Pet Food Recall: Pet Eulogy for those who have lost pets

The tragedy of the past few weeks is something people never anticipated. The loss of a pet is never easy because they touch us deeply. For those who have lost animals I'd like to pass you this ceremony in the hope that it will help you move through this time--and give some comfort.

Many blessings,

Diana L Guerrero

Pet Eulogy Service
Select meaningful music and form a circle around the burial ground or area the ashes will be scattered. Conduct this service at sunset to represent passing on or at sunrise to symbolize new beginnings.

We respectfully call in the Great Spirit. Essences of the earth and sky, we ask you to receive our beloved (pet's name).
May his/her remains to contribute to the circle of life.
Enfold us in compassion.
Bond us during this difficult time.
Reveal the lessons needed to assist our understanding.
Shift our perspective over this loss.

All join hands. The officiant directs those gathered to breathe meditatively.

Life begins with a deep breath and ends with an exhale.
Breathe now and inhale love and light.
Allow fond memories of this departed love one to fill any aching or empty space.
Breathe out and release sorrow and grief.
In your mind's eye witness the light of this bright spirit moving into another realm without pain, without reservation.

Light a candle or acknowledge the sun or moon through gesture or movement.

Let go and send blessings to (pet's name).
When the sun sets, the moon rises and the reflective glow continues.
So will it be with this being who added luster to this world and who will continue to light our lives through fond contemplation.
As the sun rises, let us remember that after each ending is a new beginning.
Memories of this being will illuminate the darkness.
Allow (pet's name)'s soft afterglow to engulf us.
May we find peace.

Cast flower petals or place flowers on gravesite.

Through each season there is transition and so it is in life.
Life begins with a seed, grows and blossoms, withers, dies, and cycles again.
Feel free to share a story or memory of (pet's name).
When finished, cast your flower in memory of the beauty in life and how it continues.

Sprinkle water or symbolically incorporate water in the ceremony.

These tears drop to the earth cleansing our pain, releasing our sorrow, just as the rain douses the earth, quenches the terrain, travels on a journey to the sea, and evaporates.
This passage reminds us again of the circle of life, ever changing, ever present.
Let us be cleansed and allow (pet's name) to transition to other realms, in another form.

Scatter earth or ashes.

Over time, the rocks, trees, plants, and animals transition, absorbed by the earth.
Dust blows over the desert, mud moves mountainsides, and sand travels great distances to other shores.
As we scatter this earth/these ashes we acknowledge that we shall again feel our feet on solid ground and remember that (pet's name) has embarked on a new journey to other destinations.
May his/her travels be sanctified.
Keep us centered in faith and grounded as we travel through life from this time forward.

Pet Eulogy Service is excerpted from Blessing of the Animals: A Guide to Prayers & Ceremonies Celebrating Pet & Other Animals (ISBN 1402729677) by Diana L Guerrero. Reprinted here by permission of the author. All rights reserved.

Animals in Spiritual Centers: National Geographic

I thought this Bark Mitzvah photo from NG News might spark your interest in the National Geographic article on pet mitzvahs, pet blessings, and pets in spiritual centers.

This trend is growing quickly as outlined in my newest work, Blessing of the Animals: A Guide to Prayers & Ceremonies Celebrating Pets & Other Creatures (ISBN 1402729677)

Holidays Highlight the Spiritual Significance of Animals

The following are excerpts from interviews with California author Diana L Guerrero concerning her book, What Animals Can Teach us about Spirituality: Inspiring Lessons of Wild & Tame Creatures (ISBN 1893361845).

