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Cappy's corner
by Kelly Flood
Nobember 11, 2006
Some of you may be familiar with one of the sanctuary’s more gregarious hens, Cappy. This sassy little girl is well-known for “helping” new volunteers fill out their paperwork and also for overseeing the general maintenance of the barn. So, it was no real surprise when she expressed an interest in writing her own advice column. Although there was some question as to the potential popularity of the project, once word spread, the letters came pouring in! Here are just a few:
Dear Cappy:
My name is Bob, and I am a tabby cat living in Lake Oswego. I recently discovered your website, and I want to sponsor an animal. Can I sponsor you? Can you tell me more about yourself?
Bob
Dear Bob:
Yes, you can sponsor any of us here at Lighthouse. In fact, what a great idea! People can give their companion animals gift sponsorships —for birthdays, the holidays, whenever!
A little about me: Wayne (the guy who lives here and helps me run the place) thinks I am a fancy Bantam breed of hen called a Capion.
You are probably wondering how I got here. Well, I was busted within the Salem city limits for living with a rooster. Roosters aren’t allowed, and I was living with one, so…you know how it goes. We all make bad choices now and then. Anyway, I have a very important job here as one of the volunteer coordinators and resident HIC (Hen In Charge). Basically, I help new volunteers get acquainted with the place. My specialty is making sure they do their paperwork and sign in every time. Sometimes they don’t know what line to write on, so I show them. If it weren’t for me, the whole place would be in shambles!
Dear Cappy:
There is a weird lady with brown hair who comes to the work parties and follows me around quite a bit. She laughs a lot and points at me, and also tries to throw vegetables and bread at me. I am thinking of hiring a private investigator to see who she is and why she keeps bugging me. Don’t get me wrong—she’s not mean or anything. She seems quite harmless, but…she’s just not my type. I like Carmen, with her lovely cream and caramel feathers.
Any suggestions on where I can find a PI who will work for free?
Thanks,
A Boy Named Sue
Dear Sue:
No fear—this lady is a volunteer! We need volunteers in order to care for so many deserving farm animals here at the sanctuary. Our work parties, held every other Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., are the perfect opportunity for people to help. And, as you can imagine, fresh fruits and veggies are always appreciated as well. I hear zucchini has been a real hit with almost everyone—even the horses!
Anyway, I wouldn’t worry about this lady proposing marriage or anything. I think she just wants to be friends. Now that your molting is under control, you are quite the handsome rooster! In my opinion, a lot of the volunteers love animals so much they just can’t control themselves. Try and appreciate it for what it is—a silly but well-intentioned human who just wants to make up for all the other mean humans in the world.
Cappy
Hey, Cappy:
It’s me, Wily, the local coyote. I have a sensitive question for you…I’ve heard about this whole vegetarian thing, but I haven’t quite been able to kick the meat habit. Can you give me some tips to help me out?
Wily
Dear Wily:
Yikes! I understand that changing your eating habits can be difficult.
First, I suggest focusing on the foods you enjoy that don’t come from animals. Believe it or not, fall is a fabulous time for produce! Apples, Asian pears, pumpkins, and winter squash are all great options.
Next, try phasing foods out of your diet that you don’t eat often, gradually working your way up to those you do.
Also, try to find great substitutes for your can’t-live-without-them favorites. You’d be surprised by the tasty options available nowadays. Lastly, I must say, that everyone at the farm is relieved to hear that you want to change your ways.
Cappy
