Be Kind to Animals Week: Honoring the Spirit and Presence of Animals
- Mariela Osorio
- May 4
- 3 min read
Every year, the first full week of May marks Be Kind to Animals Week, a time to pause and reflect on the animals we share this world with. As a photographer capturing beauty in the ordinary, I realize how deeply animals - both wild and domestic - enrich our lives in subtle but profound ways.
In honor of this week, I'm sharing three photographs from my portfolio, each with its own story and message; reminders of why kindness to animals is not just a moral choice, but a reflection of our own humanity.
Mississippi Fowl
Photographed on the banks of the Mississippi River at dusk
With the rippling river reflecting the pinkish-purple hues of dusk, a Great Blue Heron strides forward, focused, calm, and unwavering. There was something defiant and poetic in the way this bird walked toward the unknown, as if carrying a message of quiet strength. In that moment, I felt as if I were witnessing a sacred ritual of presence.
Birds like this heron live alongside us, and are rarely noticed unless we slow down. When we do, we're reminded of the grace and resilience of the natural world - qualities we often overlook in our daily rush of life.
On the Hunt
A brindle-colored Pit Bull on alert
Pit Bulls are among the most misunderstood and mistreated breeds in the animal world. This beautiful dog named Toro belongs to a local skateboarder who tells me Toro is just a big teddy bear. And I believe him; his eyes are full of curiosity, not aggression.
Every afternoon, Toro joyfully pulls his owner's skateboard through the neighborhood. Children run behind them, giddy to catch up to Toro. He is as much a part of the community as any two-legged resident.
Pit Bulls are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and affection. They eat, sleep, and feel pain just as we do. Being kind to animals means seeing beyond stereotypes and recognizing the spirit within every creature.
Industrial Rooster
Rionegro, Colombia
This proud rooster stood atop a metal workbench in a small industrial shop where welders work. More than a pet, Jorge was their mascot, their morning greeter, and their trusted companion. He roamed freely among sparks and steel, an unlikely crew member.
When the shop closed at the end of the workday, Jorge stayed behind, waiting for his friends to return the next day. Sadly, one morning, he was gone - stolen, most likely for food. The grief his human coworkers felt was palpable. Jorge's absence left a hollow space where pride and warmth once crowed at dawn.
Kindness to animals extends beyond care; it's about honoring their place in our lives, however big or small.
Animals teach us patience, loyalty, resilience, and joy. Whether gliding across rivers, trotting alongside skateboards, or standing proudly in unlikely places, they remind us of what matters most. Be Kind to Animals Week isn't just a time to show compassion; it's a call to live with greater awareness of the lives around us. Let us not take them for granted. Let us honor the spirit and presence of animals in the world, our neighborhoods, and our hearts.
Animal Advocacy & Local Shelter Links
ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): Offers resources on adoption, animal welfare laws, and cruelty prevention.
Humane Society of the United States: Focuses on rescue, public education, and fighting animal cruelty.
Best Friends Animal Society: Works toward a no-kill nation and supports local shelters nationwide.
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