Can you give me some examples of the holiday significance of animals during this winter holiday season?
During the winter months there are many holiday traditions that are celebrated throughout the world. If you peruse history and folklore there are lots of different animals incorporated into those stories. I'd defer to a biblical or religious scholars address the nuances of any symbolism within any particular faith or religious path, but it is possible to use the symbolism within any story to illustrate valuable lessons. For instance:

• In Christianity, the nativity scene features baby Jesus in a stable and placed in a manger surrounded by animals. From a symbolic perspective, the nativity scene could represent and teach unconditional acceptance (of situations and other beings). Animals and little children also share the same innocence. The nativity scene reenactments and figures go back prior to to St. Francis of Assisi (known for his gift of animal speak--as he got closer to God he was able to commune with animals). However, St. Francis is often given credit for popularizing taking the pantomime reenactment out of the church to the public (circa 1223).



• Las Posadas is the reenactment of how Joseph and Mary sought shelter and were given refuge with the animals. Since 1538 this tradition is celebrated annually in Mexico--complete with animal actors/participants. Las Posadas begins on December 16.



• In many European countries there is a tale of how the stable animals talked and were only heard by Joseph, Mary and Jesus--falling silent when other humans arrived. Animals communicate all the time but most people do not recognize what they are communicating. The symbolism here could be used to teach that when we establish a true rapport we can commune with others (humans or animals) on a deeper level.



• In the pagan world, the nativity scene figures of Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus are replaced by the figures representing Mother Nature, Father Time, and the baby Sun-God. Here I see the illustration of the importance of celebrating change and honoring our links to nature--along with the Divine.

Your book touches on a number of different animals and uses analogies to illustrate spiritual and personal growth sparked by animals. Is there any significance to why you structured the book in this manner?
The publisher asked me to write this book after viewing another book proposal I submitted. My background as an animal behaviorist made the stories and the comparison with nature a given. During my meditative prayer sessions I asked for guidance from a higher source. On my own spiritual quest I noticed how animals impacted people and while working on this book I decided to draw parallels from the animal world to the spiritual path and used a variety of animals to appeal to a wider audience.

What other comments do you have about animals and spirituality?
The new terms for nature's and animal influences on spirituality have been recently coined as ecoevangelism or envirospirituality. One commentator dialoged on this when he talked about how some "self-serving" animal program developers were trying to convert the ecoheathen to a specific way of thinking.

Historically you can look back over time and see how animals are incorporated into most religious and philosophical teachings. They are symbols or examples--and sometimes even deities. The impact has always been there but as we become more removed from the nature world we crave a closer relationship to nature and animals. I feel that longing is the same for the Divine.

I also see ministers using animals in their sermons to illustrate principles. In addition, to the Blessing of the Animals, one local retired minister now conducts eulogies for pet owners.

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SPECIFIC ANIMAL SYMBOLISM

Love Birds & Doves

• The dove was sacred to Venus and other love deities.


• Doves also represented divine messengers.


• Some birds mate for life and the shared duties of caring, their cooing, and related activities have been represented popularly by lovebirds and turtledoves.

Snakes & Toads
St. Patrick is often artistically depicted holding a shamrock while driving away snakes. Some scholars credit his fame of running off snakes and toads to a interpretation error by the invading Scandinavians of the time. The Norse word "paudrid" (expeller of toads) is thought to have been confused with Patrick. (There were no snakes in Ireland and very few toads during Patrick's time.)

The other theory of the symbolism is that Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland and since many pagan religions worshipped serpents or serpent-like symbols, driving them out of the country is thought to represent casting out the pagans.

Hare
An English Scholar (Bede, 8th Century) suggested that the Teutonic goddess of springtime whose symbol was the hare, was worshipped during pre-Christian times. The hare was a fertility symbol (springtime) as was the egg (new life).

Lamb
The Hebrew custom of the sacrificial lamb is thought to have been blended with Christian customs. The Easter lamb eventually became a symbol for Jesus.

WINTER HOLIDAY ANIMALS

Animals figure prominently during the winter holidays. Ponies, horses, donkeys, camels, sheep, goats, cats, and others are linked back to earlier traditions. Most figures are a mixture of old and new, religious and secular, native and foreign.

