Respect - fear or love?

The question - what is true respect. If I truly respect a human being I will let them choose in relationship with me. True respect is love. It is not domination. I cannot command respect from another. I have to earn it. And I earn it from a human being by becoming a trustworthy presence in their lives.

It is funny to think that there are so many of us that feel we have to demand respect. Most parents of teenagers will have become frustrated when they felt their child was 'disrespectful'. And needed 'discipline' to ensure it was taught to respect. But respect is a feeling. It cannot be forced. Fear can be forced. Do I want my teenager or an animal in relationship with me to 'fear' me - NO!

When an animal is learning, it is choosing. If it enters into flight, freeze of fight mode, it is reacting. At this point there is no choice. It may learn something, but the learning is a stress response and will continue to be a stress response in the presence of that 'punisher' which created the stress. So, if we wish to get our horses to respect us by submitting, then there is a strong chance we are punishing them into freeze. A difficult horse may be one who does not freeze - and become - bombproof, but one that reacts by fighting. A different response to the same stress.

I am so grateful that I have learned this information. Grateful too that there is a nicer way to work with all animals. When we force our hand - and sometimes we may do this unwittingly, we are dominating the animals. And this is not the relationship I choose to have with the animals that I know.

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In memory of my mother

My mum passed when I was 23. I never really had the opportunity to come back home to a respectful relationship with her after my teenage rebellious tribulations and assaults on her goodwill. So this blog is to honour and thank her for her contribution to my love for nature. She was an avid bird watcher and had dreams of travelling through the bush. I have many memories of her being fascinated by animals on our weekend getaways to the Kruger National Park. My first memory of her was her riding a horse called Thunder. That is a beautiful memory and the name of the horse is as mystical and awe inspiring as her impact on who I am in relationship with animals. She was fearless. And always confident that all would be well. She had faith in my animal relationships always. As a very young child I was given the task on many occasions to hand rear orphan wildlife and pets. She never micro managed the process but would offer helpful insight that came naturally to her. The animals in our home

On his retirement. A tribute to a legend

Veterinarian & human extraordinaire. 50 years of true service to the animal world, the animal people, and to his animal-loving family. Four siblings all who care significantly for animals as a result of the way we were raised. To respect life. Because that is who our father his. Our father is more than a vet. He is a compassionate man. A vet who took his oath to care for animals to the greatest level, inspiring those close and around him to do the same. Caring so deeply. Working so hard. Ensuring that he always did his best. He has such depth and wisdom. He has always had a following of people in his life who he wisely guides. His generosity is boundless. He has inspired his children way more than can be imagined. We are pretty sure there are not many people who are so fortunate to have this example of humble love to follow. We are equally unsure whether we can truly honour his example by duplicating his consistently magnanimous actions. We have incredible memories

Reflections and projections

When they judge or throw stones (the people) - grace makes us the blank screen or the still water onto which they can see themselves and take personal account for their actions. When we train animals can we be that clear. So as to wisely be and act rather than contest and fight for what we want🥰

Touching Animal Souls

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