I met a new neighbor yesterday, Masie. Masie is an adorable 7 year old mix of poodle, cocker, and King Charles spaniel. As cute a dog as you'll ever see and clearly enjoying a walk with an equally happy fellow. Two weeks ago he and his family rescued Masie, who had spent the first seven years of her life in a puppy mill. Confined to a kennel, she had way too many litters of pups. The fellow said she was not yet house broken and did not know how to move up and down stairs. She'll learn both; with a bit of good luck, which Masie richly deserves, she and her family have many happy years ahead.
She reminded me of a couple of other canine neighbors. Both had been adopted early in COVID. Both are big, handsome fellows but they had issues. They were nervous and scared, a tough combination in a big dog. But I watched their families walk them faithfully and intelligently every day without fail. Their patience and care were obvious. In about 6 months the dogs were happy, model canine citizens. Witnessing the kindness, love, and care these families have shown their rescued dogs has made this neighborhood better, at least for me.
Western painted turtle. Photo by Courtney Celley/USFWS
I've certainly seen this kindness, love, and care shown to wild animals, particularly in the work of the wildlife rehabilitators at the Dane County Humane Society and elsewhere. Over 30 years, I've brought in a redtail hawk, rabbits, baby possums, and turtles. All have received excellent, immediate care and a chance to survive. This story is repeated hundreds of times a year and the rehabilitators always do their best, often in difficult circumstances.
Madison Audubon staff, volunteers, and members show kind, love, and consideration on a larger scale by protecting Bald Eagle nests, reducing bird/window collisions, acquiring and restoring habitat, and introducing lots of different folks to the beauty and joy of birds and the places they live.
A Bald Eagle soars overhead. Madison Audubon is coordinating or assisting with coordination of Bald Eagle Nest Watch in 38 of Wisconsin’s counties this year, with help form 450 volunteers.
I think Madison Audubon's grappling with the John James Audubon legacy and deciding to change the Chapter's name are also motivated by kindness, love, and care. We want to reach out to everyone in our community with care and kindness and share our love of the natural world. We can't share that love and extend a hand of kindness and camaraderie if we ignore the effects of Audubon's cruelty and racism. Madison Audubon’s staff and board have certainly been extraordinarily careful in their consideration of Audubon's history and the pain it still causes today.
A new name for the Chapter will have different meanings for members and the community in which we live and work. For me, it will reflect the kindness, love, and care which have always characterized our best deeds.
Take care,
Topf Wells, Madison Audubon advocacy committee
