Welcome to My New YouTube Channel + A Special Story: How Wally Changed My Perspective
Dear Friends,
I am so grateful for this community and our shared love for nature, animals, and the gentle wisdom they bring into our lives.
I am sorry for the long delay in posting to my blog. Over the last year I worked on the revision of my first book, “Mystical Animals of Ancient Oak” and finished writing the sequel to that book, “More Stories Along The Golden Path of Nature.” Now that those projects are in the their final stretch, I am returning to my blog, and have launched an exciting new venture.
Today, I am thrilled to share a new step in this journey with you: the launch of my new YouTube channel, The Mystical Golden Path of Nature!
Through this channel, I’ll be sharing stories, reflections, and video updates celebrating the deep connections we share with the natural world and the animal companions who walk alongside us.
To kick off the channel, I’ve just published a very personal video: “Mystical Animal Stories: How Wally Changed My Life & Perspective.”
When my sister and her friend rescued an abandoned young cat behind a 7-Eleven store and brought him home to me, I thought I was simply opening my heart to an animal in need. It was only after he settled into our home that he became Wally—and over time, he went on to teach me profound lessons about overcoming obstacles, patience, and changing my perspective on life’s challenges.
Watch the full video right here:
Join the Journey! If you enjoy the story, I warmly invite you to visit https://www.youtube.com/@mysticalgoldenpath [The Mystical Golden Path of Nature YouTube Channel]and click Subscribe. That way, you’ll be notified whenever a new video or story is shared.
Has a special animal companion ever taught you an unexpected life lesson or changed your perspective? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Pixabay License for fox photo (photographer Jeanette Atherton)
Every day, our human activities create hazards for wildlife. Roads, houses, technology, and speeding cars have replaced the natural rhythms and spaces wild animals rely on. But this doesn’t have to be a tragedy of our own making. By becoming more aware, we can take simple, essential steps to make the world a safer place for the creatures who share our planet. This post will share some of the most important actions we can take, starting with lessons I learned in my own backyard. My first and most heart-breaking lesson came when I moved to a house, proving that even a barrel of water can contain hidden dangers.
Several years ago, I rented a home surrounded by a lush meadow, a truly magical place where my cat, Minny Mouse, had a panoramic view of wildlife, from deer to songbirds. Minny’s favorite activity was watching a chipmunk that darted across the patio, constantly scurrying for seeds and nuts. Chasing him back and forth along the windowsill, she was convinced she would finally catch him.
A few weeks after we moved in, I saw Minny calmly sitting by the window and wondered why the chipmunk wasn’t up to his energetic routine. When the chipmunk didn’t appear, I grew concerned and investigated his mysterious disappearance.
Tragedy struck when I found the poor creature had drowned in a large barrel of water that the landlord had left on the patio. I scooped the body out and gently laid him to rest in the meadow. I carry that sadness with me, and it taught me an immediate, lifelong lesson: never leave water containers open and unattended. Now, I either turn barrels and buckets upside down, or, if the water is specifically for wildlife to drink, I always put a large stick or branch in the container. This simple addition acts as a ramp, giving smaller creatures a way to climb out and escape a tragic drowning.
The danger of standing water extends to swimming pools. Even a small frog or a tired songbird can get trapped. If you have a pool, you must have a safety mechanism for wildlife and amphibians. Consider installing a Frog Log, Skamper-Ramp, or other boarding steps. These simple safety precautions save lives. (Link to an article about swimming pools and safety for wildlife: https://www.humanegardener.com/wildlife-and-swimming-pools/)
Our responsibility to keep our property safe also extends to removing hazardous debris we leave behind, especially near natural water bodies.
While serving on the Environmental and Wildlife Rescue Committees in Montgomery Village, Maryland, I saw first-hand one of the most devastating human-caused hazards: discarded fishing line. This invisible enemy is a major source of deaths and debilitating injuries for birds, waterfowl, and turtles. The issue of fishing line entanglement is a serious danger that comes with devastating consequences. I was horrified watching a man at a local pond hook a turtle, only to violently jerk the hook out and toss the injured animal back into the water without a second thought. That callous disregard for life is a tough thing to witness, but it reinforces the need for our community to be vigilant. Whether you fish or not, if you are near a body of water, always be on the lookout for abandoned line. If you see it, please carefully gather it up, cut it into small pieces, and secure it in a proper trash receptacle.
Another hazard that silently kills millions of birds every year is found not on the ground, but in thewindows of our homes.
One simple remedy, to prevent these tragic deaths – is to put decals on your windows. These decals make the glass visible to birds by breaking up the reflection, showing them there is a solid surface, not just empty sky. This helps to re-direct the birds away from, fatal collisions. I have seen birds break their necks and suffer fatal injuries too many times when they fail to see a window and strike it headfirst. Amazon.com, Walmart.com and https://www.theaudubonshop.com/ are a few places you can purchase bird saving window decals.
