Bye, bye birdie...and a lesson in animal emotion

This baby bird (named Fluffy by my family) had a crash landing into the side of our pool earlier this week.  It was obvious that it's wing was damaged but you could just feel it's will to live (and not be eaten by one of our cats!)

We moved Fluffy several times trying to keep it out of the heat and away from our furry friends before we settled on a hanging basket.  We then realized there was a momma bird that was very eagerly searching for her baby.  Over the course of 2 days, we watched this attentive mother bring food to the baby and chirp back and forth with the father and baby.  She was always near and kept a close eye on me as I kept the bird hydrated with an eye dropper and moved it to a new location during the torrential rain storm.  

Fluffy made a few failed attempts at flying away and ended up upside down in our lavendar bush and under another bush and all the while the parents chirped back and forth ensuring the safety and whereabouts of their baby.  

Thursday morning Jake and I went out to check on him and he had passed.  We probably knew this guy didn't have a chance but were hopeful for his attentive and helpless parents.  As we turned to walk away, there sat momma bird on the fence...we think she knew but just couldn't let go. 

So I know MANY people don't view "animals" lives in the way that I do...you haven't been socialized to.  But this was a great example that animals, reptiles, and not just people have emotions.  I am often asked about why I don't eat meat...I think above is exactly WHY I don't eat meat.  Animals feel pain, anxiety, grief and happiness just like us.

Here is a link to a sweet little boy that has an enlightening conversation with his mother and it SOOOOO reminds me of the convesation that Grayson and I had when she was almost 4...the point we stopped eating meat completely.  This little guy gets it!! (you have to hit the closed caption button so you can get the English version)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX4O6smZrLE&feature=player_embedded

Great read if you ever have an interest in learning about the truth that animals have feelings.