As far as my feelings go, No. We are really just Animals though. Generally, I usually hold non-Human Animals in the same and sometimes higher esteem than I do Humans. In general, I feel that they have more pure motives than many (not all) Humans do. Given the choice, I make it a point to give to non-Human Animal charities, except for the occasional disaster contribution to the Red Cross.
My Partner and I make it a point to be thoughtful to all Animals, and even the smaller beings, such as lizards and insects. When we are outside, we are careful to avoid stepping on ants, grasshoppers, pillbugs and just about any other insect we encounter on walkways or grass. Of course it's impossible to avoid sometimes, but at least we make an attempt. I have become a professional fly catcher when I find one in the house, and always let them back outside. The same goes for any other flying insect, moth or creepy crawly that we find in the house, with the exception of mosquitos and maybe the occasional spider-(if it is venomous) and if we for some reason can't catch one of the bugs, we make it a point to keep a bit of water out in a container so that they can at least drink if they need to until I am eventually able to catch and release them. Of course, if we were ever to get an infestation of an insect, we would have to take care of it, but it would be as painless as possible. Hopefully it never happens.
Our home and garden has been, and is a haven for all types of creatures. Even though we live in the city, we have daily visitations of Birds, Squirrels, Possums, Bats, Lizards, Owls, LOTS of Coons and their babies, and they always end up leaving well fed and watered, and any injured are given antibiotics if possible, otherwise we catch and take them to a wildlife refuge to get treatment. Numerous stray or abused Dogs have used our home as a half way house until they are able to get back on their feet, and well enough to go to a no kill shelter for adoption.
I have a soft spot for Animals and small creatures, and I feel that they have every right to be treated well by humans, no matter how small. Most of these creatures were here long before us, and hopefully will still be around if something were to ever happen to make the Human civilization extinct.
Speaking of extinction, I am sickened that Humans have been responsible for many beautiful creatures to become extinct, often due to greed. Animals deserve utmost respect, and if we use them as food, they need to be treated with kindness and compassion, and when the day comes, it needs to be as quick and as painless as possible. I try not to eat much meat because of the way they are often treated, and if I have a chance to get protein in other foods like beans, etc I will opt for that instead of Animal meat.
My love for Animals is strong. I would have gladly given my life for my Dog before She died. She really was that important to me.
Sorry for the long post, but I love Animals very much!
