While I personally agree with at least some of the idea of this post – that when it comes down to it, issues related to people are ultimately much more important to me than those same issues related to animals – the overall tone of the post bothered me. It took me a while to figure out why that was, but I think I understand it now.

I think that any outpouring of compassion that improves the world around us, whether it be through monetary gift, a person’s time and energy, or any other type, is to be respected, honored, and valued. And that’s it, no qualifications or ranking whatsoever. To say that one cause or another is more valuable is a very dangerous road to go down. I feel like the most important thing for us as human beings is to be giving to the world, in whatever form makes the most sense and resonates the most with that particular person. We are all individuals, and by respecting that individuality, we allow all corners of the earth to be improved by our compassion.

I do have a personal connection to this viewpoint. I work for a non-profit that is trying to eliminate a very specific type of blindness, which affects 10 million people globally. Which is a lot of people, but when you look at global poverty as a comparison, I am sure the number absolutely dwarfs that. (I have no idea what the actual numbers for poverty are – I just know they are HUGE) Does that mean that we should take our resources and redirect them towards global poverty? I don’t think so. We are a group of passionate people with a unique knowledge and skill set that have a real chance to make a difference at the specific thing that we are good at. I have to trust in the compassion of others that poverty, among a thousand other things, get the attention, time, and funds that they need.

I understand that the example that I just gave is not a direct representation of what you said, Amy, but it is a logical extension of the tone that permeates the post. I don’t know that it was a tone that you intended, but it was there all the same.

As I said before, for me personally, I would generally chose to support human issues over animal issues (although my cat came from a shelter and I absolutely love her), but I think it is a personal choice, and is one that cannot be graded as better or worse than any other person’s choices.

(please note that the following sentences were written by Nathan in response to the post prior to its editing and may not make sense now. also note that I fully support foster care and have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for those who lovingly embrace and give all children a home. the reader is expressing his interpretation of my words, though any negative sentiment toward foster care was not my intention to relay).

Suffice it to say, and I only do so publicly for the sake of others who may read this, I am concerned that being “ticked off” by people who see these issues differently may not be the most helpful response, moreover, I am sincerely troubled by the reference to foster care in the context of this post, and the phrase “unwanted children.”

“Do you know what it is like to grow up in foster care…” is a loaded statement, the implications, given the context of your post, and our family, are hard for me. I trust you know that not all foster care is bad, even if what led to it likely is/was. I simply ask that you please be aware that questions like this, can perpetuate an already negative societal notion that foster care, and or all of the people involved with it are bad, sad, or for one reason or another appropriately referenced in the context of, let alone comparable to seriously troubling social justice concerns like child prostitution. I know this is not your intent, I am simply pointing out that there are a quite a few significant topics referenced in the post’s third paragraph, grouping them in this way may not be the most helpful.

“Unwanted children” is not a helpful phrase either; no child, or adult for that matter is unwanted. His biological parents may not have been ready for him, or her family may not be able or fit to care for her, but there is always someone, if not God alone who wants all of us.

Again, I appreciate your point, I only question how it is made. I too wrestle with people who value animals at the same level or higher than people, and yet, I trust that their compassion is rooted in something positive. You and I may believe it is misguided, however my hope is that such compassion may be a bridge to shared and or increased understanding. Appreciating that compassion could open the door for some powerful dialogue around its source, possibly even more powerful examples of it. Perhaps we could inquire of the people who would support Sarah’s cause, “what compels your deep concern for animals? Where do you think that comes from? What else do you care about so deeply?…”

At the end of the day, like you, I have a really hard time when people notice the dog and not the child. Believe it or not, occasionally people who travel with Agros comment on the condition of animals over and above that of the people they are visiting. This boggles me, sometimes it infuriates me, and yet, I try to appreciate compassion for what it is, and when appropriate engage in the conversation.

For what it’s worth, you know I am an animal lover, our dog is a rescue and yet I am constantly bothered by the realization that we spend as much on his food as we do to sponsor a child in Zambia. The only way I can reconcile this is with the hope that by caring for something if not someone other than ourselves we are nurturing and lord willing modeling a compassion that is then extended far beyond four legged friends. This may incite PETA or GreenPeace but my hope is that compassion learned and practiced on animals or the environment, both good and important, but in my opinion inadequate, will increase to compassion for fellow humans. We all have to start somewhere, let’s just pray we all keep moving.

On another note, I appreciated Jen’s perspective as well. Her insight into the irony of our culture is the type of voice I need to hear more of – thank you Jen – and thank you Amy for caring so deeply and passionately and in doing so inviting others to do the same – I appreciate you! Thanks also for providing us all with something to work on.