Last weekend, driving not far from home, we hit a kangaroo that hopped in front of us. There was no way to avoid it, it happened so quickly. The sound was sickening and when we stopped we were distressed to find that, not only was the mother kangaroo badly injured, but she was carrying a joey.
By the time we called Help for Wildlife the mother roo, badly injured and bleeding, had died. The baby joey was wrapped up and taken to a nearby vet but it died before it arrived. It was too small, so fragile and possibly had suffered from internal injuries.
It was such a distressing incident. Even though there was nothing we could have done to avoid it, it still shook us up. What happened stayed with me for hours afterwards and made me realise how fragile and fleeting life is.
It also made me look at my little patch of the world with new eyes and so I’m dedicating this post to those furry animals who bring me a measure of joy.
I think it’s important to focus on appreciating what we have around us – be they four legged or otherwise – and enjoy the unconditional love and joy they offer.
So here’s a close up and personal look at the furry friends in my life.
First and foremost, there’s Harry, my oh-so-lazy but still silly dog, who appears in many of my posts. My faithful, aging walking partner whose gentle nature and soulful eyes adds so much happiness to my days.
He picks up on my moods and is the ultimate stress relief when I’m having a blue day. He reminds me of a wise old sage in a dog’s body!
Harry, like all dogs, through his sheer presence manages to teach us so many important lessons about being present and enjoying the moment.
Lamborghini is growing bigger every day. Her bleating sometimes drives me nuts but she’s a little white pocket rocket of pure woolly innocence.
Every time I step outside I have to be careful I don’t trip over her. She’s constantly at my feet, following me around and runs beside me. She’s become my adoring shadow.
Three little guinea pigs do very little but still add a certain dynamic to the household with their chatter and funny ways.
The way they jump around their hutch and do gymnastics, run circles and squeak for their supper never fails to put a smile on my face.
At the back of our yard live our three girls. There are lots of foxes around so I can’t let them roam freely, but they still have a good life and provide us with fresh eggs.
And from the small to the big there’s Merlin, our Andalusian cross Quarter Horse.
A gentle giant of a beast. A reliable steed for my daughter, strong and dependable, trustworthy and steadfast. He’s also cheeky, smiles and has a character of his own.
Life would be dull without our animals. It would also be less complicated, less costly and less trouble when we travel. But the joys far outweigh any downsides.
Wishing you all a beautiful week ahead, filled with smiles, simple joys and pleasures. May we all appreciate what we have, right under our noses, close up and personal.
This is in response to Frank’s challenge over at Dutch goes the Photo – Close up.
The smily horse 😂
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He’s so silly 🙂
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Oh, Miri, I’m glad you are okay! I would imagine it’s like hitting a deer which happens here occasionally and can do a lot of damage to a car. I’m sure it was upsetting even tho you couldn’t avoid it. Your animal pictures are fabulous! ((Hugs))
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Thanks Diane. Thankfully we were in hubby’s car which has a big bull-bar at the front. My little car wouldn’t have fared so well. Hugs back. xo
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Thank goodness for that!
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Fabulous pictures.. Falling in love with the animals.
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Smiling at your comment, thank you!
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I am very fond of animals. Just loved the last one to the core… those teeth were just amazing!
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Oh yes, he’s a character, no doubt. My daughter taught him how to smile!
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Wow.. I am so glad to know how you and your family is so connected to the animals…
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We definitely are … 🙂
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So nice to meet all of your furry friends Miriam, I would have reacted similarly with the Kangaroo. 😦
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Yeah, it was definitely no fun. 😦
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I dreaded hitting a Roo there, only dented the rental car backing into a bollard to gawk at an echidna. I miss having chooks. Awesome post, thank you.
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Oh, it’s my pleasure. Thanks for your comment and stopping by. Backing into a bollard to gawk at an echidna … that made me smile. 🙂
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I hope your week is fabulous! Love the lamb, she’s so cute. We haven’t seen her in a bit. Great post. So sorry for the accident. That is a hard one. Hope you and your family didn’t suffer any injuries, other than the hurt for the Kangaroos.
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No, we were all fine Wendy, just a bit shell-shocked, that’s all. Thank you for your wishes. Lamby is doing well, just getting louder every day! Hope you have a great week too.
