A popular Easter gift for children in my youth was a bunny, chick, or duckling...yes, a live one. What animal loving child wouldn't be thrilled to receive a cuddly bunny or charming chick of their own? Of course my parents didn't indulge me, as much as I asked for one. In retrospect, I understand how wise they were.
The purchase of a live bunny, duckling, or chick for a child's gift nearly always resulted in the death or abandonment of the animal. What seemed like a good idea quickly became an annoying slice of reality. No one was fully prepared for the extent and type of care required or the delicacy of small fragile bodies in tightly clenched hands. Thus the impulse gift swiftly became a fatality, or simply a nuisance.
Luckily, through zealous education efforts, live animals as part of an Easter morning celebration are now seldom seen.
And I'm grateful that bunnies, chicks, and ducklings come to us another way these days. As a chocolate treat!
2 comments:
I've always felt that these fragile little animals shouldn't be offered up as seasonal sacrifices. Unfortunately, people who think they can make a buck will continue to do it! Meanwhile, like you, I'll take chocolate!
You give us a timely reminder about this cruel practice, Pat!
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