Have you ever heard the old saying “don’t let a black cat cross your path” or ever hear of people not buying certain guinea pigs or mice because they have red eyes? They must be demons! Many people take superstitions very seriously; they consider the encounter with a black cat an “omen of something bad that is yet to come”. However, these superstitions of red eyed rodents, rabbits and black cats has caused another problem, the overpopulation of these animals in kennels and the rate that these poor pets are being put to sleep due to old wives tales.
To me, black cats are so beautiful. Their flawless ebony coat almost shines a mysterious blue in natural light. Many of my friends have black cats, and I assure you, their lives are quite normal, even with the everyday encounter of a black cat crossing their path. Many articles suggest that these animals are put down due to religious superstitious fear. I assure all of my many superstitious readers that I have read and studied the Bible for most of my life, and there is no mention of black cats or red eyed rodents being demonic. Actually, the Bible states that all animals have the answers for us, and to respect every living thing; as each living thing, indeed has a soul: Job 12:7-10
“But ask now the beasts and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of
the air and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall
teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who
knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?
In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all
mankind.”
If you have read my previous pet articles, you would know I love guinea pigs. I had gone to a shelter to find a guinea pig, and I saw that a pig that was rescued had given birth. After the babies were weaned, the mother was adopted, and her children were being adopted quickly. All but one, this beautiful light orange and white guinea pig. He had red eyes. When I asked the clerk what would happen to him, she told me they would probably put him down, as hardly anyone adopts red eyed rabbits and guinea pigs. I quickly snatched this red eyed beauty, and brought him home. His name was Jack, and immediately, as I put him on the floor, he climbed two flights of stairs, and when I offered him a piece of apple, he went on two legs balancing, waiting patiently for the food. He was a very bright guinea pig.
My concern is that breeders and pet shops are eliminating these animals due to lack of interest. Many people speculate it is superstitions that have placed these animals in getting euthanized. This silent epidemic is ridiculous. Imagine putting down humans for their looks! No matter what your religion or beliefs, our creator is perfect, and therefore what was created by our creator is also perfect. To put down animals for black fur or red eyes is denying the perfection of the world we live in.
My red eyed guinea pig Jack is doing fine. He is sweet to everyone, loves to be held, which is rare for a guinea pig, and squeaks happily when it’s feeding time. Each of my friend’s black cats are also doing wonderfully. They are still their sweet selves when I come to visit. Let us not deny the beauty that we have on this earth, and embrace the different animals, because if it was us waiting patiently in a kennel, do you think that you would be chosen, if a new life was solely based on your looks