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- Help! Got gifted 'Trainer for a day at the Mirage'
Help! Got gifted 'Trainer for a day at the Mirage'
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by Michie
on December 25, 2012
Dearest Kind Lifers,
Help! I love my parents so much but don't quite know how to deal with this situation. They decided to give my brother and I a trip to Vegas for Christmas(amazing) that included the "Trainer for a day" experience with the dolphins at the Mirage. My mother participated in this earlier this year and loved it so they decided they wanted to give this experience to my brother and myself. They know that I am an animal activist and how I feel about about zoos, animal confinement etc but went ahead and bought the package anyway feeling that the dolphins are treated wonderfully and are beyond excited for my brother and I to do this together.
What do I do?! It is bought and paid for and everyone is pumped. Do I suck it up and try to enjoy the experience or lovingly take a stand for my position and deeply upset my family?
Oh wow. Thays a delema. What does your bro think about it? Maybe think of it this way... The dolphins are already confined and i know you feel like you want to take a stand for them but i'm sure the dolphins enjoy getting to meet and play with new people. They're social animalsand those dolphins life will be spent with people. Kinda like if you have a dog or a cat. Instead of being in the wild with other dogs or cats they're life is with people. So you playing with them for a day is a new experience and enjoyment for them also. I do understand your position i really do but getting to interact with you and your bro might me the only enjoyment the dolphins get that day.
Thank you so much for your response Alexia. It is a beautiful thing to have a community of like minded people to reach out to. I tried to see things from both sides as well and relax into the experience. I considered that it won't make a major difference in the grand scheme of things and maybe it's not that bad and could be fun. However the more I sat with it and looked into the habitat the more uncomfortable I became. I felt torn between standing in my truth and disappointing my family. Ultimately I decided to talk to my parents about it. Unfortunately I got more emotional than I hoped since I don't like disappointing people but I had to stand up for what I believe in and in the end they were definitely disappointed and don't agree with my stance but are willing to accept it. But the best part is that since it is still a few months away my Dad will be able to get a full refund!
Thanks again for being a compassionate voice when I needed some advice Alexia! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
your very welcome. I understand having to stand up to your fam about what you beleive in. I've been vegan for only 9 months but a vegetarian for 5 yrs and i got a comment from a fam member just yesterday " i've got tamales are you eating meat today?" i was floored i don't have slip ups on meat. It just felt disrespectful like you think i changed my mind today about about everything i been doing for 5 yrs. I'm glad it all worked out for you and your parents were able to get there money back.
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