aren't enough animal care personnel, which affects the availability of care and the quality of care that animals get.
6. SEX WITH ANIMALS:
• Some people have sex with animals (zoophilia/bestiality), such as with dogs, cats, horses etc. In most countries, bestiality is illegal. [26]
7. ANIMAL ABUSE:
• Some people abuse animals for their own selfish pleasure. For example:
• A cat was doused in gasoline and set on fire [27]
• A cat was shot 16 times with a pellet gun [28]
8. PRODUCTS:
• Plastic bags, fabric softener, toothpaste and other products have animal ingredients. [29]
9. TESTING AND RESEARCH:
• Animal Testing And Research:
• Animals are used for testing drugs, cosmetics and other products, and for other forms of research. Up to 100 million animals are used in animal testing and research annually. [30]
• Genetic Mutilations:
• Animals are genetically modified/engineered, for example, glowing mice. [31] This is completely unacceptable. Genetic mutilation must stop.
10. MILITARY:
• Underwater Bomb Testing:
• Underwater explosions affects the ability of marine animals to communicate [32] and to potentially use sonar for navigation. They become disoriented and may beach themselves in an attempt to escape their hostile environment.
• Some animals are used by the military, for example, dolphins. [33]
11. HEALTH:
• Bear Bile:
• Some people consume bear bile, considered to be part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Bears are kept in cages, in cruel, deplorable conditions and bile is extracted from their gall bladder. [34]
• Oysters:
• Some people eat oysters to increase their libido.
• Cancer Detection:
• Some dogs (and potentially other animals) can detect cancer. [35]
• Seizure Response Dogs:
• Some dogs (and other animals) can predict seizures. [36]
• Death Prediction:
• Some animals can predict death, such as Oscar the therapy cat. [37]
12. COMPETITIONS:
• Equestrian sports:
• In competitions such as polo, horse jumping etc., there's often injuries to riders and horses.
• Rodeos:
• There's bull riding and horse riding, where people and animals are often injured.
• Animal Shows:
• There are dog shows and other animals shows. Animals compete to be 'best in show', with potential lucrative endorsement deals.
• The animals are subjected to questionable treatments in order to meet competition standards.
13. HUNTING:
• Poachers:
• Poachers kill elephants for their tusks, rhinos for their horns, animals for their skins etc.
• Since 2010, nearly 35,000 elephants have been killed every year in Africa because of the growing market in Asia. [38]
• Legal Permits:
• In some places, animals (lions, rhinos, bears etc) are legally hunted with permits. Their bodies are stuffed, mounted, then put on display (taxidermy) [39], simply for bragging rights, to show off, and for selfish pleasure and satisfaction.
• Whaling and seal hunting is controversial.
• Traps:
• Animal traps are used to catch animals, by the leg or other body part. This is painful and animals often die a slow, cruel death. .
14. ANIMAL CONTROL:
• Various methods are used to control animals:
• Insecticides:  Are used to control insects commercially and in the home. The insects die a slow cruel death.
• Insect Glue Traps: Are used to catch insects. They're lured to the trap, become trapped in the glue and die a slow cruel death.
• Rat/Mouse Poison: Is used to control rats and mice. They die a slow cruel death. Sometimes other animals, such as dogs, eat the poison and are adversely affected.
• Rat/Mouse Traps and Glue Traps: Are also used to control rats and mice. They also die a slow cruel death.
15. WORK:
• Guide Dogs:
• Help the blind, but sometimes suffer stress due to overexertion.
• Police Dogs:
• Dogs are trained to accompany police, and just like human officers, sometimes they die in the line of duty.
• Mounted Police:
• Horses are used by police and sometimes they're shot, run over by cars etc.
