Leaving Our Pets for Several Days
Exactly 50 days ago I moved the shells to their own tank. There are over 50 shells sitting next to me, right next to my keyboard. It is a form of companionship that keeps me happy. The same is true for the birds, who sit next to me most of the day and get bottled-fed on occasions, in moderation.
The experiment with the shells was very successful because as far as I can tell none have died and I did a partial water change a few days ago.
Aside from punchlines like, "I prefer the shell" I derive much pleasure from animals' presence (live animals, happy animals).
Earlier this year we mentioned "serious harm to our fish, not to mention the birds we feed" and a week later elaborated, concluding that (another week later): "some time soon I will contact officials (local and national politicians) regarding SLAPP-related reforms, as I always said I would. It is about protecting other people and being proactive about it. The country needs media, not media litigation 'industry'."
Indeed, weeks later we contacted our politicians and they have been surprisingly helpful. It was escalated to the very top of our government and now there is a reform on its way.
To us, the animals are like children and have long been like children to us (we donate to animal charities). We fail to see why angry Americans should be able to hurt Brits and even their pets. Even costing the British taxpayers, who had nothing to do with any of this.
This week our pets will be worried that "mommy and daddy" are away, even if the real issue is in another continent. It involves 7 Americans. █
Image source: New Office Setup After Sirius