On March 18th, Emily Strong, an Austinite, was interviewed on ‘Pet Parents USA’ a new talk radio show. A demographic published in February 2013 indicated ‘Pets are outnumbering children four to one in America’. Based on this new point of view, this talk radio show offers individuals a platform from which to share their lifestyles.
Emily is the co-founder of Austin Parrots Society and founder of From Beaks To Barks. The society is a Meetup group which educates on caring for birds, unites rescued adoptable birds with qualified individuals as well as creating toys. Twice a year, toys are assembled for their feathered family members and a few are donated to avian organizations. Toys are vital in stimulating a bird’s mind.
Some people believe birds, cats and dogs are unable to live comfortably together under one roof. Emily embraces the concept of Trans-species community. She currently resides with her boyfriend, a dog, two cats, several birds and fish. According to Emily, "They are their own entities, just as my boyfriend and I are ours, and we peacefully co-habitate, with only the occasional spat here and there to keep things interesting. To truly be family members, they need to be recognized as such”.
Kerulos, a non-profit organization located in southern Oregon, introduced Trans-species community in December 2008. Their vision is a world where animals and their societies exist in dignity and freedom with programs center in three areas:
• Healing—animal trauma recovery
• Respect—wildlife self-determination
• Renewal—ethical living with non-human nature.
Kerulos partners with K-12 schools to create Transpeace education and action programs. They invite children from around the world to learn about as well as help animals. New York kindergarten students celebrated Valentine's Day with furry family members eagerly seeking their forever home at The Little Shelter in Huntington, NY. The young Trans-species Ambassadors learned about pet adoption and loving guardianship through stories, songs and a grab bag filled with donated items.
Click here to hear Emily’s interview.
Comments