A Flurry of HAPPINESS from our Furry Friends
by Michelle Villareale

Animals Bring Immeasurable Happiness to people's lives.  What joy do you experience when you love a pet, and receive unconditional love in return?  How much awe and excitement is inspired when we see animals in the wild, realizing their beauty and power.  Whether we live with animals, or see them on television or at a wildlife habitat, they can rouse a profound sense of admiration, connection and respect that in beneficial to us in many ways.

Studies prove that petting a furry creature, even if it is not your own personal pet, can lower blood pressure and give you a sense of well being.  This interaction is emotionally positive for the person and the animal, both of which derive nurturing affection and healing attention.  There are other ways that people interact with animals in symbiotic relationship; consider animals used in healthcare and law enforcement.  Most people already know how Seeing Eye Dogs bring security and a renewed sense of freedom to their human companions.  Other dogs have such a profound sensitivity that they can detect cancer cells in humans; some are even so perceptive and accurate, that they can detect early cancers, in some cases two years earlier than the most sophisticated medical equipment.

There are yet other dogs that sense the onset of epileptic seizures in humans, which was shown in an episode of Miracle Pets, hosted by Richard Thomas.  These dogs can alert their epileptic human companions in advance, so that the person can find a safe place to lie down in order to prevent injury.  In some cases, the presence of the dog has shortened the length and severity of the seizure.  Dogs are also invaluable in law enforcement; police dogs have unique abilities of sense, smell and agility, along with remarkable courage and loyalty.   Police officers, who are paired with the furry partners, trust and rely on them as much as they do their two legged partners.

Dogs are not the only furry inhabitants of the planet to be helpful companions.  For quadriplegics (paralyzed from the neck down), small monkeys, called Capuchins, are trained to understand over 200 voice commands    , and literally become the arms and hands of their human friend.  Helping Hands, started in 1979, is a non-profit organization that trains and places these monkeys.  the first pair, Robert and his monkey Hellion, was featured in a 60 Minutes episode.  These adorable little monkeys do everything from grooming their humans and preparing meals, to feeding them.

There are equally compelling stories about cats, birds, dolphins, horses, and wild animals.  In each instance, the humans who benefited from these wonderful animals, as well as the animals themselves, found great joy in their relationships.  An emotional bond forms between the person and animal, which is absolutely remarkable.  The love and loyalty that is shared in inspirational - an exceptional lesson on how life should be lived on a grander scale.  Imagine the harmony of a world where we truly lived symbiotically with the animal and the planet, where we all benefitted from each other's actions and interactions.  While a dramatic shift toward creating this harmony is already happening, there are still many examples of abuses and exploitations of the animals themselves, as well as the environments in which they live.  When we harm the planet and animals, we are harming ourselves.  Our natural resources, including our trees, forests, lakes, streams, oceans, mountains, and plains, are so vital to our health and happiness and to that of all living creatures.  Living symbiotically requires a consciousness that goes well beyond not causing direct harm.  Living symbiotically means that both sides benefit from interactions with each other.

For instance, an organic vegetarian lifestyle establishes this interactive relationship, not only with the planet, but also with the animal kingdom.  Factory farming, which supports a meat based diet, is extremely exploitive and harmful by depleting water resources, ruining topsoil, and causing great suffering and misery to the animals and workers as well.  Furthermore, because these animals are ridden with antibiotics, growth hormones and pesticides, so is each person who consumes them and our society on the whole.  I have been an animal lover my entire life, but not a vegetarian until  recently.  Although my love for animals has not changed, I have observed, since embracing organic vegetarianism, that my views about animals and environment are very different from what they used to be.  I now see the connection between my lifestyle choices and their impact on the world around me.  A vegetarian diet does not necessitate the violence and suffering associated with factory farming.  A vegan lifestyle goes even further by not including animal products, such as suede or leather for clothing.  A vegan also avoids dairy and eggs.  Since I changed my lifestyle, I have noticed  a dramatic difference in myself, including a sense of peace and connectedness with nature that I had not previously known.  I can look at my companion animals and then sit down to a meal knowing that my love is extended to all animals.  through this action, I am standing for my health and well being, as well as for that of the planet.  This is not only very comforting, but it brings me great happiness.  When we live symbiotically with the world around us, we, as a people, and the planet we inhabit will  thrive.

Although many of us are already animal lovers, some are not concerned about the plight of exploited and abused animals.  Yet, as we continue to embrace the many benefits of having animals in our lives, more of us will be moved to preserve these wondrous relationships, and individuals, communities, societies and nations will come to know far greater happiness and joy than ever imagined.

For those among us who do care, we know that our lives are more enriched and rewarding because we allow the love of animals to to affect us.  Most of us have experienced  myriad of emotions in response to animals - laughter at seeing the silly playfulness of a puppy or kitten, or the feeling of warmth when looking into the face of a cherished companion and animal and seeing the unconditional love in their eyes.  We are in awe and have respect for the majesty of a roaring lion, or the beauty of a horse at full gallop - nostrils flared and mane waving in the wind.  There can be exhilaration when watching an eagle soar high above us; we can almost lift off and join them in flight.  We are astounded by the size and power of a breaching whale, spiraling out of the ocean and crashing back into the waves, and delighted by the song of a small bird outside our window or the comical chatter of two lively squirrels.  All of these experiences can evoke strong emotional reactions.

Animals touch us and enliven us in ways that humans cannot; they love us in moments when [we] are challenged to love ourselves.  they impart a depth and meaning to our lives that is so rich that it is impossible to imagine life without them.  And, if nothing else, they will surely bring out a smile on even the most difficult days, making them, in my opinion. some of the greatest teachers on happiness of all.