The Christmas goat is a typical Swedish Christmas decoration, usually made of straw. It is one of the oldest Christmas symbols the Swedes have. Historically it is thought to have developed from the figure of the devil found with St. Nicholas in the Middle Ages. Later the goat became the character in a Christmas play as performers collected food and drink for their dancing festivities from surrounding homes at Christmas time. In the 18th century, an actor was entrusted with the distribution of Christmas presents on Christmas Eve. The julbock (goat) is named for the goat that drew the cart of Thor, the god of thunder in Norse mythology. Today the Christmas goat is made of straw and found in homes each holiday season. Since 1966 an annual topiary is constructed in the city center of in Gaevle, 90 miles north of Stockholm.

St. Nicholas originally was led around by a white horse--now reindeer. In the 19th century a book appeared with the illustration of him with one reindeer and it was in 1882 that Dr Clement Clarke Moore wrote the poem, "A Visit from St. Nick." This was later published as "The Night Before Christmas." In this poem, Santa Claus was accompanied by eight reindeer. In Sweden this image is still drawn by mountain goats.

Animal symbols appear to be handed down by old lore. Some of these include: Thor (a Norse god who rides the sky in a chariot drawn by goats), Odin/Wotan (a Scandinavian/Teutonic god who travels through the sky on a horse), Tomte (a Norse spirit known for giving gifts to children) and Herne (a Celtic antlered god) is thought by some to be at the root of the reindeer association.

Animals currently popular at this time are in stories such as, The Christmas Pony and The Christmas Cat.

Donkey
A group known as The White Donkey Society states, "In the Bible the donkey was a beast of burden. It helped people with their burdens. That is what the Grace of God does. It bears our burdens. When Jesus left his donkey at Calvary, He offered it to us today. His donkey is a physical symbol of the spiritual Grace that God offers us. (Matthew 24:2)"

Lamb
The lamb has often been the symbol of the ultimate sacrifice. Christ is called "the lamb of God." An excerpt from the Catholic Encyclopedia states:

"One of the few Christian symbols dating from the first century is that of the Good Shepherd carrying on His shoulders a lamb or a sheep, with two other sheep at his side. Between the first and the fourth century eighty-eight frescoes of this type were depicted in the Roman catacombs.

The signification which may be attached to this symbol, according to Wilpert's interpretation, is as follows. The lamb or sheep on the shoulders of the Good Shepherd is a symbol of the soul of the deceased being borne by Our Lord into heaven; whereas the two sheep accompanying the Shepherd represent the saints already enjoying eternal bliss. This interpretation is in harmony with an ancient liturgical prayer for the dead of the following tenor: "We pray God . . . to be merciful to him in judgment, having redeemed him by His death, freed him from sin, and reconciled him with the Father. May He be to him the Good Shepherd and carry him on His shoulders [to the fold] May He receive him in the following of the King, and grant him to participate in eternal joy in the Society of the saints" (Muratori, "Lit. Rom. Vet.", I, 751). In catacomb frescoes this petition is represented as already granted; the deceased is in the company of the saints."

Dove
The dove is one of the most popular symbols used to signify peace and the Holy Spirit. An excerpt from the BAHÁ'Í STUDIES REVIEW (Volume 4.1, 1994) comments:

"A traditional Christian understanding of the Holy Spirit comes from both Old and New testaments and suggests there is no conflict between their teachings. The main symbol of the Holy Spirit is a dove, but other symbols are used, notably fire, water, oil and air. The dove symbol is most often reproduced in art and literature. In Come Holy Spirit Come, Peter De Rosa connects the symbol through both testaments:

the dove is first mentioned in the Bible in the story of Noah and the Flood (Genesis 8). It is only when the waters subside that the dove appears. It represents God's kindness and his forgiveness of a world whose sins had brought so great a calamity. The Hebrew word for dove is Jonah. The Old Testament book that tells the parable of the reluctant prophet being swallowed by a big fish after refusing to preach to the hated Ninevites is really, therefore "The Book of the Dove." Jonah, despite his loathing for the task, eventually identifies himself with the saving work God gave him to do; and the Ninevites, who do not know their right hand from their left, repent in sackcloth and ashes. Once more the dove has been the messenger of God's kindness and mercy."

