childhood revisited

yesterday I built forts in yards. in my own back yard and in some back yards where I have fostered dogs. it was a trip down memory lane, gathering up scraps of this and that to provide a "fort" or shelter from the elements for the rescues.

due to our having NO FUNDS for anything other than food right now, i had to use what I had along with a vivid imagination. and what child has not done the same when tasked with fort building.

I gathered up from under my house, my sisters garage, my mothers garage, my brothers basement and my neighbors construction project everything from corrugated tin, a sheet of plywood from a long ago demolition - stuffed in the back of a garage, 2x4's, 2x6's and tarp. lots of tarp. then after the girl-styled construction of said fort was complete, I wrapped forts in tarp in order to block the wind and rain, then I placed several bales of hay in each and then blankets. the dogs now have cozy, warm dry places to be in the coming frigid temps.

when caring for animals, it is important to provide them shelter as well as decent food, clean water and vet care. dogs and cats don't like being in the elements just like humans. We as a society need to be more aware of the safe adequate care of our companion animals and demand the same for them as we would humans. chaining dogs to trees or cement blocks with no protection from weather is not acceptable. just sticking them in the yard is not acceptable and just letting them out the door to roam the neighborhood is not acceptable. if you want a pet for life in your family, take a little time to familiarize yourself with what is required for basic care and then what is a step beyond that for an animal who is your companion.

have fun with it, enjoy it and perhaps you will find yourself out in the backyard having a tea party in your fort with your pets.

posted by Elizabeth @ 8:47 AM