• Home
  • News
  • About
    • Bio
    • Introducing Christiana Gaudet
    • Meetups
    • References
    • Scrapbook
  • Contact
  • Blogs
    • Announcements
    • Community Blog
    • Dark Forest Blog
    • Personal Blog
    • Tarot Topics
    • Be a Guest Blogger
  • Events
  • Newsletter
  • Galleries
    • The Great HurriMiniCon of 2016
    • Holiday Open House 2010
    • Holiday Open House 2015
    • Mayday 2005
    • Tarot Picnic in Connecticut 2007
    • Skill Share August 30, 2010
    • Holiday Open House 2016
    • Holiday Open House 2017
  • Video/Radio
    • Facebook Live
    • Global Tarot Circle
    • Meditation Videos
    • Webinars and Instructional Videos
    • YouTube
    • Guest Appearances
  • Writing
    • 78 Poems Project: Tarot Poetry
    • Book, Deck, Movie and Event Reviews
    • Legacy Essays
    • Psychic Development, Magick, and Meditation
    • Tarot Exercises and Study Materials
  • Services
    • Private Readings
    • Psychic House Parties
    • Corporate Events and Large Functions
    • Speaking Engagements
    • Learning Parties
    • Tarot Mentoring
  • Catalog
  • Home
  • News
  • About
    • Bio
    • Introducing Christiana Gaudet
    • Meetups
    • References
    • Scrapbook
  • Contact
  • Blogs
    • Announcements
    • Community Blog
    • Dark Forest Blog
    • Personal Blog
    • Tarot Topics
    • Be a Guest Blogger
  • Events
  • Newsletter
  • Galleries
    • The Great HurriMiniCon of 2016
    • Holiday Open House 2010
    • Holiday Open House 2015
    • Mayday 2005
    • Tarot Picnic in Connecticut 2007
    • Skill Share August 30, 2010
    • Holiday Open House 2016
    • Holiday Open House 2017
  • Video/Radio
    • Facebook Live
    • Global Tarot Circle
    • Meditation Videos
    • Webinars and Instructional Videos
    • YouTube
    • Guest Appearances
  • Writing
    • 78 Poems Project: Tarot Poetry
    • Book, Deck, Movie and Event Reviews
    • Legacy Essays
    • Psychic Development, Magick, and Meditation
    • Tarot Exercises and Study Materials
  • Services
    • Private Readings
    • Psychic House Parties
    • Corporate Events and Large Functions
    • Speaking Engagements
    • Learning Parties
    • Tarot Mentoring
  • Catalog

Christiana Gaudet

Tarot Grandmaster

1025 SW Martin Downs Blvd Unit 203 Palm City, FL, 34990

866-998-2768

tarot@christianagaudet.com

Be Kind to the Animals

September 29, 2013  /  Christiana Gaudet

attachment-8873bce6-a63a-4475-9341-de39b1cd91fd

Many of us in Florida are transplants from other geographic locations. Many of us never stop marveling at the wonderful flora and fauna here – so exotic and foreign to us, even after years of living here. Lizards and frogs play everywhere, and some of the birds are taller than me.

Recently I witness two incidences of cruelty to wildlife.  One was obvious – a tourist torturing a lizard. One was a much-less-obvious form of cruelty that might surprise you.

First, let me say that my understanding of Florida law is that cruelty to animals in any form isn’t tolerated. Sadly, in neither case was law enforcement involved.

While driving on the famous International Avenue in Orlando I heard a woman scream. I was in the passenger seat and the screaming woman was on my side of the street. I grabbed my phone ready to call 911 in defense of a woman I presumed was being attacked.

What I saw astounded me and infuriated me. Three tourists were torturing a small lizard – an anole. These lizards are very common here. They entertain us as they scamper and play. They eat insects. They are completely harmless to humans.

The tourists were probably in their late twenties or early thirties – two women and one man. The man was seriously buff. He could have beat up a human his own size easily. Why he had to beat up a tiny anole is completely beyond me.

The woman was screaming because the man had caught the lizard and was pushing it in her face. She was afraid of the lizard and he was teasing her with it. He dropped the lizard and both women ran away, cowering and screaming. He was able to catch the lizard again and threw it at the women.

