Sacred Sendoffs is a book written by an animal chaplain, who specializes in grieving the loss of all animals great and small. She believes that all lives are equal, from humans and whales to the tiniest of insects.
The book centers around animals at the end of their lives and talks about everything from wild deaths to animals who die in captivity. Throughout the book she emphasizes the importance of “Sacred Sendoffs” and how we can deliver them to our pets, as well as animals we may find in our own personal journeys.
Although I found much of the book interesting, I did find a few things in the book perplexing. Sarah emphasizes that we, as humans, are no different from animals and must not think of ourselves as such. Yet at the same time, she prides herself on the care she takes to avoid killing any animal—something most animals don’t do.
The real, natural world is very violent. A praying mantis in your backyard is ripping the head off of her mate even now. A lion is killing a gnu. Wolves are working together to kill an elk. Fish are killing bugs. Even vegetarian animals kill, just ask a zebra. Or a hippo. Or even a horse.
I have watched a racoon grab another animal and pop its head off like a cork without a second thought. There was no regret, only a yummy snack to the raccoon. Was he wrong for killing? I don’t believe so. He’s not very well going to end his own life because he feels bad for those he eats.
At some point he’ll no longer be able to catch and kill, and then he too will die. Is it wrong that the animals he normally kills don’t let themselves die for his sake? No. It is not.
It felt like there was quite a bit of human exceptionalism going on during parts of the book. If we decide it is wrong to kill for food, and we’re all the same without human superiority, then we’ll have to start putting lions and bears and snakes on trial. Or else humans are indeed exceptional, and that’s why only humans should refrain from killing for food.
If we’re all the same, and it is fine to kill for food, just as it’s fine for animals to try and escape being killed for food, then nature is in the right.
Another similar point that confused me was the value Sarah placed consistently on one species over another. Because she is adamant no human should ever kill an animal if avoidable, this includes invasive species that are in turn, wiping out whole species.
She assures in the book that it’s fine for these animals to be there, but–well–we put them there. Is it right to let rats kill entire species of birds, crabs, even trees because we don’t want to right our wrongs through killing? Maybe it’s not the fault of the rat for wandering off a ship, but in the mean time the price must be paid. Will it be an entire atoll or the rat?
While I do think humans should spend a lot more time making sure things like rats wandering off ships don’t happen in the first place, turning a blind eye once its done isn’t going to spare anyone. Not even the rat.
Despite these inconsistencies, I do find this book valuable. I do believe that it’s important to know where our food comes from, and what the potential impacts are. Even if you are a vegan that walks carefully around ant lines on the sidewalk, the fact of the matter is an animal probably died when the field growing the vegetables they consume were plowed.
No one escapes from causing harm to others on the planet, and Sarah appears to be aware of this. She mentions the suffering caused by some of her intentional choices, and offers up a prayer for the suffering she has caused.
Sacred Sendoffs offers some reflections that are worth exploring and recommends that we think about the deaths we cause and to evaluate whether they were necessary or not. I believe this is something that everyone should do.
While the killing of others is unavoidable on this earth, no matter what species you are, there’s no reason to kill beyond what is necessary to thrive on this planet.
If you’re interested in animals and their needs in life and death, this book is a worthy read. Although the book has some flaws, it is overall thoughtfully written.
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It’s not a book I’ve heard of, but thanks for the review it sounds like an interesting read. As a believer in animal rights I agree with some of her points, but as you’ve mentioned some don’t make sense to me either. What grabbed my attention was the title, and learning more about the “sendoffs” that seem like it would be the focus of the book.
The send offs are very sweet. When she comes across a deceased animal (say a crow by the side of the road) she will bring flowers, decorate the body, pray for it’s spirit, and try to send that spirit somewhere good. I think taking the time to send off an animal is a wonderful thing.
This really opens up eyes to the questions we all have about the circle of life. Sometimes we all need to take a step back and see the values around us of every little thing. Even the bad still holds value.
I have a friend who buries every deceased animal she finds and tries to save all the injured ones, even if they are being eaten. I’ve talked with her about letting nature run its course. A dead baby bird is food to others. We’ve had some interesting conversations- I might get her this book so we can talk about it more.
If you do, would you write about it? I’m genuinely curious to hear about the outcome of that conversation.
I have not heard of this book but from your review it is an eye opener and really interested in it as it says so much which makes us think in different ways, thanks for sharing.
Very interesting! You are right, the natural world is violent. Raccoons are vicious! They’ve been disemboweling frogs. The poor little frogs are still alive, but their guts are separate all over the lawn. Not the way I’d want to die. Sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for the review, Andrea!
The book sounds very interesting…I had not heard of it before now. Thanks you for your straight-forward honest review. It definitely sounds like something I’d like to read. There is a circle of life that we all should respect, but I do really like the idea of sacred sendoffs…I always did something special for my own beloved furangels. I am touched by how she stops to respect and send off a deceased pet. In the whole realm of life, their lives meant something, and I think this is a lovely way of respecting that.
Yes, her care for the dead of all species really touched me. I do hope you’ll let me know if you read it!