Talking to Animals

I ask my animals, “What do you love most about life?”

Here are their answers.

Luca my three-year-old cream-colored poodle says, “Friends. I love friends. I don’t care if they are dog, cat, bird, donkey, person, or another species. I love to learn how to greet others and share happiness. If someone gets mad at me, I have to think why and then change my behavior. I love the feeling of getting in right.”

Storm King my 14-year-old black-and-white Australian Shepherd says, “Care. I love the feeling of when others take care of me. When someone notices something is wrong and takes steps to help me I feel blessed. I love the serenity of sleeping in nature and the way nature smells. I love learning how to be happy in any given moment. Sometimes I imagine a hummingbird’s peep to remind me that small things fill me with joy.”

Makia my 16-year-old white cat says, “I love a good sleeping spot in a dark closet where my body can rest fully. I love butterflies. I love being told that I am beautiful and the feeling of being brushed. I love finding lost things. I love to sleep curled up with my person. I love feeling safe in nature.”

Serafina my gray middle-aged cat says, “I love adventure. I love exploring new places. I love treats that melt in my mouth (freeze-dried treats). I love the sound of my name when someone sings it. I love watching others. I love knowing that everyone I live with is happy and healthy. I love to control my thoughts so that good things will happen. I love happiness.”

Seamora my 23-year-old blue and gold Macaw says, “I love a good nut. I love climbing in trees. I love going for walks with my people. I love it when people tell me I am beautiful. I love feeling quenched from drinking fresh water. I love fruit. I love tofu. I love being interacted with everyday. I love the feeling of my people feeling safe with me. It makes me feel like I am a good girl. I love feeling safe. I love that life changes for the better.”

Bean my six-year-old bunny says, “I love that people fight for the humane treatment of bunnies and other animals. I love that I have a friend that offers me hay. I love my treats. I love to hop around the house and be kissed by my person in the morning. I love feeling that no matter what happens or where I live, I have family that will look after me and care about how I feel. I love the feel of wet dirt on my paws. I love lying on a clean towel.”

Jubilee my Appaloosa Sport Horse says, “I love eating clover and green grass. I love learning something new. I love the feeling of my friends nibbling on my neck. I love the feel of the fog in my nostrils. I love having my mane brushed. I love being cared for and being told I am a good girl. I love the feeling of knowing I understand something. I love other horses, all horses. I love my person and my trainer. I love the taste of my grain and my supplements. I love feeling like my body is being taken care of. I love being understood. I love learning that if I pay attention and try that life gets more exciting.”