• Guard Dogs:
• Dogs are trained to guard people and their property, but sometimes they're killed intentionally as intruders try to gain access.
• Detection Dogs:
• Detection dogs (sniffer dogs) detect explosives, drugs etc., at airports, borders and other areas requiring security checks. [40]
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• Cows, Horses, Donkeys etc.:
• Are used to plow fields.
16. TEACHING AND EDUCATION:
• Cadavers:
• Animals are dissected and studied to teach doctors, veterinarians, biology students etc.
• Zoology and Animal Research:
• Animals are studied to learn more about them. They are the topic of many undergrad and graduate theses and research work. 
• Horses: Horses are used to teach people how to ride a horse.
17. TRANSPORTATION:
• Horses are used to transport people, pull carriages and wagons.
• Donkeys are used to transport people, pull carts and carry loads.
• Camels are used to transport people and carry loads.
• Dog sleds are used to transport people and goods over ice and snow. Sometimes dog sleds are used in racing.
18. ACCIDENTS:
• Roadkill:
• Cars: Animals are killed by cars and trucks, with an estimated 1 million animals killed each day in the USA. [41]
• Trains: Trains kill many animals, e.g. four elephants in India. [42] 
• Airplanes: In 2003 in the USA, there were ~51,000 bird strikes. [43] Sometimes pets travelling with their owners die in the cargo hold. [44]
• Windows:
• Birds fly into windows because they can't see the glass. They suffer head injuries and become grounded, or they break their necks and die.
• Artificial Light:
• Some animals (such as moths), are attracted to the light at night. With so much artificial light at night, moths spend hours circles lamps and other artificial light.
• Oil Spills:
• For example the Exxon Valdez oil spill affected many animals. [45]
19. POLLUTION:
• Air, land and water pollution affects many animals. Some leave their natural habitat looking for safer territory. Others suffer the consequences - mutations, deformations etc. You might see a frog with extra legs. [46]
• Mercury builds up in fish because they're high on the food chain. [47]
• Sometimes fish just die and nobody knows why. [48]
20. DECREASE IN HABITABLE LAND:
• Melting Ice Packs:
• As the ice packs in the Arctic and Antarctic melt, polar bears, penguins, walruses [49] and other animals lose their natural habitat.
• Deforestation:
• Animals lose their natural habitat and are displaced.
• Wildfires:
• Whether wildfires are started naturally (lightening strikes) or due to human action, animals become displaced or lose their lives.
• Reefs Destroyed:
• The popularity of diving has destroyed reefs because divers stand on them, touch them, take souvenirs etc. Reefs are homes to many marine creatures.
• Urban Visitors:
• As animals lose their natural habitat, they're often drawn to urban centers looking for food. Sometimes they're relocated, sometimes they're euthanized.
21. WEATHER AND NATURAL DISASTERS:
• Natural Disasters:
• Some animals can predict the weather and natural disasters before they happen. During the Dec 2004 tsunami, elephants ran for the hills before it struck. [50] 
• The weather affects animals in many ways. Here are a few examples:
• Floods: Affects burrowing animals.
• Freezing Temperatures: Birds wings can become frozen so they can't fly.
• Hot Temperatures: Animals can be overcome by the heat.
• Hurricanes: Bring some marine creatures to shore.
• Storms and Strong Winds: Destroy birds nests and other animal homes.
22. DOMINO EFFECT:
• Because all of nature is an integrated, interconnected and interdependent system, when one part of nature is adversely affected, other parts become adversely affected, in a domino effect.
• For example, bees pollinate plants, and when bees begin to die for some unknown reason, plant pollination is affected. [51]

