When I was a child my parents got a rabbit for me (probably after I begged them). I feel terribly sad and guilty thinking how lonely that rabbit - his name was Bubby - must have been in his hutch, which we kept outside. I now try and advocate for animals and am proud to donate to a few different (vegan) sanctuaries. It won’t undo the lonely life that poor Bubby had due to me and my parents’ ignorance, but I hope it helps other animals. Thank you for all you do.
Sally, thank you for sharing that. And please be gentle with yourself about Bubby. So many of us have stories like that from childhood, from when we didn't know any better. I certainly do. The fact that you carry that with you now and have turned it into action for other animals says so much about who you are.
Actually, you've just given me an idea for a future article. I'd love to write about the animals I knew growing up and what I wish I could go back and change. I think so many of us would relate to that.
And donating to vegan sanctuaries absolutely does make a difference. You're helping to give other animals the life Bubby deserved, and that's a really beautiful thing.
That's exactly why I wanted to share it. I think people picture this idyllic scene of happy hens pottering about in the sunshine, and while there are moments like that, the reality is a lot messier and more exhausting! But it's also more rewarding than the romantic version could ever be.
You are our hero Catherine, for doing the tasks we cannot! However, you allow us to watch from the sidelines and observe the love and care you and all the volunteers give to the hens and other animals at Hen Rescue. Thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️❤️❤️
Leigh Anne, thank you so much, and thank you for becoming a paid subscriber. That support makes a big difference to what we can do for the animals here.
And watching from the sidelines and caring IS doing something. The fact that you're here, that you're invested, that you want to see these animals safe and loved matters more than you know. None of this works without the people cheering us on and helping to keep the lights on and the vet bills paid.
I really appreciated this read, for myriad reasons including the depth of your displayed compassion for a precious rat. All beings are sentient and deserving of mercy. I also know that many people don't/can't understand the wide challenges of running a sanctuary. Too many get into it with their heads in the clouds. It is not for the faint of heart to do it right, and thank you for being one of the people with the capacity to do that. Grateful and for your voice of advocacy as well for so many creatures.
Thank you, Stephanie. And yes, all beings. That's something I feel really strongly about. It shouldn't matter whether they're a hen or a rat or a pig... they all feel, they all want to live, and they all deserve someone in their corner. I have such a soft spot for the rats here.
And you're so right about the realities of sanctuary life. I think the more honest we can be about the downsides as well as the good bits, the better prepared people are if they want to take it on themselves.
Thank you for being here and for getting it. That means a lot. x
Thank you! And yes, I was so relieved about the little rat. They really are lovely little creatures, aren't they? I think rats just have a bit of a PR problem, but anyone who's taken the time to watch them knows how social and clever they are. They deserve kindness just like everyone else. x
When I was a child my parents got a rabbit for me (probably after I begged them). I feel terribly sad and guilty thinking how lonely that rabbit - his name was Bubby - must have been in his hutch, which we kept outside. I now try and advocate for animals and am proud to donate to a few different (vegan) sanctuaries. It won’t undo the lonely life that poor Bubby had due to me and my parents’ ignorance, but I hope it helps other animals. Thank you for all you do.
Sally, thank you for sharing that. And please be gentle with yourself about Bubby. So many of us have stories like that from childhood, from when we didn't know any better. I certainly do. The fact that you carry that with you now and have turned it into action for other animals says so much about who you are.
Actually, you've just given me an idea for a future article. I'd love to write about the animals I knew growing up and what I wish I could go back and change. I think so many of us would relate to that.
And donating to vegan sanctuaries absolutely does make a difference. You're helping to give other animals the life Bubby deserved, and that's a really beautiful thing.
Thank you for being here. x
It is so important for us to hear just a snippet of your day. So many of us have an almost romantic vision of what an animal sanctuary looks like.
That's exactly why I wanted to share it. I think people picture this idyllic scene of happy hens pottering about in the sunshine, and while there are moments like that, the reality is a lot messier and more exhausting! But it's also more rewarding than the romantic version could ever be.
You are our hero Catherine, for doing the tasks we cannot! However, you allow us to watch from the sidelines and observe the love and care you and all the volunteers give to the hens and other animals at Hen Rescue. Thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️❤️❤️
Leigh Anne, thank you so much, and thank you for becoming a paid subscriber. That support makes a big difference to what we can do for the animals here.
And watching from the sidelines and caring IS doing something. The fact that you're here, that you're invested, that you want to see these animals safe and loved matters more than you know. None of this works without the people cheering us on and helping to keep the lights on and the vet bills paid.
Thank you for being part of it. x
I really appreciated this read, for myriad reasons including the depth of your displayed compassion for a precious rat. All beings are sentient and deserving of mercy. I also know that many people don't/can't understand the wide challenges of running a sanctuary. Too many get into it with their heads in the clouds. It is not for the faint of heart to do it right, and thank you for being one of the people with the capacity to do that. Grateful and for your voice of advocacy as well for so many creatures.
Thank you, Stephanie. And yes, all beings. That's something I feel really strongly about. It shouldn't matter whether they're a hen or a rat or a pig... they all feel, they all want to live, and they all deserve someone in their corner. I have such a soft spot for the rats here.
And you're so right about the realities of sanctuary life. I think the more honest we can be about the downsides as well as the good bits, the better prepared people are if they want to take it on themselves.
Thank you for being here and for getting it. That means a lot. x
I'm so pleased the rat is ok they are so cute I don't know why people hate them?. Well done for looking after the 🐔.
Thank you! And yes, I was so relieved about the little rat. They really are lovely little creatures, aren't they? I think rats just have a bit of a PR problem, but anyone who's taken the time to watch them knows how social and clever they are. They deserve kindness just like everyone else. x
I have had rats as pets and from time to time they come into our garden l say love and let live.