Theodora Capaldo, Ed.D. Psychologist, Trustee, the American Fund for Alternatives to Animal Research.

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        <h1>Theodora Capaldo, Ed.D. Psychologist, Trustee, the American Fund for Alternatives to Animal Research.</h1>
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        <p>While it was an honor to become the Bear Guardian of two beautiful rescued bears, the real honor has been to be a part of Animals Asia, a wonderful and effective organization.</p>
<p>Working in the animal protection movement for more than 40 years, from grassroots to CEO, I am adept at recognizing organizations that spend their money on strategic work that actually realizes their mission, even in the most difficult of circumstances. To have accomplished so much for the bears in such dire circumstances once condoned by the cultures within which they lived is beyond admirable.</p>
<p>When I became a Bear Guardian, I knew straightaway which beautiful names I would choose.</p>
<p>I chose "Shima", after my rescued Akita. She was a big, black, gentle bear of a girl with white stocking feet. In Japanese, Shima means “island”, and in Persian, “mother”. And I chose "Kibou" after my rescued Shiba, who came into my life 10 years after Shima passed. Kibou, in Japanese, means “hope”.</p>
<p>Naming ceremonies for human children are a part of every religion and varies within every culture. Yet, the significance remains the same: to honor and welcome that being into the world within which they will live. It takes time and thought to choose the right name as we recognize the significance of carrying that name throughout life.</p>
<p>Animals must have, as T.S. Eliot notes, “the deep and inscrutable” name they call themselves which we will never know but will still silently honor. Unable to know that name, we chose a name for them. Animals used and abused in industries and practices to serve humans are rarely if ever named. To do so would make them too real and harder to exploit. They are kept nameless for a reason.</p>
<p>But, set free from their cages and arriving in this holy place called sanctuary, demands that they now have the dignity of a name, even if human-given. By naming the bears we say: “I see you. I know you. You and only you.”</p>
<p>In Shima and Kibou I witness the personification of this island of hope, of this once dream and now reality at Animals Asia.</p>
<p>Theodora Capaldo, Ed.D.<br />Licensed psychologist<br />Trustee, the American Fund for Alternatives to Animal Research<br />President Emeritus, New England Anti-Vivisection Society and<br />Psychologist for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.</p>
<p>*Photo courtesy of Joanne McArthur</p>
        
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