Showing posts with label Compassion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Compassion. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Story of Little Tom (USA)

http://animalcaresociety.wordpress.com/2011/12/18/little-tom/

"Little Tom probably lived a miserable life, but he was loved and received affection for the last four hours of his life. However, this is not enough. There is no reason why Little Tom shouldn’t have received a bit more compassion during his life. He didn’t deserve it.
Please people, look around you and don’t ignore your ferals. Offer them a bit of food, a warm shelter and whatever love you have to spare."

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”

05:55 AM Jan 26, 2010
Letter from Val Looi

THIS is a true story: A blind man boards a crowded bus. Every seat is filled.

There is a partially-blind boy who is seated. He stands up and offers his seat to the blind man.

The boy remains standing because no one else offers his or her seat to him.

If I had harboured any hope that our society might become more gracious in such a situation, all that hope died the day I witnessed that act.

I had no seat to offer the boy but I wish I had been brave enough to speak up then. But I did not, which is a reason why I am writing this.

I take public transport daily and I witness inconsiderate behaviour by commuters every day.

You name it, I've seen it. But a partially-blind boy giving up his seat for a blind man in a bus full of people who have perfect vision - that takes the cake.

What is wrong with us? Why are so many people incapable of sparing a thought for someone other than themselves?

How is it that Singapore is such a developed country economically and infrastructurally, whereas its people are so sorely lacking in what matter most - compassion and empathy?

Where did it all go wrong?

I am sure some people think that such a situation is not that bad because there will always be some black sheep. My view is that that is just not good enough and that we should not settle for that.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Friday, November 27, 2009

My heart bleeds this morning :(



Kalama Sutta

Do not believe in anything (simply)
because you have heard it.

Do not believe in traditions because they
have been handed down for many generations.

Do not believe in anything because it is
spoken and rumoured by many.

Do not believe in anything (simply) because
it is found written in your religious books.

Do not believe in anything merely on the authority
of your teachers and elders.

But after observation and analysis
when you find that anything agrees with reason
and is conductive to the good and benefit of one and all
then accept it and live up to it.

Buddha
(Anguttara Nikaya Vol. 1, 188-193 P.T.S. Ed.)

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Loving Animals

Loving Animals

October 21, 2009

The following is a compilation of messages composed by Tsem Tulku Rinpoche on Twitter. Follow Rinpoche on Twitter to receive these and more... LIVE!

Loving Animals

Entertaining the idea of becoming vegetarian? It's not a big step or a difficult step BUT A NECESSARY STEP. Eating meat is like cigarettes and alcohol; you get an immediate 'satisfaction' or high, and then NOTHING.

You definitely want to do the right thing. And the right thing doesn't hurt you or return to you in a bad way. Just be kind and stop eating animals who also have the right to live. JUST DO IT. INSPIRE OTHERS TO DO IT. I request you and beg you to go ahead and go VEGETARIAN. I don’t want to sound pushy, but just passionate about it.

I'm now in process of looking for land to start an animal shelter. It is very exciting. We are acquiring our first land tortoise. It was in small cage at pet shop. When I saw photos of it, it broke my heart. He likes to run around on the grass, eat greens and have shelter from rain so we are in the process of making that for him. We dedicate it that we can do much more for animals in future. Please encourage others to save animals.

For your beloved pets, or animals you come across, it is very beneficial to recite the Medicine Buddha mantra (TAYATHA OM BEKANZE BEKANZE MAHA BEKANZE BEKANZE RANDZA SAMUGATHE SOHA) loud enough so that they can hear, and then blow on them gently. You can do this everyday or whenever. Same procedure for Namgyalma's mantra (OM DROOM SOHA) which is very benefical as well. You can also do Manjushri (OM AH RA BA TSA NA DHI) and Tara's mantra (OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SOHA), they are also very beneficial. If convenient, it is good to place consecrated stupas / lam rim books on their heads.

