Uzi, I have thought of doing rooster rescues, but it would have to be a hobby (an expensive one at that), and I'd have to resign myself to a financial commitment of my own. If I were to apply for a grant, I am sure I would have to show how such an enterprise would benefit the community, and, honestly, I don't think there is much support for that. I have materials for a LOT of coops (You are welcome to some used plywood sheets, not pretty but serviceable), but the time required to manage a lot of roosters - and the cost of feed - just seem like insurmountable obstacles, for me. I think such a project would make you poor if you could not limit yourself to a finite number of roos, even if you could sell a few special heritage cocks to people needing such roos. You would definitely have to have a source of income sufficient to keep them, IMO. My $.02 worth.
I am glad you figured out your supervisor is not going to fire you. Some Supes play awful games with employees they don't like - in order to get them to quit - because it is VERY hard to fire them. Don't you ever quit; make them fire you, so they will be required to defend themselves, in court if necessary, and don"t give them a good reason to terminate. You can do a lot on your own to protect yourself, more than a lawyer can do, actually. (All you really NEED a lawyer for is to file legal documents in the justice system) If you got a foul annual review, make a written response, honestly and objectively, from a disinterested point of view, without bias. Make a copy and always make it obvious that you are open to helpful suggestions. "You need to make a change," is B***S***. Your Sup needs to be much more specific than that to make grounds for termination. Being under the influence, failing drug tests, extreme absenteeism, aggression and violent behavior: these are the kinds of things for which people can get legitimately fired nowadays. (But of course there are exceptions when the Supe thinks he's infallible) If your boss recommends a change, a simple "Agreed" reply is sufficient; then ask him if he has any other positions available more suitable for you, yes or no, period. If your boss did not understand why you were late every day, an explanation was certainly in order, and you could certainly request an exception to policy in your case because of the TBI. (S)he would have to deny or consent to an exception, or just not answer, no big deal. You would have to put all of this in writing, get a written reply, and be willing to comply with the answer. If you were to be terminated, you would have this little document to fall back on, to support claims of discrimination. A lawyer could not do this for you, you know? You are holding just as many cards as your Sup, maybe more because of ADA laws. You just need to worry about doing your job; if you can do it, no problem. I used to ask my hostile Sup if I could tape my oral reviews, just so I could keep things civil and avoid a nasty kick in the pants. Worked, and I got a reputation (for being difficult to deal with). It's a lot easier if you like to write and are good at it. Shouldn't be a problem for you, but you have to dissociate from your emotional self and put on your legal cloak to be good at it. You CAN make the change to "no more Mr. Nice Guy;" I had to and I did it, so I know it's possible. Remember: success is where you come from, not necessarily in being "right," and you just might have to give up being right on occasion, OK with not having the last word. Your Supe sounds like he is perfectly capable of goofing up his own self..
On another irksome front: with regard to blistering cocks' combs: I am CONSIDERING using a spray-on or paint-on version of Liquid Bandage. I used to use it on my own blisters, and I consider a blessing from heaven. There are medicated versions, which would no doubt work for infection, but they are extremely painful when applied. The unmedicated Liquid Bandage, though, should be very relieving and provide a flexible and protective cover for your birds' combs. Google it, maybe.
Sorry for the tomeish length of this.
Well, when talking to the Disability Law CO rep, I realised he hadn't even given me a review in my review. He still has no idea what my job is! He was too busy accusing me of stuff that other coworkers & the other supervisor in the meeting told him wasn't true & then dropped the "walking on eggshells" comment. I've been killing myself since my car wreck to work twice as hard because I never wanted anyone to use my disability against me in this way. I've decided that I won't be doing that anymore. I'll do the bare minimum like everyone else in that office & make sure I don't continue to make my TBI regress anymore. My speech pathologist suggested getting some legal advice, too, when I mentioned what has been happening with my work situation. I should be hearing back from the law firm by the end of the week on any suggestions they have for me because right now it's all verbal. I have tried to establish the fact that I need things in writing/by email because of my memory issues & he has refused to address anything I've emailed him about. I'm just very frustrated & angry with this situation. I mean, what does he need to say about people with disabilities, our customers, that I'm keeping him from being able to say in our government office?
I may have to look into the liquid bandage stuff. My poor cockerels ended up getting frostbite again with that last below zero days. That $500 coop from the store was not worth the money. :/