Misdirected Sympathy by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Dec 15, 1910

Misdirected Sympathy

By F. M. W.

Too much appreciation can not be expressed of the excellent work done throughout the world by various societies in the protection of the brute creation and in the alleviation of their sufferings. The truly kind heart will not cause needless pain to the least of God's creatures. The Scriptures declare that the righteous man is merciful to his beast. But while dumb creatures have their place, and should be treated with consideration, the disposition manifested by some to treat them with human consideration is distasteful in the extreme. Pet dogs are fondled and caressed with a consideration which should be shown only to the human family. This is the more deplorable when it is considered that on every side are needy children longing for a home, and denied even the ordinary comforts of life. These are left to suffer, and sometimes to starve, while sentimental women shower unnatural love and affection upon some dumb brute. These are the days “without natural affection,” spoken of by the apostle. Let us treat our dumb companions with kindly consideration; but let us remember that there are hearts around us hungering for kind words and loving smiles,—little acts which have to do with the making of character for eternity, and which would be largely lost upon some little poodle or pug-nose dog. F. M. W.