If
we want to truly lead a life of "Love thy neighbor,"
our neighbors should include our animal friends, especially since
they harm us in no way. They only beautify our lives; they are
loving, and they make our lives more lively, colorful and interesting.
We should preserve them, watch them, love them and enjoy their
presence. God has made it clear; Hes says, "I made all the
animals to befriend you and help you." 
From
“Animals Are Our Friends”
News 134, Pearls of Wisdom
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA • February
24, 1991
(originally in English) Videotape #155
Animals
are there for a reason. They are also inhabitants of the earth;
we have no right to kill them. I've heard some people say that
their research has found that animals sometimes heal people's
sickness, probably because of their love. That's why many people
like to keep dogs and cats, despite the inconvenience and the
attachment that they bind people with. But because they are so
loving and probably so soothing somehow, people feel good and
keep them.
From
News 134, Aphorisms
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
New Jersey Center, USA • June 24, 1992
(originally in English) Videotape #259
The
Sentient World of Animals
The Sentient World of Animals
