A Show of Desparation

I read with shock that Michael Vick received a standing ovation as he walked on the field for last night's pre-season game. I just don't know what to say. Are some Eagles fans so desparate for that elusive Superbowl win that they're willing to eagerly embrace a dog killer as hero and role model for their children? What's next - a massive soul sell off to the devil?

At least it was heartening to read that the stadium was half empty. I hope the empty seats were there because Eagles fans who care about animals stayed home last night. I know there are many fans who deplore Mr. Vick's actions as much as I do and have taken action. I've talked to people who refuse to watch Eagles games as long as dog killer Vick remains on the team. Others are boycotting team sponsors. It takes a lot for these fans to turn away from their beloved team and their actions deserve to be recognized.

I can accept that some fans want to continue to support their team. But Vick deserves to be vilified, not applauded. Such a strong show of support for a man who tortured and killed innocent animals really helps me understand why Philadelphia is one of the nation's hotspots for dog fighting.

On a happier note, I got the chance to hang out for a bit with a flock of wild turkeys this morning! I was outside the office having a cigarrette and suddenly, there they were - five big turkeys - just strolling along looking for a snack. It was almost surreal! I watched them for a bit but got upset when I saw they were heading straight for Route 70, a very busy state highway just outside the office. But, just in the nick of time they stopped and headed over to the medical building next door where three of them nicely took a break on top of a car. It was the coolest thing! I walked up and the two remaining on the ground just kind of hung out, they weren't shy at all. I didn't want them to get hurt so I headed back to the office to call the town's animal control officer. He told me these were wild turkeys who had been living in the Barclay neighborhood (where our office is located) for some time now. That made me feel a little better, if they've been hanging out in the area for that long I guess they know enough to stay off the highway!

After I got off the phone, I went back out to check on them. Found them casually making their way back toward the neighborhood. They should be safe there. As much as I would love to see them again, I hope they stay away from the office. It's just too close to the highway and I don't want them to get hurt!

Tomorrow I will be working as a shelter volunteer at Woofstock. It's one of those dog festivals that have become quite trendy in recent years and apparently, this is a pretty big festival. There is even a $5 admission charge, proceeds to benefit various animal shelters and rescue groups. Our shelter volunteers will be selling home baked dog treats and other items as well as working to get out the message about all of the wonderful pets patiently waiting at the shelter for someone to give them a forever home. There will be lots of vendors selling dog stuff so it should be a lot of fun. Just hope it doesn't rain!

Some slight good news on the Vegan front. I've finally dropped a couple of pounds. I'm still not back to where I was when I started this misadventure but at least it's something! My beach ball belly even looked a tiny bit deflated this morning but it puffed back up as soon as I had breakfast.

Last night I did cook up my okra dish and it was amazingly good. Sauteed a good bit of onion in vegetable oil then tossed in a small can of diced tomatoes and a can of chickpeas (drained). I had earlier blanched the okra so I tossed that in near the end along with some slices of tempeh that I browned in a dry pan. Once it was all together, it looked an Indian dish so I added a little curry to my standard salt, pepper and garlic blend. Delicious! Served it over whole grain brown rice. I would definitely do this recipe again only next time - I'm serving it as an accompanyment to MEAT!!!

20 Days and Counting!