They mourn when death takes one of their own. They nurse the infant, spill their blood to defend and protect. They are providers of daily food, teachers of basic life skills, partners in play, models for young eyes to see.
They love and are loved.
Blood courses through their veins. Hearts beat. Lungs expand and contract. They sleep, they wake to the prospects of good days and bad days.
They are very much like us. Remarkably like us.
They share the days in relationships which benefit and bless the whole. They are the animals that call the earth home, our neighbors, our companions.
When hurricanes howl and horrify, we all suffer.
May the wonder of shared life move us to deep compassion for all creatures great and small.
Shining Spirit 
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