Animals have always been a source of grounding and spiritual connection in my life. They teach presence, patience, and remind me of a deeper responsibility humans have toward all living beings. I see them not as possessions, but as sentient lives deserving care, respect and protection.
My spiritual practices, particularly yoga and Hindu philosophy, have shaped this understanding. Central is ahimsa, the principle of non-harm. Ahimsa is not abstract, it is lived through daily choices, awareness, and accountability toward both humans and animals.
Because of this, my approach to animal care is intentional. I prioritize regular veterinary checkups, immediate attention to health concerns, and ongoing education about animal wellness. Compassion, to me, is quiet and consistent. It is showing up, doing the work, and making informed decisions for an animal’s well-being.
I also strive to teach these values to my children through example. They learn that animals feel, depend on us, and deserve kindness simply because they are alive. That lesson shapes how they see accountability, empathy and care for others.
Though I am publicly known as a wrestling coach, that role exists alongside, not above my commitment to compassion. Wrestling has reinforced my belief that people are not defined by a single mistake, but by their willingness to grow. That same belief applies to how we treat animals.
One of my clearest goals is to open an animal shelter. I want to create a space where neglected, misunderstood, or abandoned animals receive safety, medical care, patience, and dignity. A shelter is not just a facility; it is a commitment to stewardship, education, and long-term care.
Animals have taught me that real care does not need an audience, it requires consistency, humility and follow through. That is how I strive to live every day.
Over time, my understanding of animal care has expanded beyond rescue into advocacy and education. Too often, harm comes not from cruelty but from ignorance, neglect, or systems that value convenience over responsibility. I believe meaningful change happens when people are given knowledge, support, and clear examples of what ethical care looks like. Whether it is proper nutrition, enrichment, spaying and neutering, or recognizing behavioral stress, education protects animals long before intervention is needed.
Community is essential to this vision. An animal shelter should not exist in isolation, but as part of a network that includes veterinarians, volunteers, educators, and families willing to learn. I want to help build programs that teach children and adults alike how to coexist responsibly with animals, how to recognize suffering, and how to respond with compassion rather than avoidance.
Caring for animals has also taught me humility. We do not control life; we are entrusted with it for a short time. That understanding keeps me accountable, especially when decisions are difficult or inconvenient. True compassion is tested when it costs time, money, energy, or comfort.
Ultimately, my commitment to animals is inseparable from my faith and daily practice. It is a lived expression of service, discipline, and respect for life in all its forms. I do not seek recognition for this work. I seek alignment between belief, action and responsibility and a world where animals are met with the care they deserve.
Thank you,
Sean Kirtz - Boca Raton, Florida.
***If you are an animal lover too, follow me on TikTok @coachk65. To know more about my journey, email Coachk56165@gmail.com***