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Miriam – the best post. You nailed it. :):)::):
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Aw, thanks Louise. Appreciate that.
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Sorry to hear about such a distressing incident; it had to be heart-wrenching. Great post with lots of cool animal close-ups!
Frank
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Thanks Frank.
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Oh I’m so sorry about the kangaroos. I bet that was just awful. Especially since she had a baby with her. Hugs sweetie.
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Yeah, it was pretty upsetting at the time. Thanks Jess xo
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Accidents happen. I’m so sorry, Miriam.
Love your menagerie. What a wonderful extended, furry family you have! 😉 xoM
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Love your animals ❤️
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Haha It’s a bit of a zoo! 🙂
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I didn’t know you had chickens!
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Yep, we’ve had them ever since we’ve lived here. They come and go with the seasons … and the foxes too sometimes, unfortunately.
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Chickens don’t have the best fate… Around here it’s hawks. Our neighbors lost several to them. I’m pretty jealous of your fresh eggs. 🙂
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Come over, I’ll give you some. 🙂
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Let me grab my life jacket!
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I’m so sorry that happened to you. I’m glad you’re all okay. You are such a critter lover, I’m sure it was terribly upsetting, and I’m glad to read that you understand there was nothing that could have prevented it. I love seeing your critter pictures. I just have to interject that I can’t imagine seeing a kangaroo crossing the road. We have deer, geese, turtles…but a kangaroo? This is another reason I love the blogging world. A midwestern American gets to travel vicariously to lands where kangaroos hop across the road.
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Oh yes, absolutely. They have no road sense whatsoever, so quite suddenly will just bound in front of cars, particularly out in the country areas. We constantly have to keep an eye out for them, particularly at dusk and dawn. Thanks for reading Alexis..
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So sad reading about them. I work in a hilly area and sometimes see Deer killed by the Motorists…they are so fragile and i believe that makes them very vulnerable too!
Take care of the ones in your life.
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I most certainly will. Thanks Alok.
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I’m so sorry to hear about the Kangaroo and her Joey. Terrible and I’m sure it has rattled you. I can’t imagine.
Your photos made me smile. So much cuteness in one post so I can’t help but leave happier than when I got here. We had an adorable GP once. My favorite things about Samson where his popcorning and his chatter at me while I got his dinner. He was precious. Lamborghini
Love the nose shot of Harry and that one of Lamborghini looking up made me laugh right out loud. 🙂
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She’s a rascal, that lamb, no doubt about it. Keeps me on my toes. 🙂 I had to re-read your comment about your GP, thinking you were talking about a doctor (General Practitioner!) Took me a minute to work out you were talking about a guinea pig!! lol Crazy morning here, I’m a bit slow off the mark! 🙂
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General Practitioner……..What a sight, a doctor jumping around chattering while Nikki fetches his dinner…lol
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Haha Thanks for making me smile 🙂
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So sad about the kangaroo and her baby. I am so sorry. I can imagine how that played on your mind. On a happier note, you have a beautiful family of gorgeous animals. I know each and everyone is special to you. x
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Oh they are Lynne. Hard work at times but still special. Thanks so much. xo
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I understand the experience. My daughter and son-in-law hit a deer that running across the freeway (common in Oregon). The deer managed to walked across to the other side of the freeway, but didn’t make it to live. My son-in-law’s truck took a great impact, and decided to skip the wedding they were going to attend, and turned around to head home. Their truck too, just had enough to make them home!
Thank you for sharing.
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Oh I’m so sorry that happened to your son. Fortunately, although we were late for an event, we still managed to make it. I can only imagine the impact that a deer would make, I hope they were okay. Thanks for sharing your own story. xo
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That was last year. They bought another car since then. I’m sure they were shaken, but had a good sense to turn around to go home instead of having the tuck die on the road!
