In the first of our new "Chewin' the Cud" series, Chenoa Manor Executive Director Dr. Rob Teti talks about his work and motivation

Helen Keller is credited as having said: "I am only one, but still I am one.  I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.   I will not refuse to do the something I can do."  

And so, Chenoa Manor is my something.   My something that I can do, because I can do it.   It is my opportunity to add compassion and positivism into the world.   And, according to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, one of the most important things to do in our lifetime is to promote compassion and positivism.  

Many people often mistakenly believe that I must really love animals to do what I do, both with my work at Chenoa Manor, and as a veterinarian.   As sentimental as that may seem, it's not entirely true. My motivation for all that I do with regard to animals, and youth for that matter, is based upon respect. Respect for their place in the world; respect for them to live a life as free from suffering as possible; respect for the inherent essence of their being.   We need to be able to see each other's suffering as our own.   The desire to live compassionately, albeit a desire that would also promote a loving environment, is a much stronger motivator for me than love alone.  

When people ask, "Do you grow anything on your farm?", my answer is simple: "Yes - I grow compassion."

Posted: 2/19/2007