Portraits: jersey cow / spotted pig
The intelligence and emotional depth of many animal species have long been underestimated—out of human arrogance and ethical convenience, as well as our own limited intelligence and emotional depth. (High horses also, apparently, have their uses.)
When I first moved to Vermont about 45 years ago, I was a bit nervous around cows, as I confessed to my mom. Her wise reply: "Think of them as sisters under the skin." How can anyone look into those beautiful, sentient and feeling eyes and think, "That looks delicious--I think I'll kill it"?
These are wonderful. Our cruelty to fellow creatures will someday be seen for the barbarism it is.