The scale of this issue, however, extends far beyond residential homes, reaching the tall towers of our cities. According to the American Bird Conservancy migrating birds strike windows and are dying by the millions in the USA (https://abcbirds.org/news/bird-building-collisions-study-2024/.) To help avoid this catastrophe buildings can use protective measures which include turning off unnecessary lights during migration, especially at night; and adding decals to windows, using patterned films, or UV-patterned glass to prevent collisions.
As we work to protect wildlife from the world humans have built, we must also consider the threat posed by our beloved pets—our own domestic cats.
As a cat owner and a lover of nature, I understand the joy of watching a cat enjoy the outdoors. However, the decision to allow a cat to free-roam is perhaps one of the most critical choices we make regarding wildlife safety. Two humane solutions that I have used to let my cats spend time in nature are to walk them on a harness or let them sit in a portable pen.
My cat Shadow loved to be walked on his harness and spend time in his outdoor pen. As an additional precaution I bought Shadow a GPS tracker that I attached to his collar, in case he slipped out of his harness. When I used his portable outdoor pen, I always sat with him. He was never left unattended while in the pen. Often we sat by the edge of the forest and watched the deer and listened to the birds.
While living atop a huge hill near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shadow and I went out on an adventure with him on his harness. As we approached a butterfly bush adorned in purple blossoms, I told Shadow, “We are at the top of the world on this spring evening!” And as the sun set, with pink hues illuminating the sky, Shadow looked around at all the magic nature provided.
To prevent injuries and deaths of birds, rabbits and other wildlife, I encourage people who want their cat to get outdoor time to use a harness or portable pen. This allows your cat to get vital time in nature and can save many thousands of bird and animal lives. This is also safer for your cat who can otherwise be hit by a car, attacked by another animal or get lost. Your cat can still enjoy the wonders of nature without posing a threat to wildlife by being walked on a harness, spending time in an outdoor portable pen or “catio” (cat patio).
We’ve addressed hazards we can see, but what about the dangers that are carefully concealed? An invisible killer that is used far too often are toxic rodenticides. Whenever you see those black boxes around office buildings, restaurants, and houses you are looking at one of the worst dangers to domestic animals and wildlife. These boxes are often filled with anti-coagulant poisoning which causes a slow death by internal bleeding. Not only is this an inhumane way for rats and mice to die – non targeted species like chipmunks can suffer a terrible death if they crawl into the boxes and eat the bait.
Secondary poisoning occurs when non targeted species consume the bodies of animals poisoned by the rodenticide. Thousands of birds and animals die from these poisons. Once these rodenticides enter the greater eco-system they spread danger to other animals and birds.
I believe the use of poisons should be universally banned. They cause tremendous suffering and should be replaced with humane alternatives. Absolutely never use glue traps. These torture devices should be banned as well. Animals struggle in a vain attempt to free themselves from the glue. I have used cooking oil to release mice caught in glue traps (at places where I worked), and the mice are exhausted and injured from their desperate struggle to free themselves.
Humane catch-and-release traps are a great alternative to poisons, but they must be monitored regularly so the trapped animals don’t die from dehydration or starvation. Better yet, focus on exclusion workto keep mice from entering your home in the first place. By finding areas rodents can enter your house and blocking the portals with steel wool or boards, you eliminate the problem without resorting to traps or toxins. Property management companies need to get educated about the danger to animals, wildlife, and even children when they place these rodenticide black boxes around buildings. For more information, please see this excellent article by The Wildlife Center of Virginia:
In fact, the most common and dangerous threat to both domestic and wild animals remain a hazard we encounter daily: the roads we drive on.
One of the most important things you can do to help animals is to drive with a commitment to slowing down and staying aware. People drive as though the wild or domestic animal jumping out in front of their car is something shocking and unexpected. But it is the other way around. We are shocking the animals who are simply being forced to navigate our intrusions. We need to learn to think like the animals do. When you speed down the road, there is always the chance that an animal will dart out. I tend to stay in the right lane because I know that I drive slower, I always slow down when I see any animal. That does not mean suddenly jamming on brakes, it means that you slow down enough so that you have safe reaction time.
The agony of seeing any animal hit and injured on the road is painful to witness. I have seen deer hit and trying to drag themselves off the road. I have seen groundhogs bleeding and struggling to breathe after being hit. One of my other blog posts documents the tragedy I saw when I lived in Culpeper, VA when a ground hog was hit by a driver who could have easily avoided the animal. (Why A Ground Hog’s Life Matters – https://compassionatevoicesfornature.com/2023/02/).
I have avoided hitting countless animals by driving slower and always anticipating that an animal can suddenly jump into traffic. If we all drove with more respect for each other, and more awareness of the animals around us, there would be far fewer fatalities. I suggest carrying the number of your local emergency animal control to call immediately when you see an injured animal on the road.