It was like a sick enactment of the old Jim Stafford song “Spiders and Snakes”.

When our twelve-year-old boys act this way we reprimand them. When our children are afraid of harmless creatures we teach them to appreciate nature. Where the heck did these Neanderthals come from?

My second tale of animal cruelty is about sand hill cranes. Sand hill cranes are very common in Florida. They are very large birds, very intelligent and naturally friendly. They eat a lot of ants, which is a good thing in Florida.

This summer I noticed that the local sand hill cranes liked to walk through our neighborhood. They were really fun to watch, but I wondered why they wanted to be so close to humans. Quickly, I discovered that two of my neighbors were feeding them every day.

In Florida, feeding the wildlife is patently discouraged. Feeding the wildlife is a form of cruelty. When we feed the wildlife, three things can happen. First, we throw off the natural balance that exists between predator and prey. Second, we can be harmful to the animals’ health. Finally, the animals become tame and easy prey for predator animals.

As soon as I saw these poor sand hill cranes enjoying their bread crumbs and interacting with my neighbors I knew their chances of survival were limited. Wild animals who become comfortable interacting with humans are easy prey for alligators, bobcats and other predators. When we feed them we destroy the natural instincts that give them a fighting chance.

I haven’t seen the sand hill cranes in weeks. I think I know what happened to them.

Whether you are a visitor to Florida, a resident transplant or a native Floridian, please learn to treasure our unique and diverse wildlife. Watch them, enjoy them and preserve their habitat. Be kind to the animals. Don’t play with them, don’t torture them and don’t feed them.

0 Likes
categories / Dark Forest Blog
tags / Florida, wildlife, ecology, nature

About the Author

Christiana Gaudet

Christiana Gaudet

Christiana has been a full-time tarot professional for more than twenty years, and is the author of two books about tarot. In 2008, Christiana was granted the title of Tarot Grandmaster by the Tarot Certification Board of America.
Christiana  provides readings by phone, Skype, and in her office in Lutz, Florida.

Newer  /  October 07, 2013
Mean People
Older September 23, 2013
My Favorite Restaurant in Orlando: Whole Foods

