Bob at Canadian Comment has a post called But Seals are Cute. I don’t have more to add on the issue of celebrity endorsements of the anti-seal hunt organizations but his post struck a chord with me.
Let me get my bona fides out, front and centre. I once had a seal coat. It was the best coat I ever owned. I bought it second-hand at a church rummage sale in Holtville, New Brunswick for $2 in 1981. It was 35 years old when I bought it and it lasted another 5 years before the pelts eventually dried up so badly that the coat was splitting beyond repair. The only downside to owning a seal coat is that seal coats are heavy but unlike the high end rodent furs such as minks, seal coats do not have to be babied. Seal coats can be worn in the freezing rain and you will stay warm and dry without damaging the fur. Furthermore, seal coats do not shed like the dog furs of coyote or wolf do.
I tried to replace my seal coat with another seal but by that time the anti-seal/fur fanatics had so ruined the market that even the wholesale furriers on Spadina Avenue were no longer purchasing any furs but farm fur coats. Hence, I had to settle for mink instead. Say what you will, and I have worn all the alternatives to furs coats; down-filled, wool, the new synthetics like polar fleece but nothing, and I do mean nothing, suits the Canadian climate as well as fur. Nothing will keep you warm like a fur coat in -30C or colder than a fur. It also does not require over a 100 plus years for a fur coat to biodegrade back into the environment unlike a coat made with a synthetic shell.
My grandfather was a fur trapper. He raised five children by trapping and working as a wood’s guide. He trapped my grandmother a bear coat that saw her through more winters than I have lived. After my grandmother died, my mother and my Auntie’s took my Grandmother’s bear coat and had it made into 5 teddy bears. In that way my grandfather’s labour of love was shared equally between his daughters.
I have a grey tabby cat named Rogue and I really like this cat, but he owes his existence in my home and my life because of his mousing abilities. If he had no mousing ability I would not live with a cat. The downside of living in a 19th century townhouse is the rodents have too many ways in and places to nest. When the pest control specialist advises that the only way to keep the rodent population under control is to either demolition the building and start again or get a cat; one gets a cat.
I had a Shetland Sheepdog named Mistress. Not only did Mistress protect me and guard my property, she also herded the children when we were out. No child could step more than a few feet away before Missie herded the child back to me with either a nip at the pant bottoms or a pull on the pampers. Furthermore, Missie did not like fighting. Fight in front of Mistress and she would drag you down and bark in your face.
I have eaten beef, deer and moose on occasion. I have killed and plucked chickens. I have caught and gutted fish. I wear leather shoes and have leather clothes. I have marveled at the majesty of a bull moose, respected the power of bear, and the feral beauty of a wolf. I have cared for all my pets and I made sure that their physical needs were met before my own. I am grateful for the bounty and variety the Lord has provided but at the same time I will not place an animal on equal par with the value of a human life. It is time that we all take a deep breath and realize that Bambi exists only in the realm of make believe.
6 comments:
Mother of many for sure! You sure sound like mine.
kateland, you are awesome.
Trapping is a way of life for many in Canada, and without it there probably wouldn't be a country.
Hey Darcey. I seem to be running into you quite a bit lately. Trust me, I'm not stalking you!
This is a really great post. I am sorry that you have to defend yourself from fair-weather activists continue to eat meat and who only have to look down to find the leather on their Nikes. I like in Kansas where the deer population causes thousands of car accidents a year. I have had 12+ at one time in my urban front yard. We cull them out every year via our hunting season. Too bad deerskin isn't as hot a commodity as it used to be. Much of it now ends up in dumpsters. I like meat. I like skin. Hell, I even like the skulls! There is no shame in the use of animals products and protein. Its all most early Americans had. I appreaciate very much your story, especially the bear coat. Thanks again.
I think the bear skin story really sums up the whole issue for me. There once was a mindset, reared in respect for the art and craft of living with animals, that has been overwhelmed by industry, profit and vanity. Hunt, fish, trap, use - but, above all, respect the life you take and where it came from. If, as you say, this is a gift from the Lord, it should be treasured, indeed.
Wake up you stupid bitch, nothing keeps you warmer or drier than a seal coat? why not just wear a few more layers of clothing. OOH, fur seal coats GIVE back to the environment because they are biodegradable????? God your stupid, do you realize we’re killing animals??
Is your comfort and style really worth the life of innocent animals? Yes, you've had pets that you've loved and who have loved you in return, a mutual relationship, and ok, I admit trapping is a great tradition, but that was when you had very limited choices However, how does either of these points have to do with INDUSTRIALLY breeding and killing seals for clothing?? In this modern age there are many other alternatives. Yes, we do kill cows and chicken, but that is for food, don’t you find killing animals just for clothing wasteful?
Finally, you say 'I will not place an animal on equal par with the value of human life', Has your life ever been threatened by a seal?? Are you risking your life for a seal? Animals never have been on equal par with humans. Thank god the fur seal business is ruined and sick people like you can’t buy fur seal coats and flaunt them like your special.
Hi,
If anyone would like to purchase a seal cape, please let me know.
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