What a Lamb in a Sweater Can Teach Us About How We See Cats and Dogs

When we think of pets, we think of our dogs and our cats. Some of us might even think of birds or rabbits. Regardless of what type of pet we’re lucky to call ours, it’s hard to picture our lives without them. Days wouldn’t be the same without playtime and snuggles with these special members of our families. We bond with dogs and cats, and regard them as special, which they certainly are. But why is it that most of us think of only these few types of animals when thinking of animals we love and protect? Why doesn’t our love and compassion extend to all animals?

Seeing this loving photo of a rescued lamb and her caretaker, we can’t help but to wonder if these animals are indeed different from our beloved pets.

Rosie is an adorable rescued baby lamb living at Edgar’s Mission, a farm sanctuary in Victoria, Australia. She’s cute as a button, and loves to snuggle up to you in her pink sweater, just like your own pup at home! Looking into Rosie’s eyes, it’s easy to see the same sweetness and innocence we see in the eyes of our pets at home. Farm animals are just as emotionally complex and loving as any cat or dog. Don’t they deserve to be seen and treated the same way?

Animals involved in factory face a life of suffering that we cannot even begin to imagine. Lambs like Rosie can live well into their teen years but are mercilessly slaughtered for meat at six to eight months old. If any are disabled, like many of Rosie’s friends at Edgar’s Mission are, they are killed immediately. We could not imagine treating our pets this way, yet we continue to consciously direct our attention away from the fact that we Support industries that abuse other animals. It is only when the world begins to see that all animals are innocent, complex, and understanding creatures that deserve compassion that the fate of little ones like Rosie will drastically change. Until then, you can make a difference by

It is only when the world begins to see that all animals are innocent, complex, and understanding creatures that deserve compassion that the fate of little ones like Rosie will drastically change. Until then, you can make a difference by supporting farm sanctuaries like this one and using your voice to educate others.

Lead Image Source: Edgar’s Mission