Fourth of July and Chickens!

 

By Kelly Erwin
Native Foods Tribe Member & The Organized Vegan

This July 4th I decided to organize a small group of friends and family to head up to Acton for the Animal Acres Pignic.  My friend Lori grabbed her two little nieces, I grabbed my 95 year old dad and we headed out to Animal Acres.  My dad is a huge animal lover and he grew up with chickens as his father had a hatchery business in San Angelo, Texas.    We got there and of course, all I wanted to do was get to the food!  But, I thought first let’s visit with the darlings that greet you at Animal Acres, the chickens and turkeys.  My dad uses a wheelchair when we go out so when I wheeled him in, these little guys did not know what to think!!  But they weren’t scared or cautious.  The chickens came right up to my dad and were giving him the once over!

 

The geese of course were VERY cautious and would not even give us the time of day but still let us know, loudly, that they did not approve.  Those geese crack me up!  After spending a bit of time with them we continued through shady area where there were clowns painting faces and kids sitting on the smooth grass coloring.  There were chickens and roosters walking all around. It was so great because no one paid them any mind.   We were visiting them in their home and accepted us!  Finally, we headed toward the pig houses where the vege dogs and lemonade was being doled out.  Many pigs were sleeping so we just kept rolling through.  They were so cute, getting a nice misty shower as they slept.  As we ate our lunch, 2 donkeys came lumbering up to the fence.  I had to take my dad over to meet them.  One donkey named Honky took a liking to my dad right away and kept nibbling at his hand! I was a bit nervous to tell you the truth, but my dad just laughed!  Then he tried to give my dad a kiss!  It was amazing!!!  We saw horses and more pigs lounging on the green grass under the shade.

 

After lunch, the 2 little girls wanted to get their faces painted so we strolled over to the middle and sat on the grass.  As we were sitting there, the wonderful animal advocate and actor James Cromwell sat down for some shade as well.  As we were chatting I thought I have to get a photo of this!  Two veteran actors, sitting side by side enjoying watching the chickens peck my back! 

 

As we were sitting there, I saw my dad looking down at the chickens.   I could see he had a contemplative look on his face, and then he said, “People should not be eating these wonderful creatures.  I’m not going to eat chickens anymore!”  I let out a Woo Hoo heard for miles and those geese got all uppity again!!  I am thrilled with his decision of course!!! 

 

We bid farewell to James and continued on to visit with all the goats and sheep.  Those goats are the friendliest of all!  They love to be petted and fawned over.  The little girls were thrilled to be able to touch and pet all of these cute goats and they had no fear and were very loving with all of them.  After hanging with the goats we went to see COWBOY, the little calf that was rescued from an apartment building in West Hollywood of all places!  Cowboy was rescued from the side of the building where he was found standing on concrete, no shade, no water and no food.  He was a bit skittish and shy but the cutest little guy you’ve ever seen!!!  Now Cowboy will have a fantastic and loving life at Animal Acres.

 

The next day I took my dad out to lunch at Native Foods Café.  He LOVES the Native Wings there, but this time he ordered the Chicken Run Ranch Burger.  He flipped over it!!  I enjoyed 2 new items, the Enchachalada Bowl and the Strawberry Shortcake.  Wow!!!  Both completely amazing!!!  Chef Tanya did it again!

 

We had a very fun time at Animal Acres and NFC.  And driving home I realized that, no matter what your age, you can change your mind about what you choose to eat.  At any age, your heart can be wide open, and at any age we can truly see that chickens are smart, funny, cute and very pet-able!  At any age, LOVE is still the answer!!!

 

Organizing Tip

 

To organize earrings: Get an earring tree!  My sister gave me one for my birthday and they are fabulous!  It looks like a carousel with little holes for the earrings.  3 tiers and it holds about 30 pair.  It’s also nice because you can set it on top of something, i.e., a chest of drawers and then you can see in flash which set of earrings you’d like to wear.  To have Kelly organize anything….contact her at Kelly Erwin - Love to Organize! [lovetoorganize@live.com]

 

 

(She is the best!!!)

Comments

[Patty Shenker]

Thank you Kelly for that touching piece on your family's visit to Animal Acres. Animal Acres was established for two reasons- to rescue suffering farm animals and to educate the public to the plight of these animals by having them learn the facts and meet some of the survivors. We always knew that the animals are their own best ambassadors and you have proved that once again. For your sweet, 95 year old father to come away resolved in changing his diet and profoundly touched by the animals' affection is just what we always hope visitors will come away with! Our goal is for all to come to AA with curiousity and leave with commitment!

[Ccosteen]

Thank you Kelly for sharing this story - I love the photo of you and your dad! It gives me so much joy to hear his comments upon connecting with the chickens.

[philip steir]

Thanks Kelly. I remember meeting your father at that party you had at your house a few yeas back. How cool.
Animal Acres is really a beautiful place.
Hope to see you soon.