“primum non nocere” “first, do no harm” these are the words a doctor in Jodhpur, a city in the state of Rajasthan, India, took on qualifying to practice medicine. This is from all reports a renowned plastic surgeon. We’re shocked and horrified this helpless dog is mercilessly dragged through the streets. News reports state the doctor was annoyed by the dogs barking and planed to leave it at a municipal shelter.
Then why tie the dog to the car? Why not put it in the car? Or try and find a humane solution.
This is illiteracy in action. Degrees, certificates or qualifications do not define a person. Education is merely words on paper if we teach kindness and hand out
This person driving the car with this helpless animal dragged pledged his allegiance to the ideals and ‘rules’ of the Indian Medical Association.
The Indian Medical Association
Animals sent to slaughter suffer the indignity of confinement loosing their off spring beaten starved and then slaughtered- after watching their fellow beings killed. If educators are serious about sending out well informed curious minds into the world it begins in schools at the earliest stages. Reinforced by homes. It involves difficult conversations and most of all truths which adults refuse to acknowledge and this system of violence perpetuates.
A tragedy inevitably leads to dialogue as it should. “Now Is not the time “ has perpetuates more violence and tragedy. Do you think when we shield children from these incidents we do them a disservice ?
“1/3 of Pakistan is underwater” which means one third of some 340,000 square miles is underwater. Approximately 200 million people live in Pakistan.
Is Pakistan a popular nation? Not really, it is based in the global south, a third world nation, neighbour to India, with whom it shares native soils. Politically Pakistan is on shaky ground, globally used as friend and foe – depending on the direction of political winds.
Lines on maps do not change geography, genetics or shared catastrophes. So is it a stretch to say what is happening in Pakistan is essentially happening in India? Much like the drought in Europe when the Rhine dries up in a human carved out nation of Germany- Spain, Portugal, France and other neighbours take careful notes.
Because political lines are for maps and politicians. Natural resources are for people and living. Amid all the political name calling and political struggles, the families affected are like yours and mine. These families are average people who go about their days carrying out such mundane tasks as attending school, going to work and shopping for groceries.
BBC News reports among the millions of displaced are of a 12 year girl in Pakistan caring for her baby sister.
Is climate change the only reason for the devastation to Pakistan, or the drought in Europe? No. It contributes greatly, has a significant role and impact and to ignore it is to be an ostrich. Human incompetence and greed feature prominently in climate catastrophes and disasters.
We watch in mute horror and shake our heads as we realised this little girl we just met, is trapped in this country turned ocean. She’s wading through flood waters, clutching her baby sister, we do not know if they are reunited with their family or ever will be.
But you see the Global south (it used to be the third world until political correctness came along) are hardy, after all they live in malaria riddled polluted dirty cities. Not entirely untrue, but why do they live as they do? Do they not have the will to lift themselves out of this miserable life?
They do, so does our little wonder woman who is carrying around her baby sister wading through flood waters. Lifting one’s self out of poverty, pain or illness has many common threads. It relies on perseverance, strength (of character and physical). But it undeniably relies on a helping hand.
Pakistan's devastating floods:
– 1350 people killed
– 50M people displaced
– 900K livestock deaths
– 1M houses washed away
– 40+ reservoirs breached
– 220+ bridges collapsed
– 90% cropped damaged
– $10B loss to economy
– 1/3 country underwater
Manners matter they matter because without manners we end up with heartbreaking news. To christen an animal, enjoy it’s company, entertain yourself and then eliminate it because you have no manners or respect is the epitome of toddler behaviour.
To parents, families, and teachers please use this tragic incident as a teachable moment. Help students and young learners understand respect for all life and the importance of boundaries.
Freya did not have to die. She is representative of the millions of species we are putting at risk, large and small, because we are an unteachable species. We can do better. We must for the next generation of species (human and animal) who will inherit the planet.
If you’re lucky in your lifetime you will have a few lifelong friendships, travel modestly, have a love of learning, read, study, enjoy the arts, find your soulmate and of course the love of a good dog!
You are even luckier if you pluck up the courage and receive support to change damaging life habits we’ve been conditioned to believe are normal. The world is in flux, and you are probably asking your how long before gravity and god give up on an unteachable species bent on destroying itself?
So you introspect and change the way you eat, travel or live, to the best of your ability and your situation allows. No one is perfect, the perfect perfectionist has not been born.
Your journey may be met with ridicule and dismay at the outset by your inner circle. This can either be a crushing defeat or spur you on to do better, learn more and hope to bring change and well being to their lives.
As they often do divergent roads circle home. Home is not always a place but a person, group or soul who has a steadfast presence in your life. And to your unexpected delight, one meal and conversation at a time, you see rays of hope. The ridicule lessens and they become mindful of including new thoughts and actions.
Forever friends bicker with each other, steal food off each other’s plates and have wildly different personalities and interests. As we head to the half century mark we realise just as we did in kindergarten to include, accommodate and learn from each other. And that is when you appreciate your extraordinary luck.
Forever after… A wise person once stated in the not to distant past “there is no happily ever after.” Prophetic words when viewed from the world and relationships we choose to create.
Our overwhelming need to believe all story’s and situations end on a happy note may be in urgent need of a realistic outlook on life. Especially the life and plant we will leave our children.
The health risks of being exposed to these substances have been researched widely. Scientists say that they could be linked to fertility problems, increased risk of cancer and developmental delays in children.
Leafy Fox 