Sadly in the case of deer, you usually need to call the police who are not equipped to humanely euthanize deer. This is an issue I have been researching for years. I would like to see progress made towards a more compassionate response to hit and injured deer. One idea would be for licensed wildlife technicians to be dispatched that could humanely euthanize (not multiple hit and miss bullets in an injured deer). I am working on a second book of true stories about my experiences with animals and nature. One of my stories is called, “Cry of the Deer.” This story goes much deeper into the need for proper humane response to deer injured and dying due to car accidents.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and are prepared to help create a more humane world. Many wildlife species want us to hear their cry. Please let me know what your suggestions are for creating a safer world for all of nature and animals. I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas on this.
Photograph of Shadow taken by Cynthia Fain – June 2011
The years of my life have been illuminated by cats that found their way to me through magical and mysterious means. Each cat became the love and joy of my life. It seems they pass through our lives so quickly and leave a legacy of meaningful memories and love.
I began this blog post a few weeks before my beloved cat Shadow was put to sleep. The healing, magic and joy that he brought to my life will be forever with me. On a hot summer night, anguished cries rang out in our front parking lot. Running for the door, I felt my heart pounding, wondering what I would find.
Walking up the driveway, was an exhausted starving cat. His cries echoed with the sorrow of a cat that had wandered a long – dark road; meandering through an eternity where he would never find help. That night has never left my memory or heart. In all my years of rescuing cats I had never seen one that was more emotionally traumatized.
Shadow’s story unfolded in harmony with the celestial events of June 2011, when we were under the total lunar eclipse. Every day was another adventure as Shadow healed and regained strength. The sound of the cat food being opened, ignited Shadow into his mad dash to the big sunny bathroom where I always fed him. Everything he did had an exuberance to it, including his transformation to Jaws, when he playfully bit me through the blankets.
We had many adventures together, including when we lived in a hill top house in the Blue Ridge of Virginia. Brilliant visions of mountain tops, rainbows, misty mornings and running Shadow in the meadow on his harness, bring back touching memories. Another one of Shadow’s favorite explorations was to climb the small tree in front of a farmhouse we were renting in Charlottesville, Virginia. He was always on his harness when he conquered the tree, and when he got to the top he looked so elated at his great accomplishment.
In July 2024 – Shadow’s normally festive behavior, wilted into a depressed – listless corner. After several trips to the veterinarian, in mid-October, an ultra sound showed a tumor covering part of his bladder. I spent weeks sobbing and praying Shadow would be able to find healing and have some quality time left. I was hopeful that Shadow would live a few more months when he was placed on Piroxicam to help shrink the tumor, and anti-biotics for a urinary tract infection.
I also consulted a homeopathic veterinarian about Shadow’s case, and he prescribed a remedy to help with his healing. After adding the homeopathy to his medical plan, Shadow regained some of his appetite. Every day I looked for a sign of hope that he would make it through this difficult journey. Shadow took many ups and downs along the way. There were days when he showed strength and ate better, and then he would slip back into depression and lethargy.
Shadow always perked up for his daily time by the forest edge in our backyard where he would sit under the shade of the trees. The second I put him in his large green play pen his life force awakened as he heard the songs of the birds and felt the mountain air. In the morning he sat on the front porch as the early morning sun rose over the mountains.
The week of November 15th Shadow took a turn for the worse when he seemed withdrawn, unusually thin, and not eating well. I consulted an animal communicator on the evening of November 14th and she told me he was having discomfort urinating. She did not see him being able to make a comeback due to the extent of the tumor.
The morning of November 15th, 2024 was one of the hardest days of my life. Shadow was nauseated and I could tell he was ready to move on. Much needed rains had fallen the day and night before, leaving the earth fertile and green, after a long drought. The morning air beckoned us to explore the yard and give Shadow a final healing adventure.
Crying and holding Shadow I took him outside to feel the healing earth and visit all his favorite places. The spirit of the giant oak tree always brought us healing, and Shadow gently reached up and scratched the base of the tree. Our next stop was the little grove with pine trees and green grass where Shadow and I spent many an afternoon enjoying the summer.
After his time exploring the earth, I gently put Shadow into his pink carrier to go to the veterinarians to see if they agreed with me that it was best to put him to sleep.
When we arrived to the veterinarians office I felt like I was in a very sad dream. Our veterinarian came into the exam room holding back tears. She knew how hard we all fought to bring Shadow quality of life and healing. Choking up she said, “We never like to do this. I myself am dealing with a cat that is severely thin and in renal failure and am deciding what to do with her.”
We put Shadow on the scale and his weight was dangerously low at 4.7 pounds. We sadly agreed that it was best to put Shadow to sleep based on his poor prognosis and quality of life. I sobbed and held Shadow next to me. No more powerful expression has ever been felt then when he put his paws around my neck and clung to me. Finding that most humane time to put your companion animal to sleep is one of the hardest decisions any of us will ever make.
There are no words to describe how I felt seeing Shadow for the last time. I left that day and still feel his presence with me. My cat Serena misses him terribly and she cries for him and looks for him in his carrier. The memories of the night he came crying to me, as well as our fun journeys will be forever with me.
Shadow you were loved more then you will ever know – a soul mate indeed. May we meet again!
