I am so sorry that people say those things to you Alison. I have had that problem a lot in my life. I have been an animal person since, well, I think in the womb! City girls in Jr High and then in High School used to make fun of me for being "redneck" because I revolved around my animals. My animals were my best friends. I would get off the bus to go to my animals, where I could find unconditional love. They are so beautiful and give a sense of peace and meaning to life.
Even as an adult, my parents..... and now my inlaws think my life long career substandard when they want to, and yet I will catch them bragging at other times.... about how I had run the Animal Services for the whole County, and led the team that evacuated near 2000 animals during an enormous forest fire in 2002, winning praise from The American Humane Assn. nationwide. And yet they will still raise an eyebrow when I talk of the quail or a chicken.... Loving animals can take you to a higher, stronger ground. Follow your heart.
Some odd folk may laugh or make fun or look down upon it... But at the end of the day I AM THE HAPPIEST ONE, because I am surrounded by love. I am teaching my son to do so too, at an early age. We took our bantams to preschool and all the little kids said "cool! can I touch?"
Alison, people like us, will change the world. We will be kind and loving inspite of the insecurity and cruelty around us.
Congratulations on being one of the best humans. I am thinking of Pepi for you. I hope that you meet another and another and another to give your love to. You obviously have a lot to give.
xxxooo
Take heart shug. You are in good company.
Tonya
