HAWAIIAN HUMANE SOCIETY
In Fiscal 2002, the Hawaiian Humane Society's education department provided lessons in kindness to 9,725 students, 1,988 adults and 334 teachers in an attempt to teach youths a "reverence for all living things." Humane educator Krista Sumida shows a bunny to a visiting class.
Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) was a man of many talents. He was a musician, a philosopher, a physician and an author who spent a lifetime focusing on the relationship between humans, animals and nature. His work remains an inspiration to educators, humanitarians and naturalists worldwide. Schweitzer believed that if people reached out beyond their everyday life and looked at the larger implications of their actions, they would understand an intrinsic responsibility toward every living thing. Humanitarian remains
an inspiration
By Hawaiian Humane Society
His ideas came to him one day in 1915 when he was 40. He was traveling on a river in Africa, looking at the rays of the sun shimmering on the water, the tropical forest all around and a herd of hippopotamuses basking on the banks of the river. At that moment, he thought of the phrase "reverence for life." This simple incident changed him forever.
Schweitzer received the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his humanitarianism. Today, as urban lifestyles increasingly move us away from nature and cause us to lose sight of important balance, Schweitzer's philosophy and vision are more important than ever.
Schweitzer's perceptions helped shape the views and goals of animal welfare organizations during the 20th century. New state and federal laws to protect animals and the environment were proposed. He endorsed a U.S. Senate bill to reduce laboratory animal suffering, published books and supported humane organizations. He urged, "Do something for somebody every day for which you do not get paid."
He also wrote, "Our goodness and compassion should extend to all creatures."
Displaying kindness toward animals is guaranteed to have positive effects. Whether it is the lost dog roaming the street, the neighbor's cat with another litter of kittens, the gecko climbing the screen or the fish swimming in our ocean, what we do, or fail to do, affects their lives. Cruelty and neglect should never be ignored.
The Hawaiian Humane Society was founded in 1897 when Helen Kinau Wilder was commissioned by the Republic of Hawaii to act on behalf of animals that were mistreated or abandoned. Now, 105 years later, the society is still working toward that goal envisioned by Wilder and expressed by Schweitzer, who said: "Young people must be imbued with the idea of reverence for all living things. Then we will be able to develop a spirit based on ethical responsibility and one that will stir many."
Before he died in 1965 at the age of 90, he realized that attitudes were indeed changing, new and kinder ideals developing. He left us with the challenge to continue his work and embrace all life, knowing, "Everything that lives has value simply as a living thing, as one of the manifestations of the mystery that is life."
Here are a few things we can do that perpetuate Schweitzer's legacy.
>> Teach the value of kindness to animals to our children.>> Report any animal cruelty or neglect you witness.
>> Encourage character development in schools.
>> If you see lost or stray cats in your neighborhood, find out how you can help them.
>> If you have a pet, learn more about his or her needs and provide loving care and attention.
>> Spay or neuter your pet for the health benefits and to prevent overpopulation.
>> If you are a landlord, call for a Pets In Housing package which explains the advantages of renting to families with pets.
>> Encourage the development of off-leash dog parks in your community.
>> Support the Hawaiian Humane Society and organizations that help animals.
"Pet Ohana" runs the first and third Fridays of the month. The Hawaiian Humane Society is a nonprofit agency dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals. They are at 2700 Waialae Ave. Call 946-2187.
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