While animal protection and animal welfare groups and initiatives exist, such as Greenpeace, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), World Animal Protection, government sponsored anti poaching programs, animal conservation groups etc., more should be done.

Round tables need to be established to determine how to permanently eliminate animal abuse and exploitation in the entire world.

Animals are very much a part of our lives, but our relationship with animals doesn't have to be abusive, exploitative and cruel. We can and should interact with animals in a humane, dignified and respectful way. We should find a positive and harmonious balance with all animals and with all of nature. All animals abuse and exploitation has to stop.

We have to change from personal selfishness to mutual bestowal. In everything we do, we should seek to benefit others, including all animals and all life on earth.

This planet is home to many species and it's our job to look after each other and to look after all life on earth.

That said, eventually we'll come to realize that we're surrounded by love, that we've never done anything bad to anyone or to nature, and that nothing bad has ever happened to us, others or to nature. That doesn't mean that people have free license to do whatever they want, not at all. In everything we do, we should seek to benefit others, all animals and all life on earth.

May The One True God, The Infinite God, The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob guide us, may He lead us and may He show us the way.

God is with us and to Him we shall all return.
__________
References:

1. Living Planet Report 2014. www.worldwildlife.org. World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Retrieved Oct 3, 2014.
2. Battery cage. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
3. Broiler. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
4. Debeaking. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
5. Domesticated turkey. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
6. Pig farming. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
7. Pig Transport And Slaughter. www.peta.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
8. Dairy cattle. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
9. Livestock branding. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
10. Cow Transport and Slaughter. www.peta.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
11. Overfishing. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
12. Fish farming. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
13. Shark finning. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
14. Huff, Ethan A. (June 12, 2013). Meat scrap leftovers now being reprocessed into ice cream: The dismal future of food. www.naturalnews.com. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
15. Pesticide. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 29, 2014.
16. Kopi Luwak. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Oct 9, 2014.
17. Associated Press (May 3, 2008) Runner-up Eight Belles breaks front ankles, euthanized on track. www.sports.espn.go.com. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014. 
18. Greyhound racing. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
19. Running of the Bulls. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
20. Ever wanted to ride an elephant? You have to watch this. www.youtube.com. Retrieved Oct 9, 2014.
21. Row over US mobile phone 'cockroach backpack' app. www.bbc.com. Nov 8, 2013. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
22. Puppy mill. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
23. Salkeld, Luke (Aug 19, 2013). It's a dog's life: Pets depressed because they are left home alone all day by working owners. www.dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved Sept 29, 2014.
24. Pet Marijuana Intoxication On The Rise. www.petpoisonhelpline.com. Retrieved Sept 29, 2014.
25. Dogs in Hot Cars. www.peta.org. Retrieved Sept 29, 2014.
26. Zoophilia. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
27. Golgowski, Nina (May 3, 2013). Kitten horrifically burned after being doused in gasoline and set alight is steadily recovering after losing both ears in the brutal attack. www.dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved Sept 29, 2014.
28. Cat shot 16 times with BB gun in 'heartbreaking' cruelty case. www.cbc.ca/news. May 19, 2014. Retrieved Sept 29, 2014.
29. Alvarado, Paula (Nov 3, 2010). 9 Everyday Products You Didn't Know Had Animal Ingredients. www.treehugger.com. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
30. Animal testing. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
31. Genetically modified mouse. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
32. Pavan, Gianni (2002) Effects of underwater noise on marine mammals. http://www-3.unipv.it Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
33. Military dolphin. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
34. Bile bear. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
35. Canine cancer detection. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 26, 2014.
36. Seizure response Dog. www.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 26, 2014.
37. Oscar (therapy cat). www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 26, 2014.
38. Morelle, Rebecca (Aug 18, 2014). Elephant poaching deaths reach tipping point in Africa. www.bbc.com/news. Retrieved Sept 29, 2014.
39. Taxidermy. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
40. Detection dog. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
41. Roadkill statistics. www.hcn.org. Feb 7, 2005. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
42. Bond, Anthony (May 30, 2013). Four elephants killed when they are hit by a TRAIN speeding through the jungle. www.dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
43. Bird strike. www.en.wikipedia.org. In 2003 in the USA, there were 4,300 bird strikes by the Air Force, 5,900 by civil aircraft, and with an estimated 80% unreported, the total estimate is 51,000 bird strikes. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
44. Pet Deaths In Airplanes Continue, Pressuring Airlines To Change Policy. www.huffingtonpost.com. 10/04/2012. Retrieved Sept 26, 2014.
45. Exxon Valdez oil spill. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
46. Frog mutations and genetic defects. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
47. Mercury in fish. www.en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
48. Snyder, Michael (Aug 11, 2013) Why Are Millions of Fish Suddenly Dying in Mass Death Events All Over The Planet? www.thetruthwins.com. Retrieved Sept 23, 2014.
49. Brodwin, Erin (Oct 1, 2014). 35,000 Walruses Are All Crowded Together In One Spot - And It Signals Something Ominous. www.businessinsider.com. Retrieved Oct 3, 2014.
50. Lambourne, Helen (27 Mar 2005) Tsumani: Anatomy of a disaster. www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved Sept 26, 2014.
51. Honey Bees and Colony Collapse Disorder. www.ars.usda.gov. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 9/8/2014. Retrieved Oct 9, 2014.

Copyright © 2014, Carter Kagume. All Rights Reserved.

From Caterpillar To Butterfly

In The Company Of Animals

People who have pets or work closely with animals know that animals can be very loving and caring. Many animals, such as dogs, cats, horses, elephants etc., are empathic, they sense emotions in others. We've lost this ability and we need to find it again.

