Our Furry and Feathered Families

Anyone who knows me knows that I value the lives of my furry and feathered family members. Oh, what the heck, I value the lives of all God's creatures. However, dogs, cats, birds, chickens, bunnies and even those bratty squirrels mean a lot to me.

In April, two chickens joined the Eckert clan. Roxie and Ruby are quite the handful. They love to escape from the yard when they are allowed to roam out of their coop. They also love to lay their eggs under the deck. This is really not acceptable but they just don't listen no matter how much I explain this to them. So, every night for the last few nights either I go under the deck to retrieve the eggs or my daughter's boyfriend does. Such fun!



My family also includes two elderly gentlemen, my cats. Spookie and Damien are both getting up there. Damien will actually be "legal" soon. He has reached the ripe, old age of 21. And it shows. Sometimes, no one seems to be at home. There can be some trying times dealing with these two. By the way, I'm not into witchcraft. The names were chosen since they were both rescued around Halloween.


And, of course, there is Lucky Joe. My beloved lab mix who is going to be 14 this July. Such a love! He is also showing his age. The hips just don't want to do what he wants them to do. He is lovingly called Grandpa around here.

Then there are the birds I feed. The ones who somehow get into my sun room and need to be rescued. The rabbits who hop around at nightfall. And we can't forget the squirrels who love to eat bird seed and tomatoes. So far this year they have left the tomatoes alone. Maybe my threats to shoot them have made them believers. If they only knew I am so against guns and would never allow one in my home.

You may be wondering why this long discourse on my family. As well as the love I have for those furry and feathered family members, I also deeply care for those animals who are abused and tortured. I just don't understand the mentality of some people. Why would you have a pet, chain it, starve it, beat it, etc.?

I just read the latest rescue by Randy Grim of Stray Rescue of St. Louis. A dog who was chained was found hanging on a fence. Although Randy was able to rescue Gustav and get him to a vet, he didn't make it. He did receive loving care and hugs and kisses for his final few hours here on earth. Here is a link if you'd like to read about ""Gustav" and Stray Rescue: http://strayrescue.org/gustav. As far as I am concerned, Randy, his staff and all those other "angels" who work with rescue groups are as close to walking on water as anyone I know.

Yes, I know abuse is rampant all over. Spousal abuse, child abuse, so many abused. My heart cries when I think about it.

So, what can I do about it? I can spread love and kindness to everyone I meet and encounter. Especially to those who are mean and hateful. They need it the most.

Will you be a little more loving? Remember this song by the Beatles:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydfH7iuLR0I

Namaste',

Mareda