Blessed mani pills can be soaked in water, so that a little can be added to their drinking water. If you have fish, mantras can be blown onto the surface of the water. Mani pill-blessed water can be added to the fish tank as well, just a few drops is okay. By blowing mantras on animals, reciting mantras for them to hear, blessing them with mani pill water, putting precious objects on their heads, etc – all of this will help to plant precious blessed karmic seeds in their mindstreams so in the future, the seeds will open, affording them a rebirth with capabilities to practise Dharma.

Since you love your pets or feel compassion for animals, this is good way to help them and plant seeds. Whenever I have a chance, I would go to places where animals were to be slaughtered. I would go to recite mantras for them to hear. I felt terrible that these animals were going to be slaughtered and I couldn’t do anything about it, so I would recite mantras for them. Hopefully, I planted seeds in their mindstreams that would blossom or be triggered to open at a later date.

My pet dog, Yogi, gets mantras blown on him nearly everyday. Sometimes I will blow mantras on his foods before he eats. That helps also. This is a good way to bless our pets that we love. I am worried about my Yogi and what will happen to him when he dies so the best is this for him. This is also the best for all animals, which deserve our pity. So take the time to recite and blow the mantras recommended to bless their minds for a better rebirth in the. future. That is my wish which I share with you all. Much love, care and request to help animals / bless them. Thank you all very much.

#TsemTulku

Follow Tsem Tulku Rinpoche on Twitter for more daily musings ... LIVE!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Balakrishnan Matchap




JUNE 2, 2003
Cat-culling protest climbs

To get it off his chest at the vertical marathon, Mr Balakrishnan climbs all 43 storeys of Suntec City's Tower 4 backwards to share the pain of these animals.

THE plight of cats was relived at the National Vertical Marathon yesterday in the form of fitness instructor Balakrishnan Matchap.

The 34-year-old sported painted whiskers and a white T-shirt protesting against the recent cat-culling by the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority. 'Cull ignorance, not cats,' his T-shirt read in bold black print.

The AVA said last week that it was rounding up stray cats for 'public hygiene' reasons in the wake of the Sars outbreak. To this, Mr Balakrishnan countered: 'We cannot make our environment too sterile. We need to improve our relationship with the living things around us.'

The marathon veteran raised a stir among contestants by climbing all 43 storeys of Suntec City's Tower 4 backwards to 'feel the pain of these animals'.

He managed to finish in 10min 19sec, a commendable effort when compared to the winning time of 5min 35sec by Mr Ng Tze Mien in the men's open category.

Mr Balakrishnan, who came up with the idea of a backwards climb while shaving yesterday morning, admitted that the ascent was 'excruciating'.

This year's National Vertical Marathon, an annual event, was organised by the Nanyang Technological University Sports Club, Singapore Sports Council and the Ministry of Community Development and Sports.

Organisers were expecting a lower-than-normal turnout of 800 due to Sars, but were pleasantly surprised when almost 1,000 signed up. The mood was jovial after Minister of State for National Development Vivian Balakrishnan flagged off the men's open race.

He expressed relief that Singapore was declared Sars-free by the World Health Organisation and said the crisis has brought lasting benefits. Singaporeans, normally used to looking out for themselves, had learnt that their lives depend on the health of others as well.

'We're being reminded that other people count...We'll end up a healthier society.'

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Smalley in the Hedge



http://myanimalfamily.blogspot.com/

This illustrated story is written about a street cat for the benefit of all street cats. If you like the story, please donate SGD 5 to the cause.

Things are a'brewing, maybe a silly little story can change the world.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Ugly The Cat

Ugly The Cat

Everyone in the apartment complex I lived in knew who Ugly was. Ugly was the resident tomcat. Ugly loved three things in this world: fighting, eating garbage, and, shall we say, love.

