An Armadillo Funeral

This morning as soon as I could handle it, the armadillo that I had found dead in my driveway last night got a respectful burial. I am sure that it had had a difficult life as any wild animal would which finds itself living in close proximity to human beings. Furthermore, its body had been partially eaten last night when I found it and even more during the night.
I cannot say that it was an elegant funeral, but rather more of a pragmatic burial. In fact, I don't know what should be done for a proper Buddhist funeral and I am not a Lama or even a Bhikkhu. Nevertheless I chanted the Amitabha mantra and tried to focus my mind on the intention that this poor animal would have a good rebirth, perhaps as a human being. Afterward, I placed a wide board over the site in order that the body not be disturbed again but be able to peacefully decay.
In the light of many Buddhist teachings and principles, this was a great lesson. Once again we see another example of impermanence, in that everything born will die. Furthermore, I was given an opportunity to practice loving-kindness and compassion by chanting mantras and hoping for its good rebirth. Moreover, this was a good reminder that we are all related to all other sentient beings. Finally, we are so often reminded that all the good we do is for the benefit of all sentient beings such as this poor armadillo.