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Yes, that was smart thinking by them. Safe driving to you all 🙂
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Oh my goodness, Miriam! Your experience of hitting the kangaroo sounds traumatic! I can’t fault you at all for being shaken by it. I think I would have nightmares. I love the way you channeled your emotions into this positive post. “I think it’s important to focus on appreciating what we have around us – be they four legged or otherwise – and enjoy the unconditional love and joy they offer.” This line made me think of the ways that I am unconditionally loved – not only by my pets and by my parents and closest friends, but simply as a being in the universe. After all, the sun shines on all of us, it does not ask if we are worthy or not. We are all God’s creatures, and we are all invited to enjoy the abundant blessings that are all around us, whether it is the unconditional love of a pet, a fresh morning cup of hot coffee, a beautiful afternoon in nature, or a soft, cozy blanket at the end of a long day. Thank you for helping me see things in a wider perspective today, and for expanding my sense of gratitude!
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You’re so right Lulu, the sun does shine on all of us and it doesn’t ask if we’re worthy or not. But we all are and we sometimes forget.
Thank you for your beautiful comment, having you here and reading your kind words always puts a smile on my face. Take care. xo
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Its not nice when that happens, I feel your anguish. Running my tyre over an echidna at night was my experience.
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Ohh, that would have been no fun at all. For the echidna and for you. 😦
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The echidna did not survive nor did my tyre, but it is more the thought of the event that sticks. I like how you have turned this event to celebrate life.
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Thanks Gary … and I’m not surprised that neither of them survived. That would have been awful. Safe travels.
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Thats very sad to hear. One of my worst fears is to hit a helpless animal. They were here before us so we are in their space, but sometimes theres no avoiding deadly contact.
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So very true.
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Two of our dogs have died this year and their absence from our lives is daily grief. The remaining dog is hiding in the laundry today – there must be a thunder storm coming.
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So sorry to hear that Moira
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Our pets are family. Which makes me wonder. Why do we feel differently towards the human race? To our own or extended family? I know there is no simple answer, but it still bothers me. In the meantime, keep on hugging life. You will reap the rewards. Never stop being curious.
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Yes I agree Dan, pets are family. Thanks for your lovely comment.
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Very, very nice Miriam. What a blessed way to give loving to your animals & to that roo and her joey. ❤ I so appreciate you. Take good care of yourself and have a wonderful rest of your week.
ps – that last photo of the horse is fantastic. 🙂 Big smiles.
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Aw, thanks Debbie. ♡
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Oh sweetheart, I’m so sorry you went through that! How upsetting and distressing that must have been for you! *hugs*
Yes, the fur babies add so much joy to our lives. 🙂 Your horse makes me laugh, he’s quite the character!
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Thank you for your kind wishes Vanessa and yes, Merlin definitely is a character. xo
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So sorry you had to go through that, Miriam. We hit a squirrel once, and were mortified. I don’t like harming even a fly. It’s lovely that you have dedicated this post to all the furry animals out there though. I particularly liked the guinea pigs – they made me smile 🙂 🙂 .
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Yes, they’re a trio of joy, no doubt. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting Judith. 🙂
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I love how the horse smiled for the camera, you’ve got some great hairy, furry and feathery friends there.
Sorry about the Roo – you did what you could though, some you win and some you lose I guess.
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Yeah, the silly roo didn’t stand a chance Simon, they have absolutely no road sense. 🙂
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You’ll have to teach it to them, make sure they stop, listen, look and then cross! I take it many Roo’s are killed this way?
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Haha Love it. Set up a roo school you reckon? I’d have my hands full 🙂
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Yeah, you’l never be out of work!
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There are many things I like about you Miriam, and now I can add your love of all creatures, “great and small”. Sad about the roo, but it’s hard to avoid them sometimes (I had a similar experience in 2015). When I was a kid, my Dad brought home a joey he had found still alive in his Mum’s pouch (she had passed unfortunately). For about 5 years that roo was our pet — of course, we called him Skippy. The best experience ever, and it made me very aware of nature and the importance of sustaining it. Great post and photos!
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Thanks for your kind words Kim and wow, what a wonderful experience. I can only imagine how special that must have been as a kid to have your very own pet Skippy. No wonder you love nature and the environment so much.
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How very distressing
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Yes, it was at the time.
