By Darcy Keehn & Colleen Akkerman

This is the second column in a series called “Visions of Freedom through a Dog’s Eyes!” which discusses animal freedoms in the new age.

In column one, Liberty had gotten her rabies vaccination at the Humane Society, and at the front desk she saw a poster listing the Five Freedoms for Animals.

If you have not read the first column, or to refresh your memory, the Five Freedoms are:

Freedom from hunger and thirst;

Freedom from discomfort;

Freedom from pain, injury or disease;

Freedom to express normal behavior;

Freedom from fear and distress.

Today, we’re going to discuss freedom from hunger and thirst, which is about having appropriate food to maintain health and vigor, and having ready access to fresh water. Good nutrition and fresh water set a high standard of health, which not only leads to a more enjoyable life, but is a fundamental right!

Animals that are hungry and thirsty feel stressed and vulnerable, both physically and emotionally. Animals that are cared for, usually live longer and have a better quality of life. Life is good in their neighborhood…they get to put their energy into enjoying life to the fullest!

Liberty: Daddy, why does Darcy always read the labels on our dog food? What’s up with that?

Rio: She’s keeping an eye on the ingredients in our food to make sure the quality is up to par. Companies have been using less expensive ingredients that are known to cause health issues, such as hormonal imbalance or even cancer, just to save money.

The ingredients that should be avoided in dog food are phytoestrogens…such as sweet potato, peas, soy, and lentils. 

Women use phytoestrogens to naturally ease hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.

I’ve heard talk at dog shows about dogs with infertility and puppies born with various defects when fed commercial dog foods that were higher in phytoestrogens. After people switched to foods with better ingredients, the dogs returned to normal, and they stopped seeing those birth defects.

Do you think dogs should eat foods that contain high percentages of phytoestrogens that women with menopausal symptoms use?

Liberty: No way! I want to have babies someday, and I want them to be healthy and free from birth defects. But daddy, we gotta eat, and I don’t want to be afraid of my food!

Rio: No worries! Thats why Darcy takes the time to find healthy foods for us. 

Liberty: What about our water?

Rio: We’re lucky, we drink clean water from a reverse osmosis system. Many animals don’t have clean water, or even a clean dish to drink it from…our food and water dishes get washed every day!

Liberty: I wish all animals could have the security we have.

Rio: Me too! I sense it coming in the winds of change in the Aquarian Age. Wait and see!

Liberty: Sweeeet!!!

*********************************************************************

Companies already exist that model the principles of the Aquarian Age, where the focus is on the greater good, cooperation, etc.

Nick Heyes of the UK is an owner of “Moulton Natural Dog Treats and Supplies,” a natural dog food company. His company takes pride in offering the most delicious and health-conscious dog treats.

Nick, a Dobermann owner, talks about his unwavering love for dogs. Dobermanns, are susceptible to heart and joint issues, which is what led Nick on a quest to seek out wholesome alternatives to grain and cereal-filled treats commonly available. His dedication to this quest inspired him to create a company that sells natural dog food. Nick says this business is “a labor of love” and the company’s commitment is unyielding. He says the story is simple.  Establishing the company allows for interaction with dogs, and provides them with the healthiest and tastiest treats possible. 

On his Instagram account, Nick talks about his furry friend…“The bond we share is a treasure beyond words, one that transcends time and space. The joy in those soulful eyes, the warmth in every wag of the tail, and the unconditional love that flows between us is a precious gift that I cherish above all else.”

Who says diamonds are a girl’s best friend? We say it’s dogs!

Woof woof, bye bye!!!!

***Watch for our next column as the four of us explore freedom from discomfort, the next of the Five Freedoms for Animals.

Liberty

Rio