Photograph is not from Polk County Animal Shelter- (Pixabay License – Guvo59 Photographer)
I was recently contacted over LinkedIn by fellow animal activist, Jessica Ragazzo, about very disturbing conditions at the Polk County, Florida Animal Shelter. The shelter, which is in Winter Haven, Florida, has recently been the subject of much media and public scrutiny.
Animal advocate, Natalie Scott, toured the facility and shared very serious concerns about the health and welfare of the cats she photographed. After watching the media reports about this – I believe this shelter should have been investigated for animal welfare violations, including the lack of air conditioning and lack of water! In the video she talks of the tragedy of seeing kittens covered in feces and filth. This is absolutely unacceptable and should be immediately be addressed.
I encourage readers of my blog to click on the following video which documents the cats and kittens that are lethargic and panting heavily as they lay in cages in the Florida heat. Here is a link to one of the media reports: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BecVWJkkpSI
If this is considered acceptable treatment of cats and kittens in an animal shelter- then torture through over heating and dehydration is considered animal welfare. No animal, in any shelter, should be subjected to severe heat and dehydration.
Anyone with any concern about animal welfare can clearly see the suffering of these cats and kittens in the video she took. It is impossible to believe that any official involved in the oversight of this shelter could defend this type of neglect and cruelty. After viewing the video in the link above, this is not some bureaucratic issue that should be dragging on for years. This over crowding, lack of air conditioning and water should not be acceptable in any animal shelter. The Polk County Animal Shelter also has a very high euthanasia rate which is also extremely concerning.
The Best Friends Animal Society has offered assistance to the Polk County Animal Shelter. Here is a link to how they have helped implement foster programs at the Polk County Shelter – https://bestfriends.org/stories/best-friends-magazine/best-friends-satellite-foster-programs-take. In a recent communication to Jessica Ragazzo, The Best Friends Animal Society, stated that the Polk County Animal Shelter would have to create changes that ensure a 90% save rate as well as implementing a comprehensive community cat program . Once those changes are made, The Best Friends Animal Society can resume working with the Polk County Animal Shelter.
I believe all animal shelters should have proper oversight by governing authorities. In times when those authorities do not take proper protective – legal measures, it takes major efforts by animal advocates and animal welfare organizations to get productive change! Please contact Jessica Ragazzo at jessicaragazzo@gmail.com if you would like more information about the important campaign to see major humanitarian changes instituted at this shelter. There is also a Facebook Group – Charlies Angels and The Last Chance Advocacy Group, which is set up to help the animals at the Polk County Animal Shelter.
Please feel free to contact me if you get involved in this important issue and want to share any updates. Thanks for your concern and let’s keep the pressure on those whose responsibility it is to protect these animals!
Copyright – Photograph taken by Cynthia Fain June 1998
Tonight I am writing from a very magical place called Raphine, Virginia in Rockbridge County. Imbued with primordial ambiance, this area sits nestled between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, where clean air and crystal blue skies abound. Woodlands, meadows and farms surround us and song bird melodies fill the air.
As the sunsets, a pink glow hovers over the mountains, and the creatures of the night emerge from their hidden realms. Darting fireflies create a grand illumination streaking through the woods while opossums forage for food and coyotes journey on their nightly prowl.
Prior to my time in Virginia, I had been a lifelong Montgomery County Maryland resident. A new era began for me in late 2010 when I moved to a cottage in Rappahannock County Virginia. Every morning was filled with magic, as I headed out to the forest and followed the trail to the creek. What an enchanted way to live, among nature and the foothills.
My plan to have a one year hiatus, turned into a twelve year journey through the Blue Ridge of Virginia. My adventures wove through Rappahannock County, Rockbridge County, Charlottesville, Virginia and finally off to Culpeper, Virginia. Throughout the years in Virginia, I reflected back to one of the most memorable times in my life, in the community of Ancient Oak in Darnestown, MD. The healing spirit that Ancient Oak brought me was not lost throughout the challenges of time.
I will never forget my mother and I taking our first exciting drive to the Ancient Oak neighborhood. It was the summer of 1996 and we had suffered through too many years in a condo with noisy neighbors. As soon as we turned onto Chestnut Oak Drive, charming houses with large meadows and trees, evoked a feeling of an era which has sadly vanished.
Neighborhoods with meadows, forests and ponds have tragically been destroyed by cookie cutter – high density housing. Every time a new neighborhood is built – more wild places that once harbored song birds, deer, creeks and trees – are turned into a sterile universe. Where are the magical places for people to explore? Why does everything have to turn to concrete, technology and huge overpriced houses?
Mystical Animals of Ancient Oak, my first book (currently being edited for re-publishing) captured the stories of the animals and birds that lived in our yard and defined the root of our experience. Every day the squirrels, birds, chipmunks, raccoons, ground hogs and deer created a tapestry of stories that brought meaning, joy and healing to my life. Whether it was Black Matriarch Squirrel boldly chasing the other squirrels away, Old Timer in his great last climb up the oak tree, or Neighborhood Bully the feisty orange tabby cat patrolling our yard, each day was a magical unfolding.
