Our Friends.

Ever since I was a little girl, I have always loved animals.  I loved watching the birds feed out of the bird feeder outside of my house, and was amazed at the sight of them flying high up in the sky.  I loved watching the squirrels run up and down the trunks of the trees in my backyard.  Most of all; however, I loved the way animals made me feel.  There was no feeling in the world of snuggling up on my couch with my cat in my lap and watching my favorite movie.  Unlike people, animals are unconditionally forgiving, never judgmental, kind, loving, and always there to be your friend.  As a young girl, I thought that this was the way everyone in this world perceived animals- as our friends and nothing less.  It didn't seem possible for things to be any other way.  I later came to realize how terribly wrong I really was.  In this world we live in, my "fuzzy friends" are considered target practices, science projects, clothing lines, rugs, wall hangings, and something to test new products on.  Statistics show that 250 animals die daily from animal testing in the United States alone. About 4,000,000 animals suffer everyday from animal cruelty.  In my opinion, this is absolutely horrifying.  These animals are the same animals who comforted  you when you were nervous for your first day of school.  The same ones that stood by your side through those lonely nights of the "single" life.  The ones who layed with us when we had the flu.  And where are we when they need us?  Where are we when they call out for our help?  We are chowing down at our local burger shack only thinking of ourselves.  I think its time to stand up for our friends, and fight back against animal cruelty.