Saturday, June 19, 2010

Animal Magnetism

Saturday, June 19, 2010


All our lives, my wife and I have been animal lovers. I remember watching 'Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom' and the National Geographic specials about wild animals. I have amassed quite a collection of useless facts about animals, and I still watch wildlife documentaries whenever possible. Although my wife and I both have many animals that we have soft spots for, we each have one animal in particular that is our absolute favorite.

For my wife it's horses. She likes the fact that they are powerful animals but can also be gentle. They are loyal and seem to have a knack for understanding people. They can be tamed but still retain their wild spirit, which can manifest itself at any moment. I came up with a perfect example of the dual nature of horses and it is this: Picture a herd of horses running full speed across a grassy plain, muscles straining and manes flowing as they kick up a cloud of dust while thundering past you. Now picture a single horse, patiently walking around a corral carrying a handicapped child that has never known what it's like to walk. That's quite a contrast.

We recently saw a show called 'Cavalia', which was put together by the creator of Cirque du Soleil and was all about horses. It was spectacular, and really showcased what horses are all about and the special bond that can develop between people and horses. There was also quite a variety of sizes and colors of horses in the show as well.

My favorite has always been wolves. I think it has to do with the fact that they are the epitome of Nature: They can be fierce predators, stealthy and always alert, but are also devoted to their pack and cubs. They are very intelligent and cunning, and also very misunderstood by the general public. And there's just something about their gaze that gives me chills. I remember going to a zoo several years ago that had wolves. It was the only zoo I have ever been to that had them, and as I approached the fence overlooking the enclosure one of the wolves lifted it's head and howled. I was literally moved to tears.

Do you have a favorite animal? What is it about them that you like?

9 comments:

Mary Stella said...

It will not surprise anyone who knows me to know that I'm all about dogs and dolphins. I've been fascinated by dolphins since the Flipper days of the early 60s and that grew into great love and appreciation over the years. I could fill pages here with all the reasons that I love dolphins. No wonder I do what I do for a living.

Our family got our first dog when I was a baby. My house is not a real home without a dog. I adore the two that are my furkids. The unconditional affection, the warm, wriggly happiness in their greeting when I come home -- there's nothing like it.

I wish I'd seen Cavalia when it was in Miami. I hope it comes back one day.

Krys said...

Mary,

I love dolphins, too! And I know what you mean about dogs. The fact that even a severely neglected/abused dog can become a loyal and loving pet after the fact really says something about them. If Cavalia ever does come back you -have- to see it.

Beth Ciotta said...

Cavalia sounds like an amazing show, Krys I hope to have the opportunity to see it some day. Also, I remember Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. I used to love that show!

As for favorite animal, that's a tough one since I love animals of all breeds and species. I do admit I am especially partial to dogs. They are smart and funny and capable of unconditional love. They're really quite amazing. Current joys of my life are our two mutts, Cheyenne and Nia. And of course our cat, Sadie. Also funny and loving!

SIS Beth

Elle J Rossi said...

Hi Krys,

Like your wife, I'm a bit partial to horses. I've always said that if I could be an animal, it would be a wild mustang.

I'm also a dog fan, though I don't have one. And I love, love, love the look of a male lion!

Krys said...

Beth,

I've seen the pics of Nia and Cheyenne on FB and they are very cute! I do have to respectfully disagree with you one point, however. I had two dogs when I was a kid and one of them was definitely -not- smart. Funny, yes, but not smart LOL

Krys said...

Elle,

I knew I had you pegged as a horse person! I wasn't sure, but I suspected. You -will- have a dog soon, and I know what you mean about lions. They're not called 'King of the Beasts' for nothing!

SIS BJ said...

Krys

I have a love for horses as well. As a child I read every Black Stallion there was. My other favorites are wolves, crows and beavers.

Sisters-in-Sync said...

Hi Krys,

I'll keep it short and sweet. DOGS DOGS DOGS! I love them and they love me!

Ruff Ruff,
SIS Bren

Krys said...

So Bren,

..........How do you really feel? =oP

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