In keeping with the art theme of the 2023 Fall Issue of ELYSIAN, I have chosen to write about the Art of Compassion. All around the world there are homeless, abandoned, neglected, and abused animals. It is our responsibility as humans to be their voice. As the saying often attributed to Gandhi goes, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
I realize that a pet is not for everyone, but as a loving, humane, and compassionate society, I do believe that everyone can make a difference in the lives of helpless animals. How? There are so many ways to assist in animal rescue:
- Adopting
- Fostering
- Volunteering
- Donating
As an animal rescuer, this is my favorite quote, from an unknown author: “I looked at all of the caged animals in the shelter… the castoffs of human society. I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness and betrayal. I was angry. ‘God,’ I said, ‘This is terrible! Why don’t you do something?’ God was silent for a moment and then he spoke softly, ‘I have done something. I created you.’”
Won’t you make some art on the tapestry of an animal’s life? You may do so by taking a brush and making a compassionate mark on the canvas.