Noah, This is a thought provoking essay. You are a good man with a better attitude than most people. I’m pleased that you have developed your SubStack blog and that we found you and became subscribers. Take care of your rabbits. Bring one or two more from the shelter and expand your family. They need you and you them.
Until I took a close look at Cinnamon's face, I never knew that rabbit could have a facial expression. She was so beautiful, curious, and innocent. Clearly, a rabbit among rabbits.
Jun 18, 2023·edited Jun 18, 2023Liked by Noah Smith
Wow.
I have a dog with a very strong impulse to run away from home. She had at least 2 owners before me. But she is absolutely clueless about the dangers that exist. Not a notion about busy streets or bad people. If a car door is open, she will just jump in. Common outburst: “You are driving your mother crazy!"
The need to protect these innocents is very strong.
Sorry for your loss, and thanks for sharing your thoroughly decent moral philosophy. I have even come around to supporting the arming of the Ukrainians in spite of the obvious moral qualms, such a stance entails.
A few years ago I did some fostering for the local/regional rabbit rescue. It should be said that rabbits are full of character with a variety of personalities. One thing I learned from most of the rabbits I fostered or bunny-sat (yea I said it) is they do have a their own language and protocol. The way they express joy with binkies and flops, and also pure disdain for you by turning their back on you. They way they dance around the room because you've given them a wonderful treat. i had one who would help adjust my socks in the morning. One thing I strongly believe is they should be afforded the same respect reverence as dogs and cats. So whenever people joke about rabbits being food,, I politely tell them that. I don't shame them. I tell like they know it's going to happen.
But, right.. no space. no time.. too many wires. But, I do watch the with fascination the dedication and energy the rescue puts into their work. Capturing bunnies that were dumped in parks and parking lots... and traveling hundreds 'f miles just to give a rabbit some time away from the shelter. My last foster was one of these rabbits.
I hope you find some time to write about the work that rescues do.
One of the bedrock values my parents gave me is that we’re a family that adopts animals form the shelter. Our dogs have each had their issues, to be sure. But there is nothing in this world like the way a pound dog loves you and the way you love ‘em back, the very best you possibly can. If I do it right, my kids will also understand the importance of giving shelter animals a home.
"Whoever said that loss gets easier with time was a liar. Here's what really happens: The spaces between the times you miss them grow longer. Then, when you do remember to miss them again, it's still with a stabbing pain to the heart. And you have guilt. Guilt because it's been too long since you missed them last."
- Kristin O'Donnell Tubb
-----
Sending love. This post reminds me of my pet I lost 12 years ago. I still miss her. She loved me and I loved her.
Exactly how I feel about the stray white Chihuahua that ended up at our doorstep, thank you for elucidating such kind ventures.
On fighting the good fight, one can argue that in a dualistic world darkness must balance light so what is the point. To which I've been inspired by Huston Smith as to why he meditated when it may be futile--because, he said, it makes the day go better. So maybe there is that subtle lurch forward for humanity, by meditating, fighting the good fight, it's not a Sysiphusian nightmare after all.
"the strong should protect and uplift the weak."
One of many beautiful, endearing and enduring principles you laid out. I agree!!
RIP Cinnamon 🐾🐾🐾🐰
Noah, This is a thought provoking essay. You are a good man with a better attitude than most people. I’m pleased that you have developed your SubStack blog and that we found you and became subscribers. Take care of your rabbits. Bring one or two more from the shelter and expand your family. They need you and you them.
Didn't expect to tear up at this. RIP Cinnamon. Thanks for all the writing you do!
Thank you for putting this into words. I found that it explained how I feel, too.
Thanks for telling us more about Cinnamon.
Until I took a close look at Cinnamon's face, I never knew that rabbit could have a facial expression. She was so beautiful, curious, and innocent. Clearly, a rabbit among rabbits.
Wow.
I have a dog with a very strong impulse to run away from home. She had at least 2 owners before me. But she is absolutely clueless about the dangers that exist. Not a notion about busy streets or bad people. If a car door is open, she will just jump in. Common outburst: “You are driving your mother crazy!"
The need to protect these innocents is very strong.
Love and kindness are antidotes for an often harsh, cruel world. Thanks for a heartfelt and inspirational essay.
Very well put. I wish everyone felt the same.
Sorry for your loss, and thanks for sharing your thoroughly decent moral philosophy. I have even come around to supporting the arming of the Ukrainians in spite of the obvious moral qualms, such a stance entails.
I like how Noah doesn't even have to explain that Japan has rabbit cafés. Of course Japan has rabbit cafés.
A few years ago I did some fostering for the local/regional rabbit rescue. It should be said that rabbits are full of character with a variety of personalities. One thing I learned from most of the rabbits I fostered or bunny-sat (yea I said it) is they do have a their own language and protocol. The way they express joy with binkies and flops, and also pure disdain for you by turning their back on you. They way they dance around the room because you've given them a wonderful treat. i had one who would help adjust my socks in the morning. One thing I strongly believe is they should be afforded the same respect reverence as dogs and cats. So whenever people joke about rabbits being food,, I politely tell them that. I don't shame them. I tell like they know it's going to happen.
But, right.. no space. no time.. too many wires. But, I do watch the with fascination the dedication and energy the rescue puts into their work. Capturing bunnies that were dumped in parks and parking lots... and traveling hundreds 'f miles just to give a rabbit some time away from the shelter. My last foster was one of these rabbits.
I hope you find some time to write about the work that rescues do.
One of the bedrock values my parents gave me is that we’re a family that adopts animals form the shelter. Our dogs have each had their issues, to be sure. But there is nothing in this world like the way a pound dog loves you and the way you love ‘em back, the very best you possibly can. If I do it right, my kids will also understand the importance of giving shelter animals a home.
"Whoever said that loss gets easier with time was a liar. Here's what really happens: The spaces between the times you miss them grow longer. Then, when you do remember to miss them again, it's still with a stabbing pain to the heart. And you have guilt. Guilt because it's been too long since you missed them last."
- Kristin O'Donnell Tubb
-----
Sending love. This post reminds me of my pet I lost 12 years ago. I still miss her. She loved me and I loved her.
Exactly how I feel about the stray white Chihuahua that ended up at our doorstep, thank you for elucidating such kind ventures.
On fighting the good fight, one can argue that in a dualistic world darkness must balance light so what is the point. To which I've been inspired by Huston Smith as to why he meditated when it may be futile--because, he said, it makes the day go better. So maybe there is that subtle lurch forward for humanity, by meditating, fighting the good fight, it's not a Sysiphusian nightmare after all.
I'm sorry for your loss!!
RIP to a legend. ❤️