The combination of these things combined with a life spent outside had their effect on Ugly. To start with, he had only one eye and where the other should have been was a hole. He was also missing his ear on the same side, his left foot appeared to have been badly broken at one time, and had healed at an unnatural angle, making him look like he was always turning the corner.

Ugly would have been a dark gray tabby, striped type, except for the sores covering his head, neck, and even his shoulders

Every time someone saw Ugly there was the same reaction. "That's one UGLY cat!!!"

All the children were warned not to touch him, the adults threw rocks at him, hosed him down, squirted him when he tried to come in their homes, or shut his paws in the door when he would not leave. Ugly always had the same reaction.

If you turned the hose on him, he would stand there, getting soaked until you gave up and quit. If you threw things at him, he would curl his lanky body around your feet in forgiveness.

Whenever he spied children, he would come running, meowing frantically and bump his head against their hands, begging for their love.

If you ever picked him up he would immediately begin suckling on your shirt, earrings, whatever he could find.

One day Ugly shared his love with the neighbor's dogs. They did not respond kindly, and Ugly was badly mauled. I tried to rush to his aid. By the time I got to where he was laying, it was apparent Ugly's sad life was almost at an end.

As I picked him up and tried to carry him home, I could hear him wheezing and gasping, and could feel him struggling. It must be hurting him terribly, I thought.

Then I felt a familiar tugging, sucking sensation on my ear. Ugly, in so much pain, suffering and obviously dying, was trying to suckle my ear. I pulled him closer to me, and he bumped the palm of my hand with his head, then he turned his one golden eye towards me, and I could hear the distinct sound of purring.

Even in the greatest pain, that ugly battled scarred cat was asking only for a little affection, perhaps some compassion.

At that moment I thought Ugly was the most beautiful, loving creature I had ever seen. Never once did he try to bite or scratch me, try to get away from me, or struggle in any way. Ugly just looked up at me completely trusting in me to relieve his pain.

Ugly died in my arms before I could get inside, but I sat and held him for a long time afterwards, thinking about how one scarred, deformed little stray could so alter my opinion about what it means to have true pureness of spirit,
to love so totally and truly.

Ugly taught me more about giving and compassion than a thousand books, lectures, or talk show specials ever could, and for that I will always be thankful. He had been scarred on the outside, but I was scarred on the inside, and it was time for me to move on and learn to love truly and deeply. To give my total to those I cared for.

Many people want to be richer, more successful, well liked, beautiful, but for me...
I will always try to be Ugly.

Author Unknown

Read about this "ugly" cat called NEC

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Who says S'poreans don't care about strays?

S'PORE JOB: Mr Martin busks at an underpass. Whatever he earns is spent in his pets.




The Electric New Paper :
Who says S'poreans don't care about strays?
Busker in S'pore, pet saviour in Johor
THIS man's work is never done.
By Jonathan Choo
25 August 2009

THIS man's work is never done.

Every morning, he leaves his home in Jurong at 6am to cross the Causeway.

It is a 45-minute van ride to two unfinished brick houses on an isolated plot of land beside a quiet cemetery at Ulu Tiram in Johor Baru.

There waits a colony of unwanted pets who solely depend on him to care for them. Meet Singaporean Don Martin, 57.

The animals comprise 55 stray dogs, five kittens and seven cats.

From the time the bachelor pushes open the 6m-long rusty iron gate of the 4ha plot of land to the time he leaves, Mr Martin has his work cut out for him.

First, he feeds the stray cats and kittens. Then for an hour, he uses old newspapers to painstakingly clear animal faeces from both houses.

Next, he collects water from a nearby well and washes the floors thoroughly. Cleaning, mopping, and refilling the water bowls take him a good four hours.

Feeding the other animals comes next, and it is not as simple as just dishing out food.

Most of the dogs have skin problems and Mr Martin, who keeps a record of their ailments, feeds them their medication individually.

The love he shows them is clearly reciprocated - every single stray responds to him when he calls them individually.