Holiday Meal Traditions

• Christmas traditions have often included the consumption of a holiday goose, turkey, or ham. In England, hunting for the Christmas boar was an annual sport. It was also a tradition to sing "The Boar's Head Carol." (Claimed to be one of the oldest written Christmas carols it was first published 1521 by Wynken de Worde in Christmasse Carolles). Norse and Celtic traditions also served up this beast--and some customs shape bread loaves in the form of a wild boar. I've read commentary that the boar represents Satan (a destructive boar) and that carrying the boar's head out on the platter is symbolic of Satan's final defeat by Jesus Christ.



• Hanukah, or the Festival of Lights, is celebrated in memory of the victory of Judaism over Hellenism. At the time of the solstice, the Greeks rededicated the Temple to a Pagan deity.The attempted sacrifice of an animal (some say swine) on an altar was the last straw that sparked the rebellion.



• Although pigs are among the animals considered "unclean," the Celts linked the hunting of boar with the symbolism or metaphor of the journey of the Spirit--an animal giving life connecting the shedding of blood with rebirth and renewal.



• In Sweden, Christmas was the only time of the year when people could eat fresh meat (from the Autumn slaughter) and some sources cite that is how that tradition of eating swine started.

Animal Symbolism or Urban Myth?
The Christian Research Institute in their online magazine, The Voice, published an article called, "The Twelve Days of Christmas." In the article they discuss the possible symbolism of the song called. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" It states,

"The popular song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is usually seen as simply a nonsense song for children. However, some have suggested that it is a song of Christian instruction dating to the 16th century religious wars in England, with hidden references to the basic teachings of the Faith. They contend that it was a mnemonic device to teach the catechism to youngsters. The "true love" mentioned in the song is not an earthly suitor, but refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person who is part of the Christian Faith. Each of the "days" represents some aspect of the Christian Faith that was important for children to learn."

Debate exists as to whether this is a historical fact or an urban myth. Either way the symbolism again relates to animals. Here is the theorized key to the meanings:

Day One: The "true love" represents God and the "me" who receives these presents is the Christian. The "partridge in a pear tree" was Jesus Christ who died on the cross. (The birthday of Jesus Christ is celebrated on December 25, the first day of Christmas.) Christ can be viewed as symbolically presented as the mother partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, recalling the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so..." (Luke 13:34)

Day Two: The "two turtle doves" were the Old and New Testaments. Which are said to cohesively "bear witness to God's self-revelation in history and the creation of a people to tell the story of God to the world."

Day Three: The "three French hens" were the three gifts of the Spirit (or Three Theological Virtues): 1) faith, 2) hope, and 3) love. (I Corinthians 13:13)

Day Four: The "four calling birds" were the four Gospels: 1) Matthew, 2) Mark, 3) Luke, and 4) John.

Day Five: The "five golden rings" were the first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: 1) Genesis, 2) Exodus, 3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy.

Day Six: The "six geese a-laying" were the six days of creation. (Genesis 1)

Day Seven: The "seven swans a swimming" the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1) prophecy, 2) ministry, 3) teaching, 4) exhortation, 5) giving, 6) leading, and 7) compassion. (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4:10-11)

Day Eight: The "eight maids a milking" were the eight Beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. (Matthew 5:3-10) (Does it matter if they were milking cows or goats?)

Day Nine: The "nine ladies dancing" were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: 1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness,
6) generosity, 7) faithfulness, 8) gentleness, and 9) self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Day Ten: The "ten lords a-leaping" were the Old Testament ten commandments: 1) You shall have no other gods before me; 2) Do not make an idol; 3) Do not take God's name in vain; 4) Remember the Sabbath; 5) Honor your father and mother; 6) Do not murder; 7) Do not commit adultery; 8) Do not steal; 9) Do not bear false witness; 10) Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17)

Day Eleven: The "eleven pipers piping" were the eleven faithful disciples: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas bar James. (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the Romans.

