Refreshing lives, transforming faith, at the heart of the community Haere Mai, Piki Mai
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An address by Callum Irvine BVSc (Hons)
Nelson Cathedral
Sunday, 5 October 2008
I really like the story of creation. In the first few words of the bible, God created animals firstly, and then man, and gives us the earth and all its riches to share.
When we were preparing for today, Donna from the SPCA said to me “I don’t think I like this dominion over animals business!”.
Well, I think what God is saying to us is not that we have the right to exploit animals but rather that we have a right of custodianship, a moral obligation to love and
care for the animals around us and protect them from harm. They deserve dignity and respect because they are also precious and valuable in the eyes of God.
We are not necessarily so much their masters as we are their servants – especially if you own a cat.
So as we celebrate the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi and his unique understanding and ability to communicate with animals, which is also the
World Day for Animals, we should reflect on the special relationship that we have with our four, or two, and occasionally no legged friends.
Every day in veterinary practice we see examples of the bond that develops between an owner and their pet, which is like no other. I believe
that God intended animals to be our companions, so not only do we have an obligation for their care, but there is also a mutuality of relationship, so
that as we care for our pet, they also care for us! Once that relationship is formed, the love we receive from our pet is essentially unconditional, regardless
of whether you are having a bad hair day or are just plain cranky, the affection you receive is the same. Interestingly, many animals form deep relationships
with each other also. My old dog Darby mourned so badly after we lost a kitten that he had become very attached to that he refused to eat for
3 weeks – lucky his owner was a vet!
The joy of owning a pet means all sorts of different things to different people, the relationships between us and our animals are varied and each one differs just as
our interpersonal relationships do.
Pets can teach our children empathy, responsibility, love, nurturing, compassion – and occasionally some cleaning skills. These are all attributes that are needed
more in today’s world than ever before.
They brighten the days of the elderly and comfort their nights.
They give incentive for those who are ill or depressed to face the day with a loyal companion at their side.
They provide comfort for those who have suffered loss and protect those who are vulnerable or disabled.
What an amazing service is provided by the seeing-eye dog for the visually impaired, the hearing dog for the deaf or the horses at the riding for the disabled.
We cannot overstate the enrichment that pets, protectors and animal companions provide in our lives and how deep that relationship can be.
We treat in our practice, several nursing home cats who have such a remarkable bond with the patients that they know when a patient is about to pass away
and seek them out to provide comfort – truly amazing! It might make you a little nervous if the cat takes a particular liking to your bed I imagine!
Daily in my practice we tend to the needs of all sorts of animals. What we do is not always easy, many of the animals we see are sick, injured and in pain,
but we have opportunity to relieve their suffering, fix their broken bones and often, but not always, make them better. It is incredible how brave and dignified
some animals can be in the face of adversity, if only we were always so composed. Seeing the joy that people have when their companion is returned to them
safe and well is what makes being a veterinarian great.
So today, we are all here to celebrate the diversity of life which God has created for us to enjoy and the love that we receive from our pets.
The blessing of our pets today should remind us how we are equally blessed by them and, that their welfare and protection is
an essential part of our Christian responsibility.
This address was written and delivered by Callum Irvine BVSc (Hons) at Nelson Cathedral on Sunday, 5 October 2008