Marked territories

He has built fences to partition the land and space inside the houses into six different territories for the dogs, in order to prevent them from fighting during feeding time.

By 4pm, he finishes the last of his chores - washing all the feeding bowls. Then he allows himself a short rest on a discarded sofa bed he had put in the house. This is where he plays his guitar to relax.

Before leaving at 5pm, he refills all the water bowls, and switches on a radio and a light bulb to deter burglars.

But his day is not done. He works to earn money for the animals' upkeep.

In the evenings, he gives guitar lessons either at the Punggol or Taman Jurong Community Clubs, then busks at the underpass between Clarke Quay and Boat Quay.

When time permits, he also works as a musician, playing in bands at private functions. On Sundays, he works as a fruit seller at Pasir Ris Farmway 3.

Whatever he earns is spent on the pets.

Food and medication for the animals cost about $1,700 monthly, he says.

Occasionally, he gets help from the Singapore Animal Shelter. Some Johorean students donate dog food now and then.

It has been six years since he first moved in with 30 strays dogs, 18 of which are from Singapore.

He obtained licences, health certificates and export permits from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) to take the dogs to Johor.

He also had to pay to obtain import permits from the Johor government.

'I couldn't afford to house the strays in Singapore because of the rising rental costs,' said Mr Martin.

He is grateful to his landlords, a Chinese couple in their 50s, who allowed him the use of the land.

'I originally intended to sell my Jurong flat and use the money to buy the land,' he said.

But after much negotiation, they allowed him to use the fruit farm for his strays for a token sum. He intends to save enough money to buy the land eventually.

His devotion to rescuing strays began in the 1960s when a stray kitten wandered into his former flat in Telok Blangah. That cat stayed with him for 12 years.

Subsequently, he took in two more stray cats which later produced 15 kittens.

Why is he so devoted?

He said: 'Once I started giving shelter to the stray dogs and cats, I couldn't stop. They are part of me. Even if one dog goes missing, I will not stop until I find him.'

Friday, August 21, 2009

Restaurateur with a heart of gold (rescued and housed stray cats)

The Straits Times
21st August 2009





http://www.anandabhavan.com/ananda/index.asp


Loving restaurateur dies

Family and friends paying their last respects to Mr M.K. Ramachandra at the Ananda Bhavan Restaurant in Selegie Road on Thursday. -- ST PHOTO: TERENCE TAN

Friday, April 10, 2009

SPECIAL KITTEN

Blog EntrySPECIAL KITTENDec 30, '08 2:47 PM
for everyone


http://marydrolma.multiply.com/photos/album/14/BEAUTY


i was visiting meowies blog and this is what she wrote.

'A young boy found this little kitten and simply brought her to the vet. The kind vet treated the kitten but her hind legs may be permanently paralysed. Otherwise she is healthy and very active...using her front legs to move around. The vet will keep her at the clinic for a while...hoping for that slim chance that someone will adopt her'.


This new year will bring another challenge to my animal family. Yes, a very special kitten has been adopted from a vet whom so compassionately accepts the half dead kitten from a youth whom had given his permission to the vet to have the kitten euthanised.

As told to the staff, kitten was found in a drain and as told to me by the staff, kitten came in half dead and was not expected to survive. Dr. K gave his all, and wanted to give this almost lifeless being another chance in life, a great feat he accomplised because the little one has survived.

i look at the beautiful photos. Thoughts went through my mind: - was the young boy really innocent? did he really found the kitten in a drain? was the kitten kicked to the drain? was the kitten abused in another manner and thrown into the drain? if the young boy is truly innocent and had out of kindness brought the kitten to the vet, then i hope his compassionate nature will never cease. Then the next question, will the kitten be adopted and if not adopted, what will the clinic do. Will i be able to give this child a home? Will i be able to cope?

