Just not the same..

[Mare]

I don't think many folks do what I do with Amigo and I sure wish I could do this same thing with my other birds, just can't happen. I went to sit outside, knowing Amigo was near and sure enough, he flew into the nearest tree. The dogs gathered round and a few cats showed up, just hangin'. It was quiet outside, no hum of the fridge, no tv or other person pontificating, just me and the critters. Amigo flew down and we cuddled for awhile, it was special. I brought him into the house and,,and,,,it just wasn't the same :(

[Mare]

Don't get me wrong, I love my people, sometimes even more than my animals :). There are quiet times that I treasure and most times, it's with my animals.

[Turquoise]

I know exactly what you mean Mare. I know I don't and can't let my birds have the freedom Amigo enjoys. But I do understand how you feel when you and he escape the confines of your chains and boundaries life throws at you. And you are one with nature as it was meant to be. A true animal at heart you are my friend!!

Animals were always my best friends as a child. I was a loner and felt most comfortable running wild & free in the pastures on my Grandparents farm. My dogs were my constant companions and I lived for the moment in total freedom. My world came to an end when I was 12 and my Dad died. We moved to town and I felt like a prisoner confined to the 50'X100' lot we called home. Not the same!! I so know how you feel in a slightly different setting and way.

[Mare]

It must be the Native American Indian in us! Seriously, I feel my most alive while outside! I have a brother-in-law who is coming to the end of his ten year sentence, in federal prison, for growing marijuana. Maybe I'm not being appropriate here by asking you this but do you ever feel empathy for the folks you take care of?

[Turquoise]

Of course there are some offenders that I feel empathy for, but not in an outward way. That can get you watched for possibly establishing a relationship with them, especially if you are female. Although you might be surprised how many officers get walked off for that who are male.

We have many that are just old broken down men with canes and walkers. I do feel sad that they have to spend their reminder of life not free. But I do have to look at the reality of the fact they did something to bring it on themselves and they did make the choice. That thought allows me to be able to insure I do what is necessary to keep them in our unit and the free world safe from at least the ones I am responsible for. I am able to not pass judgment on them for their past aggressions since that was decided already. I mainly prefer not to know why they are residing there.

[Mare]

I don't know, De'Andrea, I know I could never be a prison guard. Someone growing pot who gets more time than someone killing another person, doesn't make sense, to me. It's your job, I get that and I'll just shut up now..

[Turquoise]

I totally understand where your coming from. And I never envisioned that at the age of 50 I would find myself working as a Correctional Officer. While in the academy I wasn't even sure I could last as one, but I have been at it for 8 yrs now.

My sole reason was I needed a very well paying job after we lost virtually everything in the flood in our home. And given the fact I had never furthered my education beyond a high school diploma, a minimum wage job at Burger King was not going to cut it.

It is not an environment for everyone and I don't agree with the sentences for all crimes either. Some make no sense I will totally agree. I know I could never work on the courts side of all of this. I myself have not figured out how some judges and juries come to their decisions. I just know that my job is to maintain the safety of the free world and offender population I am responsible for. And I take my oath to do both seriously. :)

[Mare]

I avoid jury duty, I know I would have to tell the truth. The system sucks and if I told that outright in a court room, it might be frowned upon. I've got coyotes yipping outside! Going to see!

[Mare]

Oh my! The coyotes came right up to the house! I went out with a flash light and they scrambled! Hate is a strong word but I can seriously say, I hate these coyotes. They have taken several of our cats, tried to take a bite out of a few dogs that got away from them and I'm on the verge of tracking and hunting them down!