Compassion

com·pas·sion

[kuhm-pash-uhn]

noun

1. a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

 

I had a difficult time in Florida with the "animal trade". Alligators in tanks, dried seahorses and blow-fish for sale, animal parts for sale...

 

Once upon a time I was the proud owner of several rabbits' feet. While I couldn't imagine having a foot from one of my own pet rabbits, I loved all things rabbit and didn't think twice about having a preserved, colored paw in my pocket at all times (I was 14). 

 

Today, it feels like buying death. Preserved Alligator feet hanging from jars of hot sauce & Jellies, dead animal parts topping pencils, alligator heads for sale, dead sharks floating in some blue preserving liquid... UGH! 

 

At least this guy is alive.