Tweety:
I don't know how I do it either, since I haven't yet.
I do apologize for bringing up the subject because I know there are lots of pet owners here. It's just that I'm new to the whole thing and the thought flew in my head and out my fingertips. Believe me, I really get your perspective.
But I will try to explain. Don't worry, I won't explain more than once, I'm just not that dogmatic a person.
My mom, I swear, must have been the very first subscriber to Organic Gardening. I grew up being taught to respect nature and to be aware of the delicate balance that, when respected, makes the world a better place and when ignored causes imbalances, erosion, poor air quality, etc. Her father always had a place in the country with an orchard, gardens, and animals where all his grandkids spent a week every summer, but we also spent as many weekends at his place as we possibly could. We saw the changes in seasons over our childhood, looked at the stars that actually shone brightly in the country, slept outside and ate everything fresh. We rode horses, boated and swam in a pond he had built just for us in a beautiful wooded area. He even had a rope swing tied from a huge tree that we could swing out over the pond, let go and splashdown! When we stood in our boat and rowed it up the creek that twisted and turned in the woods up stream from the pond, we called it
Tom Sawyering. We learned to appreciate even the good snakes and recognize the poison ones. We could snack on blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, peaches, pears, apples. We had fresh-from-the cow milk, our eggs came from the chickens and yes, our chicken soup came from chickens he raised himself. I understand now how much work this was but took it blissfully all for granted as a child. My grandfather's example taught us more than plain words ever could have. He taught us that we need to take responsibility for the animals who provide the food we eat. He absolutely hated commercial farming and the treatment of animals like commodities. He taught us that butchering a chicken is something that should be done with respect. He hated seeing acres of beautiful oak trees poisoned in his area to clear the land for pasture that would ultimately be over-pastured. He taught us that an animals life should be the best quality possible and he loved them all. When we were young adults he took us to a laying facility and showed us what the animals' lives were like. It wasn't pretty but it's nirvana compared to what a meat birds' life is like in a commercial operation.
Once I adjusted to the loss of my mom, I realized that all the things I had been taught were not just their beliefs. They were mine. I wanted to do something about it and honor my grandfather and mom in the process. Of all the cousins, I'm sure I would have been voted the least likely to be doing what I am now doing. So I guess it came as a surprise to everyone. Did I ever believe I would butcher a chicken myself? No way. But it truly is the only vote I have against commercial practices. The chicken that I now eat from the grocery store comes from birds who have been treated abominably, never loved or appreciated. That is, unless I buy from a small acreage producer, but then, I have 8 kids to raise and retirement looming for my husband and I can't afford it. This experiment with meat birds is a test for my family. We can either take responsibility for the animals that provide our food, or give it up. Perhaps we
will become vegetarians. Even before the loss of mom, I had this idea that I could contribute to lowering our carbon footprint. I had 3 babies in diapers for 2 years and used cloth diapers, not because we couldn't afford disposables but because it was better for the environment. I want something better for the earth, for the animals and for my family and I feel very passionately about that.
We had just purchased this acreage when my mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She and I were going to raise chickens together and build an organic garden and orchard. She was going to teach me all the stuff I just took for granted as a kid. After we lost her, my family moved back to the city to help my Dad adjust and only just came back last year now that he's back on his feet.
It's funny now that I think about it. I did my best to ignore my mother's perspective growing up, but I didn't even give birth to any of my children. They are all adopted. My mom and dad took in foster children and I realized when I was 8 years old that there were perfectly lovely children who needed homes, so why add to the population when I could adopt? I don't feel any animosity toward those who prefer giving birth, even when they have lots of kids. It's just not me.
Anyway, I hope that makes it the tiniest bit easier to understand. I promise not to bring it up again, though, because I know it's just too painful to think about for many people.
I guess I'm just an old hippy (without the psychedelic drugs).
