“Inasmuch ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” — Matthew 25:40

So often, “the least of these,” include our animal companions. But, they are far from the “least” of these. In fact, I believe they are the best of us.

As human beings, it is our responsibility to accept stewardship of animals. When we do that, we don’t “do it unto the least,” but rather we care for the best of us.

Today, in the garden, I found a ladybug. Before I left, I made sure she was safe on her leaf.

Each spring, I fill feeders with birdseed. The brown wooden fence becomes specked with white droppings. However, I know those sweet birds need every little nugget of food to give them energy to build nests and reproduce. Until the trees fill in with berries and other nourishment, it’s my responsibility to feed them.

I don’t consider dogs to be anything like “the least of these.” In fact, I consider them to be the most and the best of us. If our hearts were built like a dog’s heart, we would love unconditionally and forgive immediately.

Therefore, I don’t consider anything I’ve done for a dog to be what Christ meant. I do, however, wish everyone would take the time to consider those less fortunate. Think about the animals without homes. Consider the animals who lose their person and end up in a shelter.

What can you do to help?

Social media has changed the face of animal rescue. If you can’t adopt, foster. If you can’t foster, donate. If you can’t donate, volunteer. If you can’t volunteer, post and re-post. 

“However many holy words you read,

However many you speak,

What good will they do you

If you do not act upon them?”

–Buddha

Sunny’s person died. He was morbidly obese with Cushing’s Syndrome when he arrived in Hooker’s Horde. His name was Sunny. It quickly changed to Mr. Sunny Sunny Bun Bun.