Dark Forest Blog Articles

  • December 2017
    • Dec 15, 2017 Spiritual Single Still Seeking a Soulmate? Here's 10 Thoughts That Aren't Helping! Dec 15, 2017
  • November 2017
    • Nov 2, 2017 The Power of Hope in Harrowing Times Nov 2, 2017
  • July 2017
    • Jul 24, 2017 Girl Jerry Brings the Tunes to South Florida Jul 24, 2017
  • May 2017
    • May 2, 2017 The Bunny in the Bramble Patch May 2, 2017
  • March 2017
    • Mar 20, 2017 An Open Letter to Holy Clothing: Please Rethink Your Word Choice! Mar 20, 2017
  • February 2017
    • Feb 8, 2017 Find Yourself in a Magic Mirror! Feb 8, 2017
  • November 2016
    • Nov 16, 2016 Uncommon Business Advice: Let Your Niche Find You! Nov 16, 2016
  • September 2016
    • Sep 3, 2016 Dating as a Shopping Experience: How Online Dating Can Make It Hard to Build Relationships Sep 3, 2016
  • July 2016
    • Jul 22, 2016 Star Trek Beyond Absolutely Is Jul 22, 2016
  • June 2016
    • Jun 13, 2016 Remembering Who We Are In These Dark Times Jun 13, 2016
    • Jun 7, 2016 Imagery and Energy: The Importance of Imagination in Divination, Magick and Healing Jun 7, 2016
  • April 2016
    • Apr 19, 2016 The Casual Way Medicine Tries to Kill Us Apr 19, 2016
  • February 2016
    • Feb 24, 2016 An Eagle Needs Two Wings to Fly Feb 24, 2016
  • January 2016
    • Jan 19, 2016 Can We Please Stop First-Worlding Spirituality? Jan 19, 2016
  • December 2015
    • Dec 16, 2015 But We’ve Always Done It This Way! Embracing Change for the New Year Dec 16, 2015
  • November 2015
    • Nov 12, 2015 A Quick Guide to Psychic Protection Nov 12, 2015
  • September 2015
    • Sep 29, 2015 Six ways to know autumn has come to Florida Sep 29, 2015
  • August 2015
    • Aug 25, 2015 Have a Good Day! Aug 25, 2015
    • Aug 4, 2015 The Frogs that Came out in the Rain Aug 4, 2015
  • July 2015
    • Jul 22, 2015 Energetic Cures for Obnoxious Neighbors Jul 22, 2015
    • Jul 5, 2015 Fare Thee Well, Fourth Day of July Jul 5, 2015
  • June 2015
    • Jun 23, 2015 Confessions of a Mystical Fangirl Jun 23, 2015
    • Jun 2, 2015 Everyone is Sensitive Right Now Jun 2, 2015
  • May 2015
    • May 12, 2015 Grateful Dead at the Movies: A Return to Alpine Valley May 12, 2015
  • April 2015
    • Apr 20, 2015 E.R. Bradley's Saloon is still a West Palm Beach Treasure Apr 20, 2015
  • March 2015
    • Mar 31, 2015 The Truth about Being a Solopreneur Mar 31, 2015
    • Mar 24, 2015 Tampa's Ybor City: Cigars, Chickens and Charm Mar 24, 2015
    • Mar 17, 2015 Lowdown and Unworthy: Upworthy Takes on Psychics and Misses the Point Mar 17, 2015
  • February 2015
    • Feb 23, 2015 A Small Messaging Problem with the Wonderful Tree Change Dolls Feb 23, 2015
    • Feb 17, 2015 The Joy of a Hand-Written Letter Feb 17, 2015
    • Feb 10, 2015 Capital Tacos: A Local Treasure Feb 10, 2015
  • January 2015
    • Jan 26, 2015 A Few Things I Learned from the Grateful Dead Jan 26, 2015
    • Jan 12, 2015 Inspirational Ants Jan 12, 2015
  • December 2014
    • Dec 19, 2014 Stop Trying to be a Good Person! Dec 19, 2014
    • Dec 15, 2014 An Open Letter to Self-Published Creatives Dec 15, 2014
    • Dec 8, 2014 Trikes for Grownups! Dec 8, 2014
    • Dec 1, 2014 Holiday Season, Florida Style Dec 1, 2014
  • November 2014
    • Nov 25, 2014 Food from the Sky Nov 25, 2014
    • Nov 18, 2014 Dancing Cranes Nov 18, 2014
    • Nov 10, 2014 What Should Middle Aged Women Do? Nov 10, 2014
    • Nov 4, 2014 Election Day Nov 4, 2014
