Tuesday, January 28, 2014

I Love Animals, But When It Is Bitter Cold I Wear Fur

I Love Animals, But When It Is Bitter Cold I Wear Fur



This winter has been bitter cold. While I’ve always doubted the science touting global warming, this winter’s temperatures that are reminiscent of my childhood in the 1960’s cause me even greater skepticism.  While a short walk in 10-degree weather can feel invigorating, I am not a winter girl. I love the warmth of the sun. Absent balmy ambient temperatures, below freezing temps cause me to luxuriate in the warmth of my politically incorrect outerwear.  Yes, I wear fur. I love the warmth of fur. I love the feel of fur. And nothing keeps my head warmer than my mouton hat!



I love animals. My husband and I give shelter to 10 plus orphaned cats. All have names; all have been spayed or neutered. All are pampered. I’ve enjoyed the company of dogs, hamsters, a bird, a bunny and various woodland creatures. 

My dad was raised on a farm and as a child we visited my grandparents and became acquainted with the origins of our food supply. The piglets were adorable. But bacon and harm are tasty and pig suede makes a lovely jacket. I love the soft dark eyes of a Black Angus cow; but I am a carnivore and appreciate a juicy hamburger.

If I haven’t named the animal, I can eat it or wear it. I’ve worn synthetic weather resistant fabrics, Gore-Tex, down filled jackets, and fiberfill. But nothing keeps me warm like my mouton hat, sheepskin gloves, and shearling coat. I don’t wear endangered species or any member of the cat family. But mink are vermin and are farmed for coats like cattle are farmed for steaks. 



My first fur was a hand-me-down from my maternal grandmother. I wore her mink dyed muskrat coat in college. It was probably 30 years old then and I sewed the dried pelts back together with any colored thread I had on hand whenever they split. I wore that coat until it disintegrated. But I loved it because it reminded me of my grandmother, kept me warm, and let me express my individuality.  I’ve been hooked on fur ever since – but especially in this frigid season.

While a segment of the population may disagree with my choice to wear fur, it is my choice. And those who oppose it are entitled to their opinions as long as they do not infringe upon my rights. But I’ve always wondered why those who so self-righteously fight for the rights of animals do not instead turned their activism and dollars towards campaigning for the rights of abused or unwanted human children. 


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