In today’s world of lifeless developments, where are the adventurous green places to explore? People are so fascinated by technology such as apps, iPhones, lap tops and artificial intelligence – we need more emphasis on the importance of nature.
As the suburbs turned into these cloned subdivisions – people became totally disconnected from wildlife. The deer have taken an insane amount of violence and hatred. All these people complaining about wanting all the deer killed – they are sitting on what was once the deer’s home, trails, and food source. I have never understood all this displaced anger on the deer. Every time we drive our cars, we are driving on what was once earth. We cannot imagine how a huge highway might have once been a forest, because all we see is our world of conveniences.
Whenever I see any animal that has been hit and killed on the roads, I always say a prayer. We may never know the amount of suffering caused to the animal kingdom by our driving and hitting all these animals. They too had their daily lives, and missions that tragically were cut short.
My message here is that our daily lives need to be more intertwined with a deep seated awareness of how much we need to give back to the planet and the creatures. Living in the Blue Ridge, nature is always around you; whether it is the mountains, the forests or farms. But upon returning to the suburbs, the air pollution, traffic, and concrete jungle are the challenges we face.
The stories of our time in Ancient Oak are profoundly important reminders of what we stand to lose if we do not take compassionate, focused care of the planet and her creatures. Finding the power and importance of the animals and their stories is a monumental key to preserving and restoring our environment – for humanity and well as the animals.
Always travel through your day with the awareness of the preciousness of all of life. Learn to see the stories in all the animals around you. Nature is asking us to step back into awareness, compassion and reconnection with her cycles. May everyday be a mystical journey with an abundance of nature and adventures.
In a previous post, I discussed the critical issues facing home health care aides, highlighting their inadequate pay and the lack of appreciation for their vital roles. During my five years in this profession, my passion for the job was overshadowed by the struggle to survive on such low earnings. It baffles me that roles dedicated to assisting the most vulnerable are not rewarded with better compensation. Our nation seems fixated on corporate profits, often at the expense of pressing humanitarian needs.
Now, I turn to another urgent issue: the financial challenges that seniors face with the healthcare system. Why must seniors, after decades of contributing to Medicare, still shoulder the burden of additional costs through Medi-Gap, drug plans, or Medicare Advantage Plans? These expenses can escalate to unmanageable levels, a problem that should have been addressed by Congress long ago.
Recently, news outlets have been covering the dissatisfaction of companies like Humana with their declining profits in the Medicare Advantage sector. Yet, the focus remains troublingly skewed towards profits rather than addressing the numerous issues consumers face with these plans, such as high co-pays, denied procedures, and frustrating delays.
Personally, I was inclined to opt for a Medi-Gap plan, aware of the potential pitfalls of Medicare Advantage plans. However, due to cost concerns, I enrolled in an AARP – United Health Care Medicare Advantage Plan, which has no premium.
My plan is set to activate on June 1st, and although I’ve received my approval letter and I.D. number, trying to confirm the details of the plan’s provider network turned into a frustrating hour-long ordeal with overseas customer service representatives. After numerous transfers, I ended up speaking with a salesperson that was unable to assist and directed me back to the department I’d originally called. The lack of straightforward assistance was disheartening, especially considering the potential future needs for serious medical pre-authorizations.
I wonder, as I grow older, what challenges I might face affording my own healthcare. No senior should have to forgo necessary health benefits due to financial constraints. We must strive for a healthcare system that prioritizes fairness and patient care over corporate profits. The frequent issues of denials, delays, and payment problems within these plans signal a desperate need for an overhaul and tighter regulation of Medicare Advantage plans.
Moreover, a doctor’s office I regularly visited in Montgomery County, MD, recently informed me they no longer accept United Health Care Insurance, including their Medicare Advantage plans. The reasons were not disclosed, but this development is troubling for all patients under such plans, indicating a growing issue with provider networks.
It’s clear that resolving issues within a multifaceted and costly system is no simple task. However, it’s crucial that bureaucratic hurdles and the high costs of medications and healthcare services do not prevent vulnerable groups from accessing necessary medical care. I envision a future where our nation embraces a healthcare model that prioritizes compassionate and effective treatment over corporate profits.
Life often leads us down unexpected paths that can blossom into remarkable experiences. In the spring of 2018, a shift in my career trajectory as an events planner, led me to seek additional employment. With an open mind, I ventured into a local home health aide company and embarked on a new journey as a Personal Care Assistant after completing rigorous training and certification.
Filled with anticipation and a hint of nervousness, I set out on an April morning to meet my first client. Welcomed by a tall, smiling woman at her door, I sensed an immediate connection. As we conversed, it became evident that we were destined to make a formidable team. Guiding her as she led the way to her breakfast table, I prepared her meal and joined her for a shared moment.
Following breakfast, I tended to household chores, ensuring her surroundings were tidy as she indulged in her morning shower. After assisting her with dressing, we embarked on our daily routine, visiting her chiropractor, and tackling errands at the grocery store. One of her favorite activities was going to the gym and riding the exercise bike. We often laughed when she was tempted by the deli sandwiches at the gym’s cafe, and the call to eat a roast beef sandwich over shadowed her inspiration for a work out.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this role was the profound sense of fulfillment derived from knowing I was making a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Each morning, as I approached her door, I was met with eager anticipation, knowing that my presence was genuinely appreciated.