  • October 2014
    • Oct 28, 2014 My New Ukulele Oct 28, 2014
    • Oct 20, 2014 Dancing with Daleks: Time Lord Fest in Tampa Oct 20, 2014
    • Oct 14, 2014 Does your Relationship have a Future, and Does it Matter? Oct 14, 2014
    • Oct 7, 2014 Resources for Mercury Retrograde Oct 7, 2014
  • September 2014
    • Sep 29, 2014 Bufalina: Not Your Usual New Haven Pizza Sep 29, 2014
    • Sep 20, 2014 Beyond Anger and Activism Sep 20, 2014
    • Sep 16, 2014 Staying at Peace Sep 16, 2014
    • Sep 9, 2014 My First Bikram Yoga Experience Sep 9, 2014
    • Sep 2, 2014 Give Yourself a Promotion Sep 2, 2014
  • August 2014
    • Aug 25, 2014 Three Heinous Marketing Mistakes Made by Healers, Part Three Aug 25, 2014
    • Aug 15, 2014 Three Heinous Marketing Mistakes Made by Healers, Part Two Aug 15, 2014
    • Aug 7, 2014 Three Heinous Marketing Mistakes Made by Healers, Part One Aug 7, 2014
    • Aug 3, 2014 Three Rules for Writers Aug 3, 2014
  • July 2014
    • Jul 28, 2014 Tacos al Carbon: A Unique Lake Worth Experience Jul 28, 2014
    • Jul 21, 2014 The Cyberbullying we Love to Do Jul 21, 2014
    • Jul 14, 2014 The Truth about New Relationships Jul 14, 2014
    • Jul 7, 2014 Rolling the Panda Jul 7, 2014
    • Jul 1, 2014 On Line Food Sharing Jul 1, 2014
  • June 2014
    • Jun 24, 2014 Krod Mandoon Sorcerer Makes Box Office Sizzle Jun 24, 2014
    • Jun 16, 2014 Three Ways to be a Great Dad Jun 16, 2014
    • Jun 10, 2014 Edge of Tomorrow not on the Edge of my Seat Jun 10, 2014
    • Jun 2, 2014 Harness the Power of Words Jun 2, 2014
  • May 2014
    • May 26, 2014 The Blame Game May 26, 2014
    • May 20, 2014 Six Rules for Success May 20, 2014
    • May 13, 2014 A New Trend in Television May 13, 2014
    • May 6, 2014 Why I’m a Lousy Gardener May 6, 2014
  • April 2014
    • Apr 29, 2014 Three Ways to Nurture your Inner Child Apr 29, 2014
    • Apr 21, 2014 One Commitment for Kindness Apr 21, 2014
    • Apr 16, 2014 The Moon under Water Apr 16, 2014
    • Apr 8, 2014 Three Great Low-Tech Fads Apr 8, 2014
    • Apr 1, 2014 Mojo Dragonfly: A Rare Breed Apr 1, 2014
  • March 2014
    • Mar 25, 2014 Finally Falafel in West Palm Beach Mar 25, 2014
    • Mar 18, 2014 Three Things I Learned from Donald Michael Kraig Mar 18, 2014
    • Mar 11, 2014 The Best Hair in Florida Mar 11, 2014
    • Mar 4, 2014 Awesome Breakfast in Tampa! Mar 4, 2014
  • February 2014
    • Feb 22, 2014 More Lessons from the Garden Feb 22, 2014
    • Feb 16, 2014 A Mean Meme Feb 16, 2014
    • Feb 11, 2014 The Best Breakfast in Boynton Beach Feb 11, 2014
    • Feb 2, 2014 Equal Pay for Equal Work is a Terrifying Notion Feb 2, 2014
  • January 2014
    • Jan 28, 2014 Memories of Pete Seeger Jan 28, 2014
    • Jan 21, 2014 Fuzzy Cloak Weather Jan 21, 2014
    • Jan 8, 2014 A Grammar Cop Turns in her Badge Jan 8, 2014
    • Jan 1, 2014 Every Year the Nations on Earth do Magick Together Jan 1, 2014
  • December 2013
    • Dec 31, 2013 Nick's on the Hollywood Broadwalk Dec 31, 2013
    • Dec 19, 2013 Everyday Miracles Dec 19, 2013
    • Dec 15, 2013 What Marianne Williamson Might Mean for us Dec 15, 2013
    • Dec 10, 2013 Seven Rules for Personal Happiness Dec 10, 2013
    • Dec 3, 2013 Bow Ties are Cool Dec 3, 2013
  • November 2013
    • Nov 26, 2013 Gratitude for Five Awesome Modern Things Nov 26, 2013
    • Nov 16, 2013 Holiday Warmth in Florida Nov 16, 2013
    • Nov 7, 2013 Word Choice Matters Nov 7, 2013
