This is my new friend Roxy.  She is a Pit Bull that was used for breeding.  She lived in a cage for her first few years and was abused.  She is now loved and she is one of the most loving dogs I have ever met.  

This is a newspaper clipping of my Dad back in 1970. As you can see, he was in opposition to Joan Baez and the peace movement.  He served his country in the Korean War, coming home with three Silver Stars and the Purple Heart.  Medals of honor and bravery in combat.  He followed his conscience by protesting a movement that he believed was unpatriotic..  He was a life long member of the Democratic Party.  The Peace movement was not supported by either party at that time.  As a young child I was enamored with the songs of protest by Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, and Joan Baez.  I was also proud of my Dad.  As you can imagine, this created an inner conflict.  I believe in non violent resolution to conflict. I also believe in the right to self defense and the "right to bear arms".   My conscience has made peace with these seemingly opposing views. 

Most certainly we must follow our conscience in the face of opposition. Opposition comes from people who do not care about us at all and from the people who love us the most. It has been my experience, that standing up to the people who love us when their conscience is in conflict with our own can be the most challenging. Holding a peaceful and loving stand in the face of opposition takes more courage than any type of fighting.  These are my opinions based on my experience and my conscience.  I fully respect that others may disagree!

Here's to the evolution of non violent resolution of conflict. Let's help future generations to be  raised with acceptance and inner peace.  

I am howling about the recent slaughter of a wolf pack in Easter Washington.  When I read of this decision to kill the entire pack because of the loss of cattle in recent years after the pack was reintroduced to the area.  Wolves are carnivores.  Is this a surprise?  The thought of these deaths made me sick to my stomach.  It is truly painful for me to see the persistent disregard for wild life.  I can not speak for the ranchers who feel their property was violated.  My perspective as a consumer is to just stop eating beef if the cost is damage to wildlife.  Wolves, mountain lions and coyote are bound to take a few head of cattle or sheep from time to time.  This decision has left me sick.  I am simply broken hearted.  

wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/gray_wolf/packs/7/  This link gives you the statistics over the period of time the wolves occupied Ferry county.  If you are interested in helping wolves in the future.  The Wolf Defense Fund is an organization trying to stop this slaughter.

www.nmwild.org/our-work/wilderness-defense/mexican-gray-wolves
I have to add this link:  This may be the most eloquent response to the extermination of wolves.  Quote by Aldo Leopold.

This is an inspiring video about Veterans who work with wolves.  These animals see into us in a way that is simple and pure.  I wish everyone could experience this at least once in their lives.