Cats!

"..while through his limbs a tension strains in silence only to cease to be, to die within his heart" (Fleming 818) Albert Ernest Flemming translate the poem originally titled "Der Panther" into a all too realistic image at the end of the poem. Like many people I have been to pet stores and zoos enjoying the animals safely placed behind the bars, without once thinking about how and why they got there  and without even imagining what it would be like on the other side. When introduced to our second project in our Leadership, Ethics, and Animals course;, I was let down to find out we would only be working with cats. Like many of my peers, I have never been a cat lover. I didn't like the way, they were so independent and half of the time you had no idea where they were in your home. I just could never grasp the concept of why anyone would want a pet or companion who wouldn't greet them at the door when they got home! I quickly understood, however, when Professor Bump explained the struggles that cats have of being adopted why over dogs and other pets, cats, are the ones who need our help finding them love and a life without bars.

Although, I have not made time this week to go visit the cats for Project Two, I am super excited to meet all the cats and help them to hopefully find a home,

Author Ekhart Tolle describes in his article "The Power of Now", that cats (and all animals) all live in the now, the present tense. He says that we as humans, keep the past with us and anticipate the future. Instead we need to sit back and listen we must "Let it teach you Being" (842), and how to be rid of all our problems and stresses. 

Although, we have so much to learn from cats, and all animals about living in the now. I still cannot help but see cats in a negative light. As unnatural as it may be, I see cats as bullies. No matter how big or small, cats seem like the bosses of the animal word (or at least try to be). I was partially surprised to find out my spirit animal was a white tiger considering I have no previous favoritism of cats of any size at all. This I think might be a sign that I need to look in a different perspective about cats and I strongly believe Project 2 will help me get there, since I have never done anything of the sort before.

I think we can all agree, however, whether you are a cat lover or are not to fond of them at all, cats make very entertaining internets images, videos, and gifs. 

Here is a link to one of my favorite videos on youtube.com about cats. Enjoy it's adorable!

Awwww