Integrity: Something to Think about

When I started my professional pet sitting company in 2008, it was based on my passion for animals and my desire to serve. I did all the "right things" to credential myself. I took a professional training course, joined Pet Sitters International, completed a course in emergency care for cats and dogs, purchased liability insurance, built a website, volunteered at the Humane Society, handed out professional business cards and did some local marketing. As far as I was concerned, I had made all the ethical choices aligning my actions with my values- an incredible love for animals and a commitment to care for them to the best of my ability.

Then, one day about three months after I started my business, I was sitting at my desk, and I had an epiphany. I had just eaten a chicken sandwich for dinner and all of a sudden, I said out loud to myself, "How can you eat animals when you say how much you love them, care for them and respect them? Sari, you are totally OUT OF INTEGRITY!"

Integrity means consistently applying your moral principles steadily and reliably in ALL situations, not just when it is convenient. It means upholding your ethical values even when you are faced with pressure, temptation or adversity. It was at that moment that I became a vegetarian. I did not gradually give up eating meat, fish and fowl. I stopped right then, forever. I could not tell myself I was truly a lover of animals and continue to eat them, regardless of whether they were humanely raised, humanely treated, or humanely slaughtered.

Now, don't think I am suggesting, that all people, including yourself, should immediately become a vegetarian if you say you love animals. I am simply stating that if we truly love animals, integrity calls on us to honor them in all ways; by making choices that protect and nurture them, by advocating for their well-being, and by avoiding actions that contradict our beliefs.

When I started learning Animal Reiki in 2020, I went a step further. The teachings I received from my teacher and mentor Kathleen Prasad, enlightened me about the beautiful essence of animals, their wisdom, their sacredness, and their devotion to life of every kind. I then became a vegan.

One of the most controversial ethical questions that animal lovers deal with is the subject of diet. Some believe that ethical sourcing is a middle ground, and others think even humane practices are taking a life. I guess we all have to draw our own line in the sand when facing this subject.

Just like me, living with integrity in our love of animals is a journey of continuous reflection and growth. I believe integrity isn't about imposing one's beliefs or morals on someone else. I believe it is about encouraging reflection and introspection, and asking ourselves "Am I truly walking the path of integrity in my love of animals?"