i then called the clinic and put my questions to them. i was told by the vet, he had spent a lot of effort and resources in trying to bring this kitten back to life. He did informed they need to at times express the kitten bladder for urine and bowel if the kitten is not urinating and pooing enough on his own. Other than that, the kitten has definitely returned to life. He ends our conversation by saying we can only try our best, and that at least we try - how wise, i thought to myself.

i was told by the staff if the kitten is not adopted, they may have to transfer this case to the SPCA or they may proceed with euthanisation as approval was given by the youth whom brought him in. It was not possible for them to house the kitten as a clinic pet as they worry there may be more abandonment once they are recognised as a clinic that house rescue cats that cannot be rehomed.

i guess i was half hearted with the adoption. Do i need another to join the household, do i need to burden myself with another mouth to feed, more money to spend, more task?

But wait, a thought erupted through my mind; what was the reason for me to have my 1st kitten despite my fear of them, despite my mum bad scoldings and anger; what was the reason for me to have my gang, what was the reason? And what was the reason for me to buy my own house? Was it not for these special beings, was it not that they will have a home, was it not that they will be protected and loved?

i guess if i had not been told this kitten may be euthanised if not adopted and if i myself did not hear of such news, then i would not be so affected with the fate of this kitten. It's like being told someone is hungry yet not offering them any food. i like to believe knowing, feeling sorry, helpless and not trying to do something amounts to nothing. After all, what is our purpose on earth, surely it's not just to eat, sleep and benefitting oneself; and at the end of our journey, what can we bring with us, not our wealth, health but the knowledge that we have try to live a meaningful life benefitting not just us but others to the best of our capability.

i told Dr.K i will adopt him and named him Beauty in remembrance of my 1st community cat who has since left for a new rebirth. Dr. K has told me i need not pay for the advance treatment he has rendered to Beauty but i told Dr. K to proceed with deworming and that i will pay.

So Beauty will come home on 2 January 2009 since i won't need to be at work and with the long weekends, it will be a good opportunity for us to get to know each other, and for me especially to understand his medical condition and needs.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

POEM BY THE ANIMALS

Fruits….meant to be eaten!

From Dreamy’s Blog:

http://living-vegan.blogspot.com/2007/11/poem-by-animals.html

I will never see the sun rise

I will never see it set

I will never feel a kind touch

I will never be a pet

I will never feel love

For I will not be loved

As I’m led to my murder

Being prodded, poked and shoved

As they cut my tender skin

I wondered who would care

If anybody out there

Would consider my despair

For you did not see me die

And you did not see me bleed

You did not hear me cry

For the meat that you don’t need

You did not watch them kill me

You could not feel my pain

You will try not to think of me

As you blindly eat again

I was the cow you ate on Monday

The pig you had midweek,

I was the turkey for your Christmas,

I was the calf you liked to eat

I was the chicken in your sandwich

The duck you had for tea

I felt pain beyond belief

But you never thought of me

Because thinking can be painful

And you refuse to see

That for every time you eat meat

Those animals must bleed

The cow was killed for Monday

The pig was scalded too

The turkey lived for 16 weeks

And the calf had died for you

The chicken lived inside a cage

The duck could hardly move

And all of this suffering

Occurred for so called food

I fail to see a reason

As there is no need

When humans eat my meat

It is purely for their greed

You may think you’re above me

That you have advantage

But a kind, innocent creature

Is better than a savage

So next time you’re out shopping

Try to feel some guilt

For those animals have died

For your eggs, your meat and milk

My heroes are those people

Who will not bite into me

So I ask a simple favour

And please stop eating meat

I’m asking for the cows

The pigs and all the sheep

I’m asking for the birds

Who are more than just some meat

They can’t speak themselves

So please lets be their voice

Every one born into this

For them there was no choice

For you did not see me die

And you did not see me bleed

You did not hear me cry

For the meat that you don’t need

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Sebastian, a duck with wheels!

