I recently read an online article about a woman who rescued a 21 lb. lobster from becoming the guest of honor at dinner party for 20 of his closest frenemies. She (the woman, not the lobster) entered a raffle in Massachusetts and spent $600 to ensure the win and rescue the lobster from certain death. It turns out there was such an outcry of crustaceous concern from the local community, the restaurant in question decided the winner would instead be able to help set the lobster free or receive 21 individual lobsters (how is that better??). When the lobster-friendly woman won ($600 later), she instead opted to donate her prize to the New England Aquarium in Boston. The Aquarium has granted her special visitation rights when she’s in the area in early August. Perhaps he’ll wave his giant lobster claw at her while she presses her face against the glass, knowing in her heart that he is safe from future capture. Although, if I were the lobster, I might prefer the freedom of the ocean as opposed to a tank, but now I’m just being picky. One final note to this story; the proceeds from the raffle were donated to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Pretty cool.
I don’t know that it would even occur to me to try and fix a raffle so I could save a lobster. Maybe I’m just lazy . . . or don’t think outside the box . . . or don’t know how I would drive a lobster around in the back of my ’96 Jeep. (Fish tank? Card board box? Car seat?) But I do have a friend who is pretty creative when it comes to advocating on behalf of animal rights. Danielle and I have been friends since college, and we are both suckers for all things cute and furry. But over the years, Danielle has continued to impress me with her knowledge and passion about these issues.
Aside from donating her time at local animal humane societies, she is also quite vocal about calling out the heinous business practices of puppy mills. She posts disturbing videos on her FaceBook page or in emails. Puppy mills often abuse, abandon, or murder the mothers, and they also leave the puppies and mothers in piles of their own filth in horrible crowded conditions. The only way they can make a profit is to inevitably increase the dogs’ suffering. This makes me sick – and it really pisses off Danielle. We both believe that adoption (versus breeding) should always be the first choice. There are millions of dogs euthanized every year because of shelter space issues. Chuckles, one of Danielle’s dogs, came from a puppy mill rescue group. These groups will frequently show up at auctions to bid on puppies and mothers that would have otherwise been sold to less than savory characters. (Kind of like the lobster!) Danielle is torn about these groups; because on one hand the dogs are rescued, but at the same time the rescue group is financially supporting the business at auction.
On a personal note, I don’t have dogs, but my two cats are former strays who are ever so grateful and spoiled. My parents have rescued all of their brood as well, and they are currently living with two cats and black lab puppy. My brothers and sister. (Not-so subliminal message: ADOPT!)
Danielle has also fostered puppies. She gives them a home while they are awaiting adoption. She said, in all honesty, that it’s a lot of work. There is puppy poo everywhere and they have to be sequestered from your own animals. It takes a lot of patience, but it’s worth it when you meet the new family and know they’ll be going to a good home.
One last thing. Before you settle down in front of your big screen to watch your Magnum, P.I. DVDs, with a Pabst Blue Ribbon beer and a plate of foie gras, ponder this: To fatten the goose or duck (in order to make his liver extra ginormous and “buttery” – gag), they force feed him with a tube down his throat (known as “gavage” – look it up). It sounds torturous. Oh wait – it is. Anyway, there is an animal-rights group called Farm Sanctuary that created business cards meant for restaurants that still serve foie gras, originally a French delicacy. (Do we really NEED that on our menus? I ‘m just wondering). Danielle has handed out these cards to restaurant managers, with a message that indicates that you (the duck or goose lover) will not be dining at their establishment in the future because of the presence of foie gras on the menu. Pretty cool.
Once again, maybe I’m lazy . . . or chicken (no pun intended) . . . or don’t typically eat in places that serve foie gras (unless it’s a new menu item at the Cheesecake Factory that I’m unaware of). But I think it’s great that Danielle has the guts (also known as tripe – gag) to take a stand against animal cruelty in such a public way. Kudos to Danielle and the animals in her life, and thanks for helping make our world a safer and more comfy place for them to live. Woof. Meow. Honk. Quack. Glug glug glug. (Lobster sound)
R.I.P. Tori and Mozart
With peace and gratitude. And a little nip! (Good dogs don’t bite)
