May 4 was International Respect for Chickens Day
But we're not too late to help, because the entire month of May is International Respect for Chickens Month.  Karen Davis of United Poultry Concerns (www.upc-online.org) has many ideas on the website for actions to take as well as posters and brochures you can use.
 
The brave little chicken
A man who had a group of chickens in his back yard described a most amazing event.  When a hawk flew over the yard casting his ominous shadow, all the chickens ran for the safety of their house—except for one little hen.  Her tiny babies were out in the yard with her and could not run fast enough.  Instead of leaving them, she spread her wings over them to hide them from the hawk.  The bird swooped down and clawed her in the back but flew away when he couldn't get a grip on her.  The man ran out expecting the worst.  Thankfully, her wounds were not deep, and she and her babies survived.  This gentleman said that, after seeing that courageous act, he would always consider it a compliment if someone called him "chicken."
 
Prayer for the week
It is with tears of both joy and mourning that we honor the chickens of the world this week.  Their suffering at human hands is immeasurable.  Nearly every baby boy is killed upon hatching, and nearly every mother will never see her babies or shelter them under her wings.  This week let us shelter all of them beneath the wings of our prayers and thoughts.  Dear chickens of earth, we reach out to you with our love.  We long to gather you all into our arms and protect you from harm.  We do what we can to teach others to see who you really are, to honor you, and to be grateful for our kinship with you.  We hold the unwavering vision—with you—of the coming time when all people love you as we do and you are forever free to raise your children, be with your friends and live in peace and joy.
 
Thanks to all of you, compassion is encircling the earth for all beings.  Thank you for your devotion to truth, love, liberation and peace for all beings.

With Love, peace, and gratitude from Judy, and also Will, Madeleine, Tara and the Circle of Compassion team


If you haven't already done so, please join us at the Prayer Circle for Animals facebook page. You can share ideas and prayer requests there.  I will post these updates on the Facebook so that you can share them if you wish.  Thank you.

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