When I say "for everyone," I mean for my animal neighbors as well. In addition to the family of squirrels that live in the house across the way, the trees and grounds that surround the complex where I live are filled with other squirrels, birds of all kinds, and even tiny chipmunks who have mastered the art of avoiding the many cars and trucks that pull in and out of our parking lot. They are some of the fastest and bravest little creatures I've ever seen! Anyway, I decided that they were as deserving of a Thanksgiving feast as anyone else, and this year I would not let them have to participate in their daily game of dumpster diving to get it. So I saved up all of my scraps from cooking, like apple peels and cores, spinach, kale, and carrot tops, and added one bag of peanuts and another of pumpkin seeds. I spread the fest on the divider wall that runs behind the dumpsters where I was sure they would find it. To say that the poor things must have been quite hungry was an understatement. When I returned home from my daughter's house where we celebrated our own feast, there wasn't anything left except the shells from the seeds they tore open. They even ate the kale! I was so happy knowing that not only did they have a fine meal, but, knowing the behavior of my little neighbors, there was a hefty stash of food hidden nearby for the cold days of winter ahead. I have continued putting out scraps as well as nuts and seeds every few days and intend to keep it going through the winter.
Giving the animals a Thanksgiving feast of their own was my way to show my gratitude for the endless hours of entertainment they have given me, and the lessons I've learned about home, family, and survival from them as well. I am always reminded that their ancestors were here first ... we are the invaders. The trees that provided them with nuts and seeds were cut down to build houses and pave parking lots. No one, not even animals, should have to "dumpster dive" to survive. We took away their livelihoods, so it's time we gave back to them for all they sacrificed for us.
So the next time you have fruit and veggie scraps for cooking, or have some nuts and seeds laying around, why not share them with your animal neighbors as a way to say thank you? It will not only make their day, it will make yours as well.
And so it is.