My subsequent assignment led me to a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Rappahannock County, Virginia. Following a long, winding driveway that ascended gracefully up the hillside, I arrived at a charming small house. Upon reaching the summit, I was greeted by a breathtaking panoramic vista of lush meadows and magical forests stretching as far as the eye could see. Waiting at the door in her wheelchair was a delicate-looking woman, her warm welcome contrasting with the casual flick of her cigarette butt onto the wooden deck before inviting me inside.
Days spent with her were enriched by the captivating tales of her upbringing in Rappahannock County, Virginia. Her family’s homestead sprawled across acres of farmland, nestled near the banks of the Hazel River, painting a vivid picture of rural life steeped in tradition and heritage.
After indulging in mornings filled with old westerns on TV, my client often sought my assistance in transcribing her poetry. Following these moments of creativity, my duties as a home health aide would resume, encompassing everything from helping with her bath to managing cleaning, laundry, and errands.
However, as the specter of COVID-19 loomed large on the horizon in late winter and early spring of 2020, the landscape of my work dramatically shifted. With the pandemic evolving from an unknown threat to a mass casualty concern, one of my client’s families made the difficult decision to suspend in-home aide services for safety reasons.
Amidst this upheaval, I found myself attending to the needs of three clients during the pandemic’s peak, donning protective gear—face mask, gloves—and armed with a thermometer as I navigated each day’s responsibilities.
As the crisis unfolded, the glaring issue of the shortage of home health aides became a focal point in the media. The abysmally low pay in the industry often compelled individuals to work double shifts or take on additional jobs to make ends meet.
Yet, amidst these challenges, it became increasingly evident that the broader societal conversation surrounding the elderly and disabled needed urgent attention. Ensuring the availability of adequately trained and fairly compensated home health aides emerged as a matter of utmost importance. For those reliant on aides for essential daily tasks, from personal hygiene to medical appointments and grocery shopping, their indispensable support is profoundly important.
To ensure an ample supply of well-trained home health aides, it is imperative to significantly increase the pay for these critical roles. Currently, wages often hover below $15.00 per hour, rendering it impossible for individuals to cover basic expenses such as rent. Moreover, many of these positions lack any form of benefits.
It is essential for our society to place a higher premium on the proper care of the elderly and disabled by enhancing the compensation for those who serve in these capacities. The work performed by home health aides is invaluable, and it defies logic that those responsible for safeguarding vulnerable populations are compensated at levels that condemn them to financial hardship.
If you have personal experience as a home health aide or have a loved one who relies on their assistance, I am eager to hear from you. What suggestions do you have for improving the quality of life for both aides and those who depend on them?
In my formative years, I resided within an apartment complex situated in Silver Spring, Maryland during the transformative decades of the 1960s and 70s. The complex’s waste disposal system was comprised of a noxious incinerator, where we disposed of our refuse. This pollution-emitting apparatus faltered on a scorching Memorial Day weekend, leaving large bags of trash strewn about. Decaying under the blistering sun, the rotting refuse attracted unexpected guests. An invasion of rats, drawn by the prospect of feasting on the garbage, migrated into the apartments. Faced with this rodent influx, the apartment management took swift action, enlisting the services of a pest control company. In an attempt to curb the rat population, the professionals strategically placed poison bait around the premises.
This heralded a huge shift in my perception of rodents, and how we as humans, need to find more humane ways to deal with their incursions into our homes.
The strategically placed poison bait, unfolded into a heart-wrenching tragedy for the rats, as the poisons administered ensured a protracted and agonizing demise. The toxins manifested in the form of slow, torturous deaths, amplifying the sounds of the rats desperately scratching and struggling to be liberated from their dying struggle in the walls. The specific rodenticide employed remains a mystery, but certain variants induce a gradual bleeding to death.
The lingering smell of decomposing rodent bodies and the haunting echoes of their final struggles left an indelible mark on my childhood consciousness. This traumatic experience instilled in me a firm belief that there must exist more compassionate and humane methods for addressing the presence of mice and rats in our living spaces.
Years later, in 1990, I secured a lease for an apartment in Gaithersburg, MD, where the management engaged a pest control company to distribute black boxes laden with rodenticide outside of the apartment buildings. Our complex bordered a serene creek and lush forest, serving as a haven for diverse bird species and wildlife.
Driven by a growing concern, I delved into researching the potential perils posed by these outdoor poison-laden boxes. Beyond the cruel fate awaiting rats and mice, I unearthed an additional threat to non-targeted birds and wildlife. The interconnectedness of the ecosystem became glaringly apparent – if a hawk were to consume a rodent that had succumbed to the poison, the majestic bird too would face a tragic demise. This revelation struck a personal chord as I recalled an incident during my volunteer work at a local wildlife sanctuary in Bowie, MD. A hawk, a victim of poisoning from a mouse it had ingested, sat dying in his cage. This tragic incident reinforced the urgent need for reevaluating our methods of pest control to safeguard both intended and unintended victims of these lethal measures.
