Introduction

“Can’t you think of any other subject to write your next project about. Use your imagination a bit more” said my exasperated school teacher. The words cut me to the quick. What was so wrong, so awful, about always wanting to write about animals? The truth of the matter was, and still is today, that I have a head full of animals. I was born in this predicament and I am sure I will die in exactly the same state.

This passion of mine, may seem excruciatingly boring for many people, but for me it is the most fulfilling, exciting, challenging, spiritual and emotional way of living ones life.

Even as a small child I was always aware that animals should be treated equally, along side humans rather than below them. I was always taught to show them respect, but it has been the animals themselves that have encouraged me to explore my own hidden prejudices which exist in all of us.

Maybe cleaning out litter trays and replenishing water bowls is as dull as dishwater to most ‘normal’ people, but for me, even these mundane chores are enjoyable. This is just as well because living in a home heaving with all manner of creatures, means plenty of these enjoyable chores to keep even me happy!

Although encouragement of my passion was unfortunately, and may I say, unusually, lacking at school, my mother, who is equally infected with the same disease (and whom I hold completely responsible for my own genetic make-up), indulged me totally. She allowed me to explore unchecked the delights of dozens of different animals . Rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, hamsters, gerbils and dogs were some of my most cherished of playmates. I was even allowed to take horse riding lessons although my parents could not really afford them.

Now I have reached a similar age to what my mother was then, I realise she was also having a whale of a time herself, teaching me how to care for all the little souls in my charge. I must admit, I gave her many a fright, as I would march up to any animal and attempt to throw my arms around it in order to express my love. Thankfully, due mostly to mum’s quick reactions and the good behaviour of the animals, I remained in one piece!

Mum taught me to always put your animals needs before your own, and to treat them as equals, not as possessions or mere pets. It was this last point that opened a world of magical moments and possibilities to me, because if another species of creature is your equal, you can have a truly wondrous relationship grow between you. These relationships, often with animals that have been cast aside by previous owners, have become a constant in a so far difficult journey through life.

Without their joy, unconditional love, understanding and acceptance, life would have been much less bearable. In opening up my home to rescue these innocent yet wise souls, I myself have been rescued emotionally by them and it is the stories of these wonderful creatures that I wish to share with you in the pages of this book. Some of these stories are sad, most of them are funny and uplifting, but they are all true.

I also want to share my own thoughts on how we, as the caretakers of this amazing world, abuse or ignore this position of trust. For those of you who know our animals, you may wonder why some of their stories are missing. This is simply because I do not feel ready yet to share some of these personal, and for me, deeply emotional stories, at this time. One day I may do so but for the time being, if even one reader looks at their own companion animals in a fresh, new light and begins to see them as their equals, I will be one of the happiest people alive.

Finally, thank you to the animals. I have written this book, not simply about them but for them. The need to share their stories has become an overpowering force in my life. Without them I would be incomplete.

Acknowledgements

If I have learnt any one thing from this endeavour of mine to write a book on behalf of the animals, it has been this. It takes team work. It may have been my idea to undertake such a time consuming and emotional project but it has affected all those around me.

Special thanks goes to my mother, who spent hours listening to each chapter as it evolved. She gave me the confidence to express my views without compromise. She also gave me the boldness to forge ahead, a valuable gift on the days when I was despairing of ever finding the right words to express a poignant occasion. Don’s contribution has been invaluable. The use of his computer made my life much easier and he kindly spent days preparing my final draft for submission to the publisher.

Pauline Shanley deserves a medal for finding time in her busy schedule to proof-read the book at various stages of its formation. Her insight and editorial skills were gratefully received .................... most of the time!

If I have ever had a soul mate who truly understands my belief in the spiritual lives of animals, Barbara Greenman is that person. Her excitement and passion for this project has been like the fuel in my engine, keeping me going.

My long suffering friend Val, whose ears have taken a battering every time I have visited her, has been a great help. Her opinions were always interesting as she does not live surrounded by animals, but does accept me fully for who I am. She can have a unique perspective at times.

© 2003 Tracy Gwillim

Bunnies

in the

Bedroom

Treating Animals as Equals

Tracy Gwillim

MIACE

Dedication

To all the animals in my past that I may have let down due to my own limitations.

To download individual chapters from Tracy’s book, click here