one starfish

I've wanted to share the following video and poem by way of encouragement for a few months now, but a dialogue thread in our prayer group makes me wonder if God might have had today in particular in mind.  It's so easy to get discouraged in caring for animals, with so much more cruelty and suffering looming behind every compassionate step forward, and often fighting our own limitations and insecurities along the way (Lord knows I battle them myself).

This short story might be familiar, it's adapted from Loren Eiseley's "The Star Thrower" in his book The Unexpected Universe.  Commonly known as the "starfish story," this version is set to gentle music and images, and reminds of the important truth that even one person or animal helped is more than worth our effort and sacrifice: 

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animal experimentation, can we find better alternatives?

This post continues an excellent overview of toxicological testing on animals by community member Sharon Sigethy Coughlin, who has past professional experience in the field (though please know that the views below don't necessarily represent those of the EPA or the ATSDR).  Part one focused on the background of toxicology testing, and she asks in this post whether there might be a better way forward?

alternatives to animals testing

Scientists recognize that animals have significant biological differences from humans.  Due to this, and due in part to public outcry, much less animal testing is done today than had been done previously.  Today, nursing students practice on oranges (the fruit!) or on other students when learning to give injections with needles.  Veterinary schools may still use animals to practice surgical techniques, but hopefully medical schools are using human cadavers.

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animal experimentation, is it still necessary?

Following is part one of a very helpful overview of toxicology testing on animals from community member Sharon Sigethy Coughlin ("A Rabbit Rescued").  Sharon holds a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's in environmental management, and has also taken some classes in theology. 

Some years ago she worked at an EPA Health Effects Research Laboratory under a student fellowship, and also for a short time assisting in the writeup of toxicological profiles for the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (though she wanted me to note that the views below don't necessarily represent those of the EPA or the ATSDR).  Sharon now works in the healthcare field, while also maintaining a pesticide- and herbicide-free garden, riding horses, and taking care of many animals in rural New Jersey at home.

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ducklings out of water

With Spring in full bloom, we're going to bring the cuteness rating up a bit and feature baby animals over the next several days, including a few of the more serious issues facing some of them.  To start things off on a happy note, I couldn't resist passing along a true story from my friends at Animal Education and Rescue in Lake County, Illinois about a rescue which was unique even for them!

Last week a momma duck decided to head towards a small lake with her newly walking baby ducklings.  To her horror, as she leads them towards a busy intersection in Libertyville, she lead her babies directly over a sewer drain where one after the other, eight in total, dropped to the bottom of the drain.

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a rabbit rescued

The following beautiful rescue story comes from Sharon Sigethy Coughlin.  Sharon's hope is that sharing her story will encourage others to share their own, and encourage all of us who may wonder from time to time if God really does look out for His creatures.  I'm grateful for her courage and compassion in doing so ...

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