reply to post by smyleegrl
I have so many animal stories (all kinds) being aware.
They also fear death.
I've watched a cow, Molly, stand over her stillborn calf and cry............yes cows can cry.
I've petted a wild wolf, after first asking him if I could or was he planning on eating me as he was a lot bigger than me (I was around 11). He laid
down, and presented his tummy to me and gave me an expression that clearly showed no malice.
I've had squirrels knock on my back door during the winter when their feeder was out of food, three knocks just like a person.
In the summer when I came out of my back door, there is a tree limb hanging right over my back door and I heard a squirrel chattering to me, he / she?
was right above me and was saying "Good morning" (Spring).
The many dogs and cats I've had have all talked to me. They tell me exactly what they want and need.
I try not to eat a lot of meat. We get our chicken from a farmer who lets his animals roam in nice pastures. I don't support factory farming if I
can help it.
Yes they are aware, more aware than people want to give them credit for.
A really really good book to read is Dominion by Michael Scully.
Everyone that replies to this thread has their own life experiences.
For me, I have found many animals to be kinder, more human than many humans.
Now a few minutes ago my husband and son were talking about going on our dog's daily w.a.l.k. (they spell too by the way)

and I said, oh it's
drizzling outside maybe I won't go but do the treadmill............Lucy actually came over and started making a dog noise, trying to talk, telling me
very clearly - "Oh but we want you to come too mama."
So, out in the drizzle we will go, all five of us (the whole pack).
Damn, can't get away with anything.
To anyone questioning this, you simply have never lived with a dog.
Our two can count and measure (look out if one gets more than the other).
If you scratch, hug, pet and kiss one, the other MUST get the exact same amount of affection.
They can tell time............let me be late with their breakfast or dinner, they come get me and tell me.
They even bring me their water bowl if it's empty.
Lucy shakes with lightening and thunder............thank goodness it's just cloudy and drizzling today.
Lucy was rescued from a high kill shelter. She was due to be thrown into a gas box at 9 AM. At 3:40 AM She was taken out of cage #2 and rescued.
She sat in a corner for the next two days not eating or drinking, just shaking because she knew how close she was to the green door.
The other day was a rough day, can't remember what upset me now, but I went out on the back deck and sat down on a chair, Scruffy jumped up on my lap
and took his paw and gently rubbed my cheek, (petting me?) telling me "everything is going to be okay, I love you."
Again as I held Sinbad's head in my lap while he was euthanized, he knew and feared death just like a person would.
So many animal stories, I could tell you. I never cease to be amazed how compassionate and conscious animals are..........some more than "humans".
People don't want to believe they are conscious because then they would have to take moral responsibility and it's easier to just say, "they're stupid
animals".
I've lived on a farm and yes they are conscious beings.
No they can't do algebra or make weapons of mass destruction, they usually only kill to survive and not for pleasure.
And, all dogs do go to Heaven.
I've been fortunate enough to swim with a pod of dolphins, met and pet a wild wolf, have a wild deer come up to me, a baby stingray and a host of
other animals.
I think they can smell certain emotions we feel because with each emotion we secrete a certain smell and maybe I secrete a I won't hurt you smell????
My grand daughter was sitting at our picnic table and eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a sparrow landed on the table right next to her
and she picked off some of her bread and set it down for the bird. He/she took it and flew away..............she says animals come around her a lot
too because they know she won't hurt them.
They are more aware than most realize.
And yes, just like some people, there are animals that aren't as aware but my dogs and cats have been very much aware and conscious.
edit on 26-8-2012 by ofhumandescent because: (no reason given)