Day Twelve: The "twelve drummers drumming" were the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed:1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the holy Catholic Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting.

The Urban Legends website debates the validity of the suggestion the song is a link to any faith based mnemonic: However, it also goes on to explain:

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" is what most people take it to be: a secular song that celebrates the Christmas season with imagery of gifts and dancing and music. Some misinterpretations have crept into the English version over the years, though. For example, the fourth day's gift is four "colly birds," not four "calling birds." (The word "colly" literally means "black as coal," and thus "colly birds" would be blackbirds.) The "five golden rings" refers not to five pieces of jewelry, but to five ring-necked birds (such as pheasants). When these errors are corrected, the pattern of the first seven gifts' all being types of birds is re-established.

What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality Book Interview with Diana L Guerrero

What do you think has provoked an increased respect for animals in recent years?
There is not one specify thing that has catalyzed increased respect and interest in animals. Looking back over history shows that animals have formed an intregal part of humankind's world that is reflected in art, mythology, and even religious or spiritual analogies. Now humankind has more leisure time, increased wealth, and is exposed to animals from a variety of sources. All these changes help shift our awareness and changes the attitudes humans have about animals.

Can you explain this change in viewpoint a bit more?
As survival becomes less of a struggle humans have time to reflect on their lives and doing that allows people to gain new insights. The change in viewpoint about animals is motivated by interest and concern. But sometimes people see what they want and not the actual fact, which can get them into trouble or danger. On the other hand, it can also be channeled into constructive efforts.

About thirty to forty years ago there was not such a widespread concern for captive wild animals. Whales are a good example. Fisherman caught whales and brought them into oceanariums. As our awareness and exposure increased, along with the studies about these amazing animals, the pendulum swung to the other end of the spectrum. Fisherman began whale watching trips and interest soared. Now there are people who want captive whales released, without an understanding about what it requires. But not too long ago people didn't think much about it. The concern and care came from the close exposure.

In our concrete jungles and computerized world we have lost the connection to our environment and other living beings. The connection is something that people long for.

What is the difference between respecting an animal and anthropomorphizing?
Respecting an animal means taking the time to glean factual information about it and seeing the creature as it truly is instead of how humans would like to imagine it is.

Anthropomorphizing means projecting human qualities and traits onto the animal. More specifically, it means supposing non-human behavior is motivated by human emotions. So, ultimately it does not mean that animals do not feel, as was supposed in the past, just that we cannot accurately interpret what they do think or feel.

Because we are human and only have our human experience and perspective, we can only view animals through that lens. Many people lack first hand experience with animals and therefore inaccurate assumptions about animals are difficult to circumvent.

For instance, views on pets varies drastically. In What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality I talk about how a dog wagging her tail might not be friendly, but millions of people (as attested by the 4.7 million reported dog bites in America each year) assume it is friendly. Also, dogs might be ostracized to the yard in one neighborhood, while they may be incorporated into the home in another. Cats may be simply mousers to a family in the country, while they are pampered pets in the city. Cultural traditions, experience with animals, religious practices or beliefs, and prosperity all influence the viewpoints concerning animals.

The difficulty lies with the misinterpretation--many people have problems with their pets because humans project and form misconceptions. But from the human lens we can only imagine what someone else (or an animal) is feeling or experiencing--for we only have our personal perspective.

Are you worried that What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality is a little too anthropomorphic?
What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality is an allegorical illustration using animal interactions and stories as examples of living by spiritual principles. It is not meant to be a treatise on animal behavior or a scientific work. Nor is it meant to be a religious work. It is a collection of stories and examples for people to enjoy and ponder--and a handbook for developing better animal relationships.

Ultimately, each person must research and explore religion, spirituality, and animal behavior elsewhere. Since my interest and background is in animals, I include animal resources to assist my readers.

Finally, I am human so my only perspective is that of a human animal. I believe my author's note sums it up best.

