The Intelligence of Animals

     When I started this 2 years ago (man that went fast!) I did not do this for the animals.  I started eating a plant based diet strictly for my health.  My blood pressure was high, I was over weight, and sluggish.  So 2 years ago on January 1st, I started eating healthier.  I have to admit there were set backs, and still I have a hard time not cheating.  I don't cheat by eating meat, I have tasted it here and there, but it doesn't taste good at all!  My issue is with sugar.  I have an extremely hard time not cheating with sugar!

     As the years have rolled on, I have come in contact with a lot of education.  I have talked to many people, and I have learned so much!  I have found what I'm passionate about.  I could talk about nutrition to anyone and everyone.  Well, at least if they will listen.

     Along with that education, has come a lot of information about animals along with factory farms, cruelty and madness.  I think I have mentioned before as a child going to pick up my father from work, and he worked across the street from a slaughter house.  The stench was awful, but sadly as a child I didn't put two and two together. 

     So how intelligent are animals really?  I used to think that cows were the dumbest animal on the planet, but studies have been done that tell us this isn't the case.  Apparently cows have good memories.  They recognize faces, and even after years they still know someone.  They don't eat plants that aren't good for them, and if they are feeling ill they eat plants that help them to feel better.  I have seen films of calves being taken away from their mothers.  I can't even imagine.  The mothers have been know to cry for their babies for hours, even days.  That to me is just so cruel!  Apparently cows have a leader in their groups.  If there is one cow that doesn't want to listen, that cow is isolated from the rest.  They also can learn tricks just like a dog.  Watch this video.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FK-4-5eYRwc  Love this so much! 

     Who likes pigs?  The little ones are so dang cute!  My daughter at one time wanted a mini pig, but we later discovered that mini pigs don't exist.  It's just a scam to make money.  Pigs are highly intelligent.  A study at Cambridge University did a study on pigs, and found out that pigs will recognize themselves in a mirror, that they understand how mirrors work and can use mirrors to find food.  They also will play games in order to get treats.  Some say that they are a dirty animal, and hate the fact that they role in mud, but it's just a way to stay cool.  Researchers have discovered that pigs are as intelligent as a 3 year old child.  Here is another video about a pig named Nelly.  Very interesting.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YKgfCH_Phk

     When we lived in Utah, we had the opportunity to bottle raise a couple of goats.  My children enjoyed this immensely.  We found out just how smart they were, and that they loved the affection that we gave them.  We would sit in the backyard in chairs, and they would crawl up into our laps for some love.  I wish I had pictures of this.  Queen University in London did an experiment to see if they could train goats to solve puzzles.  I will let you read the article here.  https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/never-underestimate-goat-not-stupid-looks-180950265/

     As you can see these animals are intelligent.  You can see that they enjoy the love and affection that we humans can give them.  Why are they any different than your dog or cat?  I have seen videos of cattle and pigs on their way to the slaughter house, and the fear in their eyes.  I will refrain from showing those videos, but if you are interested there are a lot online. Do your research as I have. Makes me sick to my stomach to watch what really happens in these factory farms.    I know that God isn't happy with how these animals are treated. 

     I have had friends tell me that their farms are not run like a lot of these places, but really the animals are all the same.  They are intelligent creatures.  Eating meat and drinking milk is not for me.  We don't need to eat it!  Eating a plant based diet has blessed my life.  I do still have health problems, but I know I would feel a lot worse if I didn't eat a plant based diet.  I wish a plant based diet would help osteoarthritis, but it's because of my snow skiing and other activities that caused my bad knees, not my diet. 

     We must learn to be compassionate.  We need to learn kindness.  We also need to stand up for what we believe in.  I will never go back to eating meat.  I have learned so much in the last 2 years that it isn't an option for me.  Lets find compassion for all animals!