I have been thinking about what is important to me as
an animal lover and what I can do about it.
What I can't do is get upset about someone doing something, (albeit repugnant)
in another country on an online auction.
What I can't do is control who will buy that product. I can only
control myself and refuse to buy it.
What I can't do is break the law to change the situation. all I
can do is try through proper authorities to help.
What I can't do is hop a plane and go see every situation in the world
and fix it. all I can do is support where I can, whether morally or monetarily.
It is important to me that the pets in my realm, here at home are treated
well. Of course, I want all pets to be treated well, but what can I do. What I can do is care for the ones near
by. What I can be is a "Chicken Fairy" and pick up, house, deliver and help re-home chickens and ducks near by to better
homes. The ones I can help are the ones at the park near my house, "My Flock", who I go to see, feed good feed, pet
and check for injuries at least twice a week.
What I can do is take in the ones that are injured, the ones who are
the low ones on the pole, home to live with us forever.
What I can do is show by example how to care for my animals the best
way I can.
What I can do is educate. What I can do is use plain speaking to
the little ones who handle ducklings and chicks at the store carelessly, whether it be from not caring, ignorance or evilness.
What i can do is sell eggs from my girls to buy feed and to let my egg
customers experience my girls and let them realize that ducks, chickens and geese have personalities and their uses go farther
than the common perception, dinner. I show people that they can be charmed and entertained as well as being provided
with eggs.
These are the battles I choose to fight. The ones I can do the
most good at. I make a difference to the ducks and gese at the park. I make a difference to the ducklings at the
feed stores. I make a difference to the precious ones in my own yard. To be greeted when I come home,
to be called to as I open the door in the morning and yell, "Duckies!", to be pinched by Miss Matilda, to be followed and
conversed with and hugged by Bella LaGoose....this is everything.
As for laws changing and for issues farther from me, I'd rely on my voting
ability. I depend on my ability to write letters. I depend on the circle of caring I find on the groups of pet
lovers on the web.
If we all start in our own backyards, so to speak, our example will spread.
We will spread. Our influence will spread and encompass. I am still small potatoes. but we gotta start where
we start. Some people, especially the rescuers who have devoted their lives to it, have reached much farther.
But still, I plug along, doing my part the best I can.
You see, the "Can't list" is much shorter than the "Can" list.
Those are the battles I choose to fight. The ones I know I can win and make a difference by fighting.
Terrie Lacy