Not wasting anytime, I wrote a letter to the President of the property management company outlining all the hazards these poison boxes pose, and explained how it does nothing to stop rodents from proliferating. The most important thing to do was to make sure there are no food sources for the rodents, such as trash not properly contained etc. The urgency of adopting more thoughtful and comprehensive pest control strategies, centered on addressing root causes and safeguarding the broader community, resonated throughout my impassioned plea.
Upon receiving a response from the President of the property management company, I was elated to see he was receptive to my ideas. Expressing gratitude for the information I had supplied, he informed me that they were swiftly discontinuing the use of poison boxes, opting instead for a more proactive approach through preventive measures. This news was an immense relief, dispelling the nightmarish prospect of numerous rodents and potentially even birds of prey succumbing to a tragic fate. The shift towards a more humane and environmentally conscious strategy marked a significant step forward in fostering a harmonious coexistence within our community.
Tragically, many retail and property management companies often rely on these outdoor poison boxes, and this continues to put many animals and birds at risk of a painful death. I encourage anyone that works for establishments that use these rodenticide boxes to speak out about the hazards and ineffectiveness of these poisons. Always rally for the use of humane and ecologically sound alternatives.
Another inhumane disaster used to kill rodents are these glue traps that amount to slow torture. They should have NEVER been approved of or used. How could anyone watch a mouse sit in agony dying slowly in a glue trap? I worked as a caretaker in a house where glue traps were set. Every day I went to work I dreaded seeing the mice alive and writhing in these traps. I tried to talk the people out of using the traps, but they would not take them up. I spent many days using cooking oil and a spatula to remove living mice from the glue traps.
This firsthand experience underscored the urgent need for reevaluating our methods of pest control, steering away from cruel practices that subject living beings to unnecessary suffering.
One of the most humane and effective approaches to deter rats and mice from infiltrating your home involves the use of exclusion tactics, employing materials like steel wool and boards. Some dedicated companies specialize in assessing your residence for potential mouse entry points and executing exclusion work. This safe and proven method offers a compelling alternative to the use of poison and glue traps, promoting a more ethical and sustainable approach to pest control.
In my personal experience, I have also found success with humane catch-and-release traps for mice that manage to find their way into the house. Vigilant monitoring of these traps is crucial, and releasing the captured mice promptly is essential to prevent dehydration or any unnecessary suffering.
Encouragingly, I hope more people will opt for these humane alternatives over the inhumane practices of poison and glue traps when addressing rodent issues. There exists no justification for the prolonged suffering inflicted by such methods. As awareness grows, and individuals embrace preventative measures and humane traps, we move closer to a day when the use of glue traps is banned, and the reliance on poisons is replaced by more compassionate and preventive strategies.
Photograph of South Valley Park – Copyright Cynthia Fain – taken in 2007
The odyssey of my healing commenced with my mother’s triumphant survival over a life-threatening health ordeal in March 1990. Buried in the tapestry of my memories, was a magical place called South Valley Park. It seemed like another lifetime when I rode my bike around the park’s ponds during my melancholy high school years.
After my mother returned home from the hospital in April 1990, a fresh chapter of exploration unfolded within the serenity of South Valley Park. As I descended the hill, on a balmy spring afternoon, a cascade of emotions engulfed me. In the distance, the reflective canvas of Walkers Pond glistened with ripples of water. The pond was bordered by lush woodland, and a whimsical creek which gracefully wound its way through the heart of the park.
Finding places of healing is profoundly important for us all, especially during these times of so much stress. Nature provides a solace, and we need to prioritize preserving as much of our natural resources as possible. With people spending so much time in frustrating traffic and sitting in offices with technology, getting out into nature is vital to our mental and physical health.
In the months and years after my mother’s recovery, South Valley Park became my daily ritual. In this place of tranquility, time seemed to slow, and the park, became not just a destination but a journey through family memories and exciting new vistas.
I encourage people to find respectful and compassionate relationships with nature. As a frequent visitor to South Valley Park I became a protective guardian of the creatures there. Sadly, people left fishing line and hooks in the ponds, which resulted in deaths and injuries to waterfowl and turtles. When injured wildlife was spotted, our wildlife rescue team (including myself) sprang into action, and rushed the ailing waterfowl or turtle to our local licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
In my role as a guardian of the park, I forged connections with a myriad of its inhabitants, and among them, Mr. Drake stood out—a flightless duck that made the Theater Pond his home. Defying the odds, he navigated the waters, a courageous survivor without the sanctuary of a protective island. Vulnerable to potential threats from predators or untethered dogs his resilience struck a chord within me. This unique bond blossomed into a friendship that later became a wellspring of inspiration for my first book, “Mystical Animals of Ancient Oak.”
