For the Love of a Peacock Round-up

Animal shelters and sanctuaries run under not-for-profit status face issues beyond just surviving budget crises caused by relying on donations; they may not be able to afford enough staff to meet work needs. Animals require a lot of daily care: fresh bedding, stalls or habitats cleaned, regular feeding, exercise and health/medical care. Being short staffed doesn’t leave a lot of extra time for fence and structure repair, filling potholes in roads and servicing equipment.

We chose to volunteer at a small local shelter one weekend. Our chores for the day allowed us to work side-by-side. Hot dusty work is always easier with companionship. Unfortunately I’m always the true story behind a joke. One of the pigs saw me as a novice to break in or just bruise if possible.

When I carried the bucket to fill his water dish into his stall, he crowed me against the wood slats and held me there before easing away just far enough for me to feel safe. He ran toward the water dish, so I thought Buddy was just eager for a drink. Nope. He rushed me, caught my left leg and knocked me over. Slosh. Water covered me from visor cap to muddy jeans. My honey laughed until buddy turned toward him.

Four o’clock in the afternoon came way too quickly for the owners. “Would you mind staying a few more minutes? If all of us work together, we should be able to move the peacocks to their new pen.”

These peacocks did not walk docile in single file to their new digs. Two strutted with fans spread wide as models showing off the latest fashion, forward and then turned to go backstage in the first pen. AHHH! The other two took off in opposite directions and needed to be chased down and encouraged to return by flapping towels. With two people in charge of the gates we still left it open and let one escape back into the yard. Forty-five minutes later, ten people managed to her four peacocks into their new pen.

We ended up sweaty, grimy and exhausted and we loved it. That was just one day. The owners do similar chores every day and still must find time for administrative and fundraising duties. They need volunteers. To help, call local shelters and sanctuaries to ask about volunteer opportunities or to donate money or supplies. They need help year round so put your money or time to back up your values.

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