10 Best Celebrity Quotes About The Special Love Between Animals And Humans

Well, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but to some people, they may as well be and to others, myself included, animals are quieter, kinder, and more likable "people".

I’m not saying that I have anything (much) against humans, just that I prefer the company of my cats. That probably says more about me than I would like, but there are others in a similar boat.

It’s quite common to hear celebrities speak out about the causes they’re most passionate about. And it’s also quite refreshing to see celebrities use their "powers" for good, not evil.

So how about those celebs who are committed to protecting the furry "people" of the world? What do they have to say?

Throughout history, there have been some notable names in animal welfare advocacy. What can we learn from them? And what can we learn from the animals they love so dearly?

Here are 10 animal love quotes from the biggest animal lovers in history:

1. "You can always tell about somebody by the way they put their hands on an animal." — Betty White

You really can learn a lot about someone by the way they treat an animal. Chances are, even the most grizzly of your friends will be just a little sweeter, a little gentler when they approach their animal sidekick.

2. "I like animals, all animals. I wouldn't hurt a cat or a dog — or a chicken or a cow. And I wouldn't ask someone else to hurt them for me. That's why I'm a vegetarian." — Peter Dinklage

A surprising quote from a leading character in one of the goriest shows on the air, Game of Thrones. Peter Dinklage has been a vegetarian for over 20 years. Don’t confuse him with Tyrion Lannister; Peter Dinklage would literally never hurt a fly.

3. "Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That's the problem." ― A.A. Milne

It’s no surprise that the creator of Winnie the Pooh was an animal lover. It would seem that this author really believed we should listen to animals. He made a career of it, after all, and kids today are still loving learning from what his animals have to say.

4. "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." ― Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi was best known for his pacifism during the Indian independence movement and during the World Wars. But Gandhi believed that non-violence didn’t just apply to humans.

When he spoke of peace, Gandhi always included the animals, saying that "the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man."

5. "We have more to learn from animals than animals have to learn from us." — Anthony Douglas Williams

Unconditional love. Compassion. Patience. Courage. We have a lot to learn from our furry companions. Next time you’re mad that your guy forgot to put the toilet seat down, just think. What would your dog do?

6. "You think those dogs will not be in heaven! I tell you they will be there long before any of us." —  Robert Louis Stevenson

Do all dogs really go to heaven? Even Pope Francis made the news when he told a little boy that "Heaven is open to all God’s creatures."

There’s no way to be sure, but if anyone’s going to get in, it’s probably them.

7. "If having a soul means being able to feel love and gratitude, then animals are better off than a of humans." —  James Herriot

Let’s face it. Most of us truly do have everything we need. But we often get caught up in the race to get more.

James Heriot, veterinarian and author, learned throughout his career that animals are always content with and grateful for what they have.

8. "I think I could turn and live with the animals, they are so placid and self contained; I stand and look at them long and long. They do not sweat and whine about their condition." — Walt Whitman

Put simply, animals are content just to be. We can take a lesson from the contentedness of our pups and kitties. Sit back, breathe, and just be.

9. "Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake." — Martin Luther King, Jr.

If there was ever a figure in history who knew how to do the right thing, it was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Like Gandhi, King didn’t limit the power of equality to apply only to humans. Doing the right thing is a commitment, and it’s universally relevant to all creatures.

10. "The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants." — Johnny Depp

Pure love — what is it, anyway? Patience, commitment, loyalty and the desire to lick someone’s face.

Well, that last quality may not apply. Think what you will of Johnny Depp, but he was spot on with this quote.

P. J. Aitken is the author of The Online Writer's Companion (available in all major bookstores).