Before we get to planning for creatures, here’s a quick recap.
The virtue of friendship relates to the development of excellence in relationships. Last time I suggested a friendship is a mutually beneficial, trusting relationship that develops over a period of time.
I also suggested that while some friends are more special than others, we should give equal consideration to all.
The friendship matrix in shown below.
| Virtue | Sub-Project | Explanation |
| Friendship I trust and treat other beings as well as I want to be treated. | creatures | Establishing a safe and fun space for my dogs that includes safe haven for native creatures |
| DB | Maintaining and improving relationship with significant other | |
| friends | Maintaining and improving relationships international and e- friends, making new friends, especially local. | |
| family | Managing and constraining relationships with family. | |
| contribution | Giving something back to the community and the planet. |
And now we get to planning for creatures!
In my daily life, I come across two kinds of creatures.
my dogs
You already know I have companion animals in the form of two Labradors. As I mentioned last time, I believe we give each other pleasure. I give them food and they give me protection, amusement and an early morning wake-up call.
If I was a true friend to them, I would provide appropriate care that met their specific species needs. That suggests an appropriate diet, weight control and exercise. It sounds a lot like my list for taking care of my own body. Plus cuddles.
My vet would add annual vaccinations, worm and flea treatments, and the odd chewy thing for their teeth. I need to find out some more specifics, but it’s a place to start.
“wild” creatures
We share our little piece of Australia with a range of birds, mammals and reptiles. I supplement their food in winter, and they give me pleasure, and control the local insect population.
They all have their own particular needs. They’re all native to this region, so to an extent, all I need to do is to replant flora native to the area. This will feed the local nectar eating birds, and attract native bugs to feed the carnivorous birds and lizards. Give them some protection from my pals and the next door neighbour’s cat. A bit of water. Provide some sort of competitive advantage over non-native species in the area.
Bees
Coming from English stock, we have a tradition of telling the bees when important things happen; possibly as they’re rumoured to link the “real” worls and the afterlife. And if you don’t keep them up to date on the gossip, you risk tragedy as well as the loss of the hive.
Bees are very particular about where they set up home, so I was quite flattered when they moved into a birdhouse on the deck in a few years ago. Sadly we had to have it professionally relocated as it was too close to the dog’s space (and the door). But, I’d like to set up space for them too.
So, moving forward, the goals for befriending creatures are all about finding our what they need and then providing it. And then enjoying their time with me – or mine with them seeing as so many of them have long lifespans – this Spring’s young cockatoos will probably outlive meI feel like it’s a pretty poor excuse for a plan – what are your thoughts? I mean I don’t think I can really do anything until I know what it is I need to do. But I think I have to put a time limit on the research or it will never end. Perhaps one species at a time.
Next time I’ll be looking at human friendships.
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