Authors note from What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality:
Historically, human-animal comparisons provided sources of moral
instructions and examples. Within this book you'll find analogies
tied to animal behavior. All creatures exhibit a wide range of
"good" and "bad" traits. Anthropomorphizing
is considered heresy in some circles, but people remember animal
examples and stories. So, I have taken creative license and described
them from my human perspective.

You don't mention your religious beliefs in the book, why?
Actually, I believe I do. What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality explores what I believe are spiritual principles found throughout the world and within different religions as illustrated by animals, their behavior, and human relationships with animals. However, my intention was not to endorse or favor any particular religion or spiritual practice.

The book is for animal lovers and those interested in what they can learn from animal examples of principles taught by many faiths and religions. Although What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality mentions a few religious leaders and paths, I consider religious or spiritual beliefs to be the personal responsibility of my readers, which I hope encompasses a broad range of beliefs and cultures.

What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality is also a handbook on how to understand animals and develop closer relationships with them by changing our perspectives.

What ways have animals influenced your spirituality and the spirituality of others?
It is hard to pinpoint. I've always felt closer to the Divine while out in nature and when working with animals. From early childhood I was fascinated with animals and the stories about them. Ultimately I think animals influenced my spirituality by example and through story. I had a traditional religious upbringing and stories with animals were the most interesting to me. I can't answer for other people, but I believe mythology and religious stories use analogies to illustrate the human condition and lessons symbolically.

Do you know anything about ancient civilizations besides American Indians using animal forms for deities?
Animal forms of deities and examples of humankind's fascination with animals abound throughout the world from ancient to present time.

Visual evidence goes back to the stone age in the remains of painting on caves. African bushmen and Australian aborigines, whose verbal traditions have been told over generations, share animal symbolism, as do other native cultures.

Totemism has existed for a long time and such symbolism can be found in contemporary books such as Animal Speak and Spirit Animals. The mystical qualities or symbolic meanings are commonly used even in theological works.

Totems in Africa turned to religion in Egypt. Integration of man and animal is illustrated through the art and religion of Egypt. Most Egyptian deities have zoomorphic forms: Anubis (jackal), Horus (falcon), Toth (ape, ibis) Bast (cat), Hathor (cow) are some examples. The bull and lion were semi-sacred animals of the Middle East. In Judeo Christian works the animal symbolism included the dove, lamb, and more.

In the book, Sacred & Symbolic Animals, author Kenneth Clark notes:

"Since God did nothing without a purpose, each animal carried a moral lesson for man to learn or carried a symbolic message."

The world of Middle Age bestiaries illustrate the concept that man can learn from the wisdom of the animals. Aesops Fables (still popular today) is an example of such work as well as the two thousand year old Panchatantra.

Finally, Greek and Roman Mythology (centaurs, harpies, mermaids), Eastern Indian religious figures (such as Ganesh, and the Lord Vishnu who incarnates as a fish, turtle, and boar) Chinese animal symbolism, Celtic, and other paths incorporate unique and interesting animal symbolism.

What comments do you have on the work of biblical zoologist Rabbi Natan Slifkin?
Rabbi Slifkin gives tours of zoos based on the spiritual lessons of animals as found in the Torah. Although an apt title, I doubt "biblical zoologist" is widely recognized.

My belief is that any effort that increases the respect and care for nature, and that teaches spiritual principles is a good one.

Both evolution and creation are theories--and neither have been proven. Rabbi Slifkin believes that there are more similarities between the two than others profess. Although he is not an animal man by education, most well known naturalists, collectors, and zoo icons were not either.

The zoos I have called to discuss this topic with have been not willing to comment, can you tell me why?
Animal facilities rely more on empirical or scientific data instead of the intangible, like faith--or stories illustrating principles using animals as examples. So it is predictable that most will avoid comment on the topic. It also opens up a whole can of worms when you discuss animals as spiritual beings or examples within the context of captive animal care and management issues. This is why I included a disclaimer within What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality.