Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Cousin Ill; Zoo Deaths

We've had a cold front move in, so the temperatures shouldn't rise above 80 degrees today or the mid-80s tomorrow.  Then we'll be back in the 99-100 degree area for the weekend.  Oh, boy.   All of the wildfires are still growing, even though the High Park fire has a 50% containment.  Today it's overcast, grey, and hazy here.
   I am upset about the flooding of the Duluth, Minnesota zoo.  It flooded two years ago.  Yesterday, new  flooding killed at least 11 captive animals - all of them "barnyard" critters.  Goats, pigs ,burros, and calves drowned.  The folks at the zoo haven't yet reached the raven and vulture cages - because the area is still underwater.  Well, duh....  What do you think they will find?  It enrages me that this happens!  Their seal swam out of it's containment area, as did the polar bear, and both were recaptured and returned safely.  But to allow caged and penned animals to drown is just totally despicable!
   And on top of that, my cousin, "Missy" Aleda, is fighting for her life in an ICU in Maryland.  Aleda suffered from asthma and multiple allergies while growing up.  Her breathing problems have never gotten better, they have only worsened as the years have gone by.  The diagnosis on Sunday night was pneumonia - but now the Docs aren't sure; she is not responding to the usual antibiotics and her lungs have filled.  Her blood pressure stayed at 190 over 110 all last night.  All further tests have been placed on hold, just to get her stable.  Whatever your belief system is, please send healing thoughts, wishes and prayers to Aleda.  (And I'm sure her husband, Cap'n Barry, could use some of those, as well!)
  Thank you.

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