I am aware that my zeal and zest in caring for and protecting animals has been questioned, at times, by my peers. I have a lot of pets, and most of them I have rescued and taken into my home because they had none. Undoubtedly, my friends have a point, and when I see them look at me inquisitively when they realize how many animals I have and how dedicated I am to their comfort and survival, sometimes I wonder myself...
...but only for a second. Life is not, for me at least, about being so busy, distracted, or self-absorbed that I am excused from acknowledging what is really important, or from taking the time to invest the time in doing for others less fortunate than myself. Believe me, I have my share of difficulties, but rather than debate or compare our "comfort quotients", I would rather have us agree that there will always be someone who is less fortunate than ourselves, and who has immense potential, many needs, and few resources.
Usually a "cause" is a problem that we tackle in the hope of making things better, more humane, tolerable, and understandable... and comes from a place within our human spirit that is decent and good. We need to be cautious, however, and look honestly and quietly into our own hearts when adopting a 'cause" or philosophical fight. Personally, I have a lot on my list I would like to change about the world, and in future blog posts I am confident that I will reveal those precious thoughts of mine! But for now, I will limit my commentary to the plight of all the homeless and un-attended animals that would enjoy the sanctuary of a caring and loving home...and a special place to call their own.
I wish I could accept all the blame for my sensitivity towards animals. But, alas, I cannot do so. Before I was born, my mom worked in the animal "test lab" at The University of Pennsylvania where my father was attending medical school. What do you think she did with all those test subjects? Not only did she rescue them from testing tortures, she snuck the dogs and cats out the back door of the university facility at the end of her shift and found good homes for each of them. Wow, she will forever be my hero!
My dad was an ophthalmologist, an MD that specializes in the surgery of the eye. Prior to deciding on his chosen profession, he considered...at length... the possibility of becoming an ornithologist (a person dedicated to the study of birds). His fascination, love, and overwhelming interest in birds was a part of my everyday existence growing up as his daughter. My dad instilled in me a complete reverence, and disquieting awe, for the beauty and miracle of our feathered friends.
I am in love with loving our pets. Animals that we, as a society and over the millenniums, have domesticated into the creatures that will inhabit our homes, live alongside us, be loyal to us and give unconditional love to us. How can we ever turn our backs on what we have created?
Our domesticated pets TOTALLY depend on us for their lives...the quality by which they will live, and the love and comfort they will receive. We are so much stronger and more able than they will ever be, due to our own design. Why not do all we can do, and give them exactly what they need. It is really just that easy.
ddkdesigns,llc is dedicated to the safety and happiness of all the pets that inhabit our homes. It is also my passionate wish that ddkdesigns,llc will encourage and remind all of us to honor those animals who are less fortunate, and to follow our hearts in doing whatever we can to help.
And to all my friends who question me about my cause, I rest confident and assured that I am tackling one of the important issues on my life list. I thank all of you for the inquisitive looks, as they have been considered, completely honored, and have provided me with clarification on what is really important in my life.
The following are scenes that I have enjoyed over the past 2 years of living on 90 acres of pure wilderness. Sometimes clarification in our lives comes from the simple, natural beauty that surrounds us. Everything that I create for ddkdesigns,llc has a source of inspiration. My Natural Elements line of pet beds is a tribute to the natural, untouched beauty that surrounds me and my son every day as we live within this remarkable property. The landscape of the lake and forest is never the same, depending on the season, weather, and all the uncontollable variables. I look forward to sharing the beautiful images that I am priveledged to view every day.