To be entirely honest with you, there are days when I wish that I could view wildlife and nature as something to sell rather than something that needs protecting. Because, and only because, animal activism is dangerous and it takes way more from me than the loss of income from those who don’t care to be reminded that our wildlife needs to be protected.
Someone said it last night and I realized that at least one person in this world has seen me for who I am – someone who tries to do the right thing, whose heart is in the right place and who truly cares about the animals. For, this is who I am and unfortunately, for my financial welfare and peace of mind, I am this person for better or worse.
I have known for many years, ever since working with a group to reform an animal shelter in New Mexico, that animal activists can love animals but be the meanest humans I have ever come across. Fortunately, not all animal activists are like that – for most truly care about the animals and want something better for them but they are not willing to put themselves into the middle of a pile of crap, like I have. They are smarter than I am.
But, some things need to be said and I think carefully about those things before saying them. I never say anything for my benefit, but only because I hope someone will listen and consider what is best for our wildlife.
Since seeing my first wolf in Yellowstone, I have stood up for Yellowstone wolves. I don’t understand the mentality and hate that is willing to take national park wolves away from the world. I appreciate that these wolves are able to teach people about their ways and I think that for the education they have given us, they are invaluable. And for returning Yellowstone to a healthy environment, they are invaluable. Neither do I understand the mentality of activists who would bring an unorthodox fight into the home of these wolves and knowingly endanger them further.
Yesterday, an activist told me, in response to my concerns, that some wolves have to die in order for others to live. Well, then take your fight to your own back yard and let your wolves die because without Yellowstone wolves we would have no teachers. No one would see wild wolves and no one would care about them. And, if wolves had not been reintroduced to Yellowstone, they would not be anywhere.
At any rate, my throat has been slashed for speaking out and asking people to think about the welfare of these wolves. What an awful thing for an individual to ask for!
My throat was slashed but I have not quit speaking. And, the fortunate thing is that I pushed the right buttons that forced people to reveal, in public, just how abusive and fanatical they are. They have been exposed.
And, I will go on to care about all wildlife and to try and teach people about nature and the animals, but my activism days are done. Never doubt how much I care but I am not willing to be abused any longer, or to bring that nasty drama into my life. I am in Yellowstone to learn, listen, take photos and to teach.
I have not spent every dime I’ve made, sharing my photos and stories on Facebook for my own selfish needs.
Yesterday afternoon, I felt like running somewhere. Actually, if you knew my true feelings about this whole mess…well, let’s not go there. And so I drove east just a ways, not far. I came across two bucks in a meadow of wildflowers, on a hill above the road. They were beautiful and curious and so, since there was no traffic, I stopped to photograph them. My new camera conked out on me and quit working in the process but I already knew that something was not good with the thing. Oh, it takes great shots and I have been most pleased, but I knew that it was defective and was just holding my breath.
The bucks looked at me and they made me smile. I left them and returned to my trailer, my day much brighter for the two bucks and for the friends who supported me.
It would help me to understand the context of what you are saying a bit better. When I read your writing, sometimes I feel like I’m jumping into the middle of a longer story. This one is a perfect example. An activist told you that some wolves have to die for others to live. What was the context for that comment? Die how? By who’s hand? Hunters? Something the activists were or are planning? I get the concerns over activism for activism’s sake, or just radical activism in general as not being helpful…but since I don’t live in the area I’m not understanding the complete picture. I don’t mean this as a criticism. I guess I’m just saying it would be nice to understand the full texture of these various interactions you speak of both here and on Facebook. Context would be helpful to me anyway. Thanks (btw, I live in New Mexico).
I understand but the full story is for later – to go into details would be drawing away from my point, which is that it is very difficult to be an animal activist.
I’m sorry for any abuse you have experienced. In my opinion, that is the goal of the haters…to quiet the voice that speaks up and advocates for animals that can’t do it for themselves. Thank you for sharing your photos and stories and for all that you do for the animals!
Deby, I’m so sorry you have suffered abusive treatment, but please know that you are appreciated for the person you are. As you know, I have never been to Yellowstone, but in reading your stories and comments on other Facebook pages, I have learned of some of the problems the animals in Yellowstone are facing. They need your voice, Deby, and it is so much a part of who you have become. But, I also understand that you must do what you feel is best for you. Just follow your heart, Deby, and I hope you will find peace and happiness.
Everything you write rings true with me, Deby. You have more supporters than you know. Keep up your fabulous, adventurous and dedicated lifestyle. You are a wonderful example of someone who walks the talk, and I am so happy to be able to share this little bit of your life with you. Thank you for all your hard work.