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I’m so sorry, Miriam! I’m sure that was so upsetting, even though you know though you know you did nothing wrong. The good thing is that it made you see the animals in your life a little bit clearer, and appreciate them a bit more. (And shared that insight with us, thank you.) I don’t believe that “everything happens for a reason,” (just my opinion), but I do believe that we can find some good in everything, even in tragedies and death. Take care, Miriam…..
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Love your animals. Wish I had more than just my dog.
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I love them too Alba but trust me, sometimes they can also be a burden!
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Oh Miriam, that is so horribly awful. I can only imagine how you must have felt. Here a lot people hit deers and it can be very dangerous for the drivers. I have never hit an animal but a squirrel and its sounds was awful. Hope you have recovered and glad you are ok. Yes life is precious and I’m glad you ended the post with some lovely animal pics.
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Thanks Nicole, yes it was awful but life goes on … too many things taking precedence in my life just now. xo
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Yes I read the post about the loss of your mom. Oh Miriam. Thinking of you. The fact that you were there holding her hand brings immense joy knowing how much that must have meant to you.
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It did mean a lot to me, it was a moment I’ll never forget. Thanks Nicole. xo
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I am sorry for the incident, and I certainly can understand that it must have been very distressing. All the more beautiful to devote a post to our four-legged friends. Such lively images!
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Thank you Otto.
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Gorgeous post (except the kangaroo bit – sorry to hear about that). You look like you have quite a farm going on there! Animals bring such joy to the world. We don’t have any pets at the moment but would love a dog one day, once I’ve got a little more travel out of my system 🙂 Such loyal and loving creatures!
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They sure are Jenny. I can’t imagine my life without a dog now, maybe a lamb, but not a dog! 🙂
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Haha yeah, dogs become part of the family don’t they! When we were kids, we used to have a lamb too. Always fun feeding lambs! They are hungry little fellas 🙂
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Oh, they sure are guzzlers Jenny. This one drinks like a total drunkard! 🙂
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Haha! Adorable 🙂
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I know how you feel about the roo. But in a lighter side you seriously need a cat!
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I had cats growing up but hubby is allergic to them!
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Mine too. It takes two weeks of sneezing for him to get used to each new cat. Then they’re inseparable.
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I agree with Larry, it’s great that you were able to turn this tragic event into a celebration of life. I can’t handle Lamborgini, those pictures are adorable and thinking about him following you around like you’re Bo Peep is cracking me up.
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Thanks Steve, yeah it’s quite a sight I have to admit. 🙂
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It is horrible hitting an animal but the main thing is you were not hurt. Take care
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Thanks Anne. You too.
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Aw bless you, must have been so upsetting! Love your pics of your animal loves, I myself have a budgie who is literally like my baby 🙈
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Ahh, so you share my love. 🙂
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I can’t love this post enough. Your photos are delightful and touching to the part of me that loves and adores animals. That photo of smiley Merlin just about brightened up my day ❤
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I’m so glad you enjoyed this Jade. Merlin always makes me smile too … 🙂
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😦 I am sorry to hear what happened Miriam.
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Thanks Paula.
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After the sad beginning, this post had be laughing out loud with your close up photos of your animal family.
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Glad it made you laugh Ruth. I enjoyed putting it together 🙂
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Big Hugs!! I’m sure the kangaroos are now in a better place together, mother and joey. Love your animal pictures, just warms my heart. 🙂
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Thanks Kally. 🙂
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Glad your ok.
Love your pets I just have 3 Oscars – fishes.
❤
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Cute. 🙂
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Yes they are 😍.
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It was a sad start, but you sure know how to make the climax happy Miriam 🙂 Loved seeing up,close and personal, your furry friends 🙂 The kangaroo incident is really disheartening though. I remember once we hit a rabbit and were so so distressed, but there was nothing we could do as it was a continuous flowing traffic and we could not even pull over. For long we used to repent on it but vehicles whizzing by and the shoulder was narrow for us to pull over. So glad that you could atleast put your efforts to see if you could do something about it.
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Thanks Minaxi, I can still remember how sick I felt when we hit it. And when they both died, virtually in front of us. But, sad as it is, that’s life and these things happen.
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Animals have a lot to teach us, God bless you miss, take care. 🙂
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They do indeed.Thank you. I appreciate your comment.
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