We need to begin to sense and 'feel' each other. We need to connect with each other in mutual bestowal and seek to benefit others instead of ourselves.

Even Jesus spent time with animals, as it is written, "He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him." (Mark 1:12-13, NIV)

Copyright © 2014, Carter Kagume. All Rights Reserved.

Souls

Some people think that animals don't have souls and therefore don't go to heaven. If so, why are there horses in heaven? It is written, "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True." "The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean." (Revelations 19:11,14, NIV) Or perhaps these verses are talking about something else entirely.

Copyright © 2014, Carter Kagume. All Rights Reserved.

All Of Creation Is Telling A Story

All of creation is interconnected and contributes to the telling of an arc-story and it's sub-stories. Here are examples from all of nature:

1. The Still Level: A star signaled the birth of Jesus. (Matthew 2:1-2, NIV)
2. The Vegetative Level: Jesus pointed out that a fig tree with tender shoots and new leaves signals that summer is near. (Matthew 24:32, NIV)
3. The Animate Level: Jesus told Peter that a rooster would crow, which would signal that he had disowned Jesus. (Matthew 26:34, NIV)

Jesus explained in great detail the sign of the end times, which includes wars, famine, earthquakes, false messiahs and false prophets who perform great signs and wonders etc. (Matthew 24:1-35, NIV)

There are some people who can 'read' the signs in nature, and some can even predict events and outcomes based on their ability to interpret these signs. Some people are very sensitive to changes in their environment and they can understand what those changes mean.

We all need to get to a point where we understand that all of Nature is interconnected and interdependent and that all of nature contributes to the telling of an arc-story and it's sub-stories.

Copyright © 2014, Carter Kagume. All Rights Reserved.

Marijuana Harms Animals

Marijuana harms animals in terrible ways.

Animals, such as ants, bees, beetles, butterflies, even cats and dogs inhale second-hand smoke and because they're small creatures, the effect on them is pronounced. Not only that, but the effects can last longer because they have a harder time eliminating the toxins from their systems.

Sometimes, animals eat marijuana that's left around the house or outside, thinking it's an edible snack. Being high is a terrible, awful feeling for an animal.

If you're smoking in your house or outside, think about the effect you're having on the animals around you. It's not fair that your high becomes an animal's nightmare, that your pleasure becomes another's pain, that your gain becomes another's loss.

We live in an integrated system and we have to be mindful of the effect our actions have on those around us, including animals. In everything we do, we should seek to benefit others instead of ourselves.

Copyright © 2014, Carter Kagume. All Rights Reserved.

Consciousness?

When we're born, we have to learn how to be in the human body. We have to learn how to eat, how to walk, how to speak etc. Also, we learn a lot from our social environment, which influences our growth and development.

Animals too, have to learn how to be in their bodies. They have to learn how to eat, how to walk, how to communicate etc. They also learn a lot form their social environment, which also influences their growth and development.

We're not born will full understanding, we learn it. So what are we? Who are we? Consciousness? Awareness? What is that within us that has to learn?

Copyright © 2014, Carter Kagume. All Rights Reserved.

We All Want To Be Loved

We all want to be loved, right? Well, instead of expecting other people to love you, love other people knowing that they want to be loved. Give them the love that they're seeking. Even animals want to be loved. So love them too. Be someone who loves others.

In everything we do, we should seek to benefit others instead of ourselves.

Copyright © 2014, Carter Kagume. All Rights Reserved.

They're Not Just Animals

Animals are mentioned frequently in The Bible and The Quran. They're very much a part of the telling of the story of man's relationship with God. They're not just animals, they're creatures who serve a purpose, so be mindful of them and treat them well. Treat them as you would an angel, with dignity, respect and consideration. 

Here are some notable examples:

• Jesus is referred to as "The Lamb of God" (John 1:29, NIV)
• "As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened,and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him." (Matthew 3:16, NIV)
• Prophet Elijah was fed by ravens, as it is written: "The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening ..." (1 Kings 17:6, NIV)

Copyright © 2014, Carter Kagume. All Rights Reserved.

Attaining Godliness

If aliens from another planet came to Earth and observed our behaviour, what would they see?

We make houses, birds make houses. We store food, squirrels store food. We live in groups, animals live in groups. We behave like animals.