    • Nov 5, 2013 Rethinking the Good Old Days Nov 5, 2013
  • October 2013
    • Oct 29, 2013 A Great New Mexican Restaurant in Wellington Oct 29, 2013
    • Oct 22, 2013 Accountability Oct 22, 2013
    • Oct 13, 2013 As Above, So Below - Even in the Workplace Oct 13, 2013
    • Oct 7, 2013 Mean People Oct 7, 2013
  • September 2013
    • Sep 29, 2013 Be Kind to the Animals Sep 29, 2013
    • Sep 23, 2013 My Favorite Restaurant in Orlando: Whole Foods Sep 23, 2013
    • Sep 14, 2013 The Crystal Controversy Sep 14, 2013
    • Sep 4, 2013 The One who got Away Sep 4, 2013
  • August 2013
    • Aug 31, 2013 Why you are a Magnet for Narcissistic Men and What you Can Do About it Aug 31, 2013
    • Aug 22, 2013 Three Interesting Trends in Modern Music Aug 22, 2013
    • Aug 19, 2013 Lucky Jack’s a Lucky Find Aug 19, 2013
    • Aug 9, 2013 A Special Plant Aug 9, 2013
    • Aug 6, 2013 Jerry Week Aug 6, 2013
  • July 2013
    • Jul 25, 2013 My Accidental Garden Jul 25, 2013
    • Jul 18, 2013 True, Kind and Necessary Jul 18, 2013
    • Jul 13, 2013 Seven Steps to Help You Hear Your Calling Jul 13, 2013
    • Jul 4, 2013 Seven Reasons to Wave the Flag this Week Jul 4, 2013
  • June 2013
    • Jun 30, 2013 True Love Beats the Mythical Soul Mate Every Time Jun 30, 2013
    • Jun 23, 2013 Food and Attitude: The Missed Opportunities of Paula Deen Jun 23, 2013
    • Jun 17, 2013 The Cultural Value of Star Trek Jun 17, 2013
    • Jun 10, 2013 Lessons from the Garden Jun 10, 2013
    • Jun 3, 2013 The Hero Jun 3, 2013
  • May 2013
    • May 28, 2013 Hear Without Fear May 28, 2013
    • May 21, 2013 Making a Case for Good Manners May 21, 2013
    • May 14, 2013 Skipper’s Smokehouse May 14, 2013
    • May 7, 2013 Discovering the West Coast of Florida May 7, 2013
  • April 2013
    • Apr 30, 2013 No Fries with That Apr 30, 2013
    • Apr 18, 2013 The End of Eureka Apr 18, 2013
    • Apr 16, 2013 An Exercise in Compassion Apr 16, 2013
    • Apr 8, 2013 The Power of a Word Apr 8, 2013
  • March 2013
    • Mar 31, 2013 Le Petit Cafe of Dania Beach Mar 31, 2013
    • Mar 27, 2013 Movie Review: Olympus has Fallen Mar 27, 2013
    • Mar 16, 2013 Shock Value Mar 16, 2013
    • Mar 11, 2013 EatPeruvian Restaurant: Some Things are Worth the Wait Mar 11, 2013
    • Mar 3, 2013 Dark Star Orchestra at Revolution Hall Mar 3, 2013
  • February 2013
    • Feb 25, 2013 Cookbook with a Cause: a Review of Recipes to Remember by Barbara Magro Feb 25, 2013
    • Feb 18, 2013 Cha Cha Japanese Café - A Hidden Treasure Feb 18, 2013
    • Feb 11, 2013 Elementing Feb 11, 2013
    • Feb 5, 2013 Why I love Beyonce Feb 5, 2013
  • January 2013
    • Jan 29, 2013 Hop Won Dinner Club Jan 29, 2013
    • Jan 22, 2013 The Difference Between Helping and Hurting Jan 22, 2013
    • Jan 9, 2013 The Tarot Certification Quandary Jan 9, 2013
    • Jan 4, 2013 Metaphysical Footwear from Juil - A Shoe Review Jan 4, 2013
  • December 2012
    • Dec 27, 2012 Time and Tradition Dec 27, 2012
    • Dec 15, 2012 Our Holiday Symbols Could Unite Us Dec 15, 2012
    • Dec 9, 2012 We are Horrible People Dec 9, 2012
  • November 2012
    • Nov 30, 2012 Earthing Nov 30, 2012
    • Nov 27, 2012 When Fiction Invades our Language Nov 27, 2012
    • Nov 20, 2012 Governor Christie on SNL - Laughter, Hope and Sanity Nov 20, 2012
    • Nov 11, 2012 Stupid isn't Cute Nov 11, 2012
    • Nov 6, 2012 Great Hibachi at Japan Inn Nov 6, 2012
  • October 2012