Sebastian, a duck with wheels!
Sent in by: Sharon, Sebastian's human


One summer night this tiny yellow duckling was crawling & struggling to walk across the sidewalk. Some cruel person didn't think her life was worth anything and threw her out with the garbage. She had cuts and scrapes all over her tiny body. To make matters worse for this little duckling, her legs were deformed, she was handicapped, her legs bend & she couldn't stand up and walk, so I took her to the doctor to see if anything could be done for her legs to give her a chance at life, but they wanted to put her to sleep they said nothing could be done.

I said no, I won't put this little duck to sleep. I named her Sebastian, not knowing if she was a boy or a girl. She turned out to be a girl duck and I took her home. That was 11 years ago. I guess the doctor didn't think anybody would care for this little duck... I couldn't find her a home or an organization that would take her so I had to keep her myself. I became her mother and she my child and I must say what a great job I did. I unselfishly and unconditionally love Sebastian... I added 10 years to Sebastian's life that otherwise she would not have had if not for my love and my own sacrifice, no time off and no vacations, it's hard work & total dedication round the clock.

Sebastian is the love of my life I just love Sebastian so much words cannot describe it. Her life is filled with love, hugs and kisses everyday, since she is handicapped I have to do everything for her it's a lot of work and dedication but I don't mind one bit because of the strong love I have for this duck, we both love each other so much and are so bonded. My husband builted Sebastian a wheelchair although she can't move it she doesn't mind sitting in it to be near me while I do housework.


Sebastian has her own bedroom and sleeps in a playpen on baby blankets, she needs to be kept on soft surfaces so she doesn't get sores on her hocks, her hocks are wrapped in self grip to prevent sores, our day begins with good morning & happy to see you kisses, then I changed the blankets she was sleeping on all night with clean fresh ones, then after that I go and get her breakfast ready, she knows I making it because she starts quacking up a storm, after breakfast she will take a nap, after the nap comes more blanket changes and lunch, after lunch I will put her in the kiddie pool for her daily bath & swim when she ready to come out I put her in her outdoor pen where she preens herself and enjoys the sunshine, I begin her laundry by washing all her towels & blankets and I scrub out her playpen clean, after several hours of being outside in her pen, I take her out and hold her on my lap for some petting and play time or we just sit on the grass and play, now it's toward the evening I feed her dinner her tummy is full...I can sit and relax for a while until later when I give her a snack before she goes to bed kiss her good night shut the lights and start all over again the next day... I want to say thank you for all the wonderful & touching comments everyone has expressed towards Sebastian.

When you have a pet that is handicapped and you unconditionally take care of that pet, the love that you receive back is so much worth the work that it takes to care for them. Never give up on your beloved pets that can no longer walk. They deserve every chance that a human does, because all forms of life are precious. - Sharon

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Show Kindness to the Cats



  • "You will always be lucky if you know how to make friends with strange cats." - Colonial proverb

  • "In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats." - English proverb

  • "Beware of people who dislike cats." - Irish proverb

  • "An old cat will not learn how to dance." - Moroccan Proverb

  • "After dark all cats are leopards." - Native American Proverb

  • A cat may look at a king. - English Proverb

  • Happy owner, happy cat. Indifferent owner, reclusive cat. - Chinese Proverb

  • A cat has nine lives. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays. - English Proverb

  • "Happy is the home with at least one cat" - Italian Proverb

  • "The cat was created when the lion sneezed" - Arabian Proverb

  • "Curiosity killed the cat, Satisfaction brought it back!" - English Proverb

  • "Books and cats and fair-haired little girls make the best furnishing for a room" - French Proverb

  • "I gave an order to a cat, and the cat gave it to its tail" - Chinese Proverb

  • "Cats, flies and women are ever at their toilets" - French Proverb

  • "The dog for the man, the cat for the woman" - English Proverb

  • "Thou art the Great Cat, the avenger of the Gods, and the judge of words, and the president of the sovereign chiefs and the governor of the holy Circle; thou art indeed...the Great Cat." - Inscription on the Royal Tombs at Thebes