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One of the many wonderful things about this life surrounded by animals

is the ability to observe them as they go about their days in relaxed surroundings.

There is very little stress for our farm animals.

They are on a rather tight routine...they always know what time it is.

There is security in routine for animals.

And with security comes the ability to relax.

As humans we so often think that our emotional lives are uniquely ours as a species.

Animals are often viewed as less intelligent, less aware, less emotional.

One of the things that delights me in my observations is how very much we are alike...

we humans and our animal companions.

We don't own the emotional market...

we share it with all creatures great and small.

One observation that I have made that warms my heart is how

emotionally connected animals are to members of their family.

So very often I witness mothers and daughters....

or mothers and sons....

all cuddled up together...secure, loving, emotionally connected to each other.

These two are like bookends 

and never go anywhere without each other...

As are these two....

And all you have to do is remove one of the horses to know that they are one tight family.

The others raise such a fuss when one is gone...

I have no doubt that animals feel some form of love for each other.

I have witnessed animals mourning over the death of a herd-mate, as well.

We, as humans, must never forget that we are members of the animal kingdom as well.

And although we have the ability to speak and the ability to do critical thinking

and have advanced fine motor skills...

our animal friends are more like us than we imagine.

We owe them the same respect and kindness

that we owe each other.

We owe them humane treatment in every aspect.