The Ones We Know
by Susan Oakey

My cat jumps gently to my lap and curls up in a ball.
Your dog sits by the door, intent, to hear your footsteps fall.
A wagging tail, a rumbling purr... they've many ways to show
Each has a heart and mind and soul, each animal we know.

They're our companions and our friends.
God keep them from all harm.
Yet, what of other animals - like those who're on a farm...
Or in the woods.... or in a lab.... If each one has a mind,
Can they not suffer fear and pain when we are less than kind?

What makes their lives less valuable? Why do we just bestow
Our love and our compassion on those animals we know?
I hope, with time, we'll realize. I pray that we will grow
To treat all creatures with respect - not just the ones we know.

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Animal advocates! Download the following items to help you work for the animals.

Dallas shelter report
City Hall contact info
Video of Dallas animal shelter
Dallas animal shelter flyer
Canadian seal hunt flyer:
with ACT contact info
generic version
Viva! duck meat petition
Conference notes:
Kansas City 2000
San Antonio 2000
Animal Rights 2000