Diary of an adult runaway

Official Rodent Appreciation Day 2010

Did you know today is Official Rodent Appreciation Day? Ok, so I made that up. But I happen to like rodents (just as I happen to like pigeons), especially bolshy, bold squirrels, so here goes:

And then there's this guy:
Let's not forget marmots (I think that's what these guys are):
I know raccoons aren't rodents but I loves them anyway!:
In a case of "monkey see monkey do":
And finally, I call this one "Heh":

No words needed

From Melissa's blog:

 

All right, I said no words, but sometimes I wonder about myself. And worry. While I'm terribly saddened by the loss of human life, I just can't read about the animals. I could work in the most horrific of war zones before I could work in a vet's clinic. The koala's paw here breaks my heart.

When I was growing up, we had a 20 km drive into town and there was often roadkill, which I would spot long before anyone else and turn my face away from. "Oh, that poor--" my mother would start and I'd have my hand up. "Don't," I'd say, stomach churning. Even now, if someone starts to tell me a story about an animal, I tell them not to bother if it doesn't end happily.

And yes, I am one of those crazy people who yells at others in the street if I see them harming an animal. But then, I figure someone has to do it.

God bless the CFA.

They read my mind. Or my dreams.

A few nights ago I dreamed I met Sarah Palin, and it was far from a lovefest. In fact, our encounter ended with her glaring at me and me doing that DeNiro two-fingers-in-the-eyes thing. You know, that whole "I'm watching you" gesture.

Which indeed I am. (I know she's scared now!)

This morning I got a mail from the good folks at Defenders of Wildlife (hi, K!) who are doing the same thing. In fact, they've even got a site called Eye On Palin that I think anyone who loves animals should check out. 

There. I've done it. Thrown down the "if you don't do something about this then you don't love animals" guilt card. (I know, I know--there are a lot of animals out there to help and maybe right now there's not a lot of money. But I thought I'd give it a shot anyway, ya know?)

I'm gonna throw down another one. Paranormal writers with wolf/werewolf characters, I think you need to get in on this, too. How about it, ladies? Yes, writing is personal, but I will quote my good friend Jackson Browne (talking dreams again): "There's nothing more personal than your politics."

Really, how much longer can we allow this slaughter to go on? Ok, I admit it: even though I have something of a girl crush on Ashley Judd, I couldn't watch the whole video I'm posting here. It made me sick to my stomach. But you all should watch it. Then head over to Defenders and help their campaign to stop this cruel, cruel game. Thanks :-)