    • Oct 29, 2012 The Spiritual Imperative for Compromise Oct 29, 2012
    • Oct 22, 2012 More About the Dumbing Down of America Oct 22, 2012
    • Oct 13, 2012 When in Doubt, Dance Oct 13, 2012
    • Oct 3, 2012 Where we Find Higher Power Oct 3, 2012
  • September 2012
    • Sep 25, 2012 Fifty Shades of Judgment Sep 25, 2012
    • Sep 13, 2012 What Would Happen If...? Sep 13, 2012
    • Sep 7, 2012 A Terrible Time Machine Sep 7, 2012
  • August 2012
    • Aug 23, 2012 The Problem with Nostalgia Aug 23, 2012
    • Aug 14, 2012 Positive Affirmations - They Don't Always Work Aug 14, 2012
    • Aug 4, 2012 Sometimes it is Good to be in Hot Water Aug 4, 2012
  • July 2012
    • Jul 8, 2012 Seven Difficult Steps Toward Unity Jul 8, 2012
  • June 2012
    • Jun 28, 2012 A Delicious Taste of India Jun 28, 2012
  • May 2012
    • May 31, 2012 Sweet Ginger Not Sweet Enough May 31, 2012
    • May 25, 2012 Believe in Music May 25, 2012
    • May 5, 2012 The Magicians: A Review of Two Great Novels May 5, 2012
  • April 2012
    • Apr 22, 2012 Grease is the Word Apr 22, 2012
    • Apr 13, 2012 South Florida Fashion Decoded Apr 13, 2012
    • Apr 4, 2012 Asian Explosion on Clematis Street Apr 4, 2012
  • March 2012
    • Mar 20, 2012 Prayers Mar 20, 2012
    • Mar 16, 2012 Reef Road Rum Bar: The Flavor of South Florida Mar 16, 2012
  • February 2012
    • Feb 27, 2012 What I’m Watching This Season Feb 27, 2012
    • Feb 21, 2012 A Fun Time at the Wine Dive Feb 21, 2012
    • Feb 8, 2012 But I Don’t Feel Miserable Feb 8, 2012
  • January 2012
    • Jan 23, 2012 Dining Downtown- Grimaldi’s a Winner, Luna Lounge a Loser Jan 23, 2012
    • Jan 20, 2012 The Worst of the Purse Jan 20, 2012
  • December 2011
    • Dec 3, 2011 Festival of Awesomeness (I mean Festival of Chocolate) Dec 3, 2011
  • November 2011
    • Nov 15, 2011 The Rum Diary Nov 15, 2011
  • October 2011
    • Oct 11, 2011 Occupied Oct 11, 2011
  • September 2011
    • Sep 28, 2011 Purple Pianos, Unicorns and Killer Hot Tubs - A New TV Season Has Begun Sep 28, 2011
    • Sep 16, 2011 The Redemption of Charlie Sheen? Sep 16, 2011
  • August 2011
    • Aug 15, 2011 Five Simple Things to Know about Dating Aug 15, 2011
    • Aug 10, 2011 Updates Applied Aug 10, 2011
  • June 2011
    • Jun 15, 2011 The Glee Project! Jun 15, 2011
    • Jun 8, 2011 Where’s Seth When You Need Him? Jun 8, 2011
    • Jun 5, 2011 Cheap Eats in West Palm Beach Jun 5, 2011
  • May 2011
    • May 29, 2011 Glee's New York Season Finale May 29, 2011
    • May 25, 2011 Meetup.com: One Website That Could Change Your Life May 25, 2011
    • May 24, 2011 Eighteen Steps to Better Radio: How to Be Amazing on Internet Broadcasts May 24, 2011
    • May 23, 2011 JT+SNL=LOL May 23, 2011
    • May 20, 2011 A Little Tenderness: Glee’s Funeral Episode May 20, 2011
    • May 16, 2011 Paul Simon, Chris Colfer and Lindsey Buckingham Kill on SNL May 16, 2011
    • May 12, 2011 Prom Trauma: The Glee Prom Episode May 12, 2011
    • May 9, 2011 Mariah’s Babies Get Names, and a Psychic Reading From Christiana! May 9, 2011
    • May 5, 2011 Glee’s Sleaze: My Take on the "Rumours" Episode May 5, 2011
    • May 1, 2011 Welcome to the Dark Forest May 1, 2011

772-353-4657 Palm City
813-948-4488 Tampa
561-655-1160 Palm Beach (Call or Text)
Toll Free: 866-998-2768 (866-99TAROT)

Powered by Squarespace

Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - History - Office Location - Help Desk

Website Design and Maintenance by John Gaudet.