Yet, while animals take only what they need from nature, we take more than we need from nature. While animals generally kill for food, sometimes we kill for sport and entertainment.

While animals live in harmony and balance with nature, we're a disruptive force that harms ourselves, others and all of nature.

We think we're smart, but our behaviour says otherwise.

We have to change. Our internal qualities have to change from selfishness to bestowal. We have to seek to benefit others instead of ourselves.

We have to connect with each other in mutual concern and responsibility and we have to become genuinely concerned for each other's welfare and well-being.

In this way we'll attain Godliness, a new level of connection and unity. Then we'll reach harmony and balance with each other, with all of nature and with God Himself.

Copyright © 2013, Carter Kagume. All Rights Reserved.

Releasing Animals Back To The Wild

Just as human beings don't like being trapped, caged, chained, or confined to small institutional spaces, animals too don't like being trapped, caged, chained, or confined to small institutional spaces.

Just as people like to get out and go for walks - in the park, on grass, on the beach, on sand etc., animals also enjoy being connected to nature in a tangible tactile way. Just as humans are drawn to the green of nature, animals are also drawn to the green of nature.

Nature has soft surfaces - soil, grass, leaves, vegetation etc. By contrast, some zoos have hard surfaces such as cement because cement is durable and easy to clean - but it's hard on animals, physically. There's no cement in nature. Nature has rocks and stones, but animals are free to move about to find the most comfortable environment.

Just as human beings want to be free to be human beings, animals also want to be free to be animals.

However, caged animals, animals in zoos and animals under human care can't be released back to the wild without proper preparation because they don't have the necessary survival skills to look after themselves in the wild - to find food, water, shelter, protection from the elements, protection from predators etc.

I'm not talking about releasing domesticated animals such as cats and dogs back to the wild; however domesticated animals also need to be treated in a humane way, free of cages, chains, and small confined spaces and where if possible, they are free to roam about and experience the green of nature.

Just as you can't take city people and put them in a rural setting without giving them the appropriate survival skills, so too you can't take captive animals and put them in the wild without giving them the appropriate survival skills.

Just as human beings learn survival skills from their parents and peers, animals also learn survival skills from their parents and peers. Animals born in the wild, learn how to look after themselves in their given environment.

However, animals born in captivity, or held in captivity for a long time, don't have the appropriate survival skills to take care of themselves in the wild.

For animals to successfully be released back to the wild:

1. They have to be taught the necessary and appropriate survival skills so they can take care of themselves once they're released back to the wild, preferably back to their native habitat. Some survival skills may be instinctual, but some may have to be learned.
2. They have to be successfully integrated with others wild animals of their kind so they can learn the appropriate survival skills from these other wild animals.
3. If they can't be released back to the wild or their native habitat, then they should be released to animal sanctuaries where they are free to roam about with lots of green space and vegetation, where their food, water and shelter is provided for as is deemed necessary and where they remain under human care and supervision. In this way, animal caregivers, animal guardians, animal wardens, game wardens, animal protectors, animal supervisors etc. can seek the best living arrangements and conditions for the animals under their care.

Like humans, animals develop strong emotional bonds to those around them. When under human care, animals may develop strong emotional bonds to their human caregivers.

Releasing animals back to the wild would sever this emotional bond in a way that may harm the animals, leaving the animals distraught and unable to cope.

Before animals are released back to the wild, caregivers should assess and consider this emotional attachment and the animals should be treated appropriately.

In everything we do, even in the way we treat animals, we should seek to benefit others instead of ourselves.

May The One True God, The Infinite God, The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob guide us, may He lead us and may He show us the way. God is with us and to Him we shall all return.

Copyright © 2013, Carter Kagume. All Rights Reserved.

Would You Abuse An Angel?

If you ask the average person if they would abuse an angel, most people would say, "NO!", "NEVER!" In fact, the thought of it is quite horrific.

Yet we're surrounded by angels - people, animals - they're all angels. We don't think twice about mistreating people or animals, yet if we were told that they were all angels, our behaviour towards them would change. We'd respect them and treat them tenderly and gently.

When you go through a change in the perception of your reality, your eyes will be opened and you will see the truth. That things are not what they seem and that we're surrounded by angels.

As it is written, "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." (Hebrews 13:2, NIV)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews%2013&version=NIV

Do not be afraid, God is with us.

Copyright © 2013, Carter Kagume. All Rights Reserved.