The enchanted hour preceding sunset was my favorite time for a walk, when the very soul of nature awoke, serenaded by the chorus of birds bidding farewell to the day’s dwindling sunlight. Weaving between the pond and the creek was an invitation to embark on a twilight journey. After thunderstorms, I ran to the bridge straddling the creek, and felt the powerful water racing under me.
During a torrential storm, a helpless duckling struggled to stay afloat in the currents of the creek. Peeping loudly and fighting against the rushing water, he looked close to drowning. I wasted no time calling a friend of mine that worked for the Department of Natural Resources and he quickly rushed to the park. Using a net, the duckling was rescued from the perilous creek, and placed in the pond with a mother duck and her brood. I thanked Curt for taking time to come out and help an animal in need.
Passionate about being a park protector, I joined the Montgomery Village Environment Committee in the early 1990’s. As a member of this important committee we did water quality monitoring and voted on many important environmental issues. My years on this committee and walks at the park were one of the most important things I have ever undertaken. Being a part of your community, whether it is parks, schools or other charitable work is incredibly important. It gets you out of isolation and feeling detached, and you can contribute to a good cause.
Adventure out into nature with compassion and awareness, and always look for nature to teach you and heal you. I pray that places like South Valley Park will remain protected from harm for eternity. I still walk the park, looking for inspiration and communing with the ducks, birds, and all of nature.
I often wonder how humans came to view wildlife as things to be controlled through acts of violence. Over many years of becoming educated about global animal protection issues, the staggering abuse of wildlife became all too apparent.
In the United States, our government agencies often resort to violence when dealing with a variety of wildlife issues. Anyone who has read my blog entries over the last several years will see that I am very passionate about the need for an entirely new perspective on wildlife.
Looking at the current trend of building densely packed suburbs full of human conveniences, we have long forgotten the needs of wildlife. Where were the plans for the needs of wildlife put, in any of these suburban designs? These days if people see coyote or deer in their neighborhood, they act like they don’t belong there. They forget – all their houses are built on what was once the animal’s habitat.
This rampant deforestation is having devastating effects on wildlife, migratory birds, water quality, air quality and human’s quality of life. Forests are destroyed and land has been totally fragmented and paved over. Why can’t we find a way to integrate more forest and greenspace among our human suburbs?
People act offended when deer come in their yard and eat their landscaping. Why don’t people put themselves in the place of deer and find out what it is like to have to navigate mansions where your habitat once was? Deer and other wildlife are forced to cross busy roads and so often get brutally injured or killed. Instead of viewing them as being in our way – please have compassion for the injuries they suffer trying to find their way among human chaos.
Often I have attended local government meetings where homeowners complain about deer and demand that more and more deer must be killed. I have attended meetings in which the level of hysteria over deer was truly frightening. So much ignorance and hatred has come over people regarding deer populations. The first thing to remember is that wild animals roamed where your houses are. They have had their habitat destroyed by human encroachment. How were deer and other wild animals supposed to cross super highways? In a recent blog post I mentioned the incredible wildlife over passes that have been built to aide wildlife in areas where there are high mortalities. This is a major step in the right direction.
Tonight is Thanksgiving, a time to honor the compassion and gratitude in life. It is very important – to extend compassion to all those who are vulnerable, be they human or animal. I came across a story on You Tube about a woman who volunteered in Nigeria and came across a starving, abandoned baby. Here is the link to the story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X-TlYEBVOI. I loved this story. It shows how one act of stepping forward and providing compassionate assistance, can lead to magical transformations.
One of the reason’s that I am posting the link to this story is because it seems that some of the callous attitudes in modern times, are due to people losing touch with deeper compassion. Attitudes have become too materialistic and not focused enough on seeing the bigger picture in life.
Why not dedicate a place in your yard for wildlife to seek refuge? Observe their patterns and get to know them. That will lead to break throughs in your ability to see solutions to living with these animals instead of building black metal gates to keep them out. One of the most disturbing trends today is the use of bow hunters to kill deer in the suburbs. Impaling deer with arrows is a sadistic and brutal way to deal with their presence among us.
If you look at the struggles we have created for wildlife, and further look at the horrific violence (sport hunting, managed hunts, poisons, traps etc.), we as humans, are quite lucky to have all the conveniences of cars, Internet, google maps, grocery stores etc. Before we sanction more violence and animosity towards deer etc., step back and ask yourself what can you learn from the deer? I truly believe that all this hatred of deer in the suburbs is reminding people how far we have come from living in harmony with nature and valuing nature. The whole paradigm of reactive violence to wildlife needs to shift into a more compassionate and holistic perspective.
Both human and animal lives deserve compassion. I hope people will look at the deeper picture that is facing humanity when it comes to environmental and wildlife issues. We need to add more forests and wildlife habitat into our development plans. This needs to happen now and become the norm. People need the songs of birds, clean air and sparkling streams and so do all life forms. Trying to control species through violence is not the answer. Like the story mentioned in the link above, great and inspiring change comes from seeing the deeper picture in life and administering compassion.
Compassionate Voices For Nature 