Friday, November 15, 2013

Steve Irwin Day! Crikey!

"My job, my mission, the reason I've been put onto this planet, is to save wildlife. And I thank you for comin' with me. Yeah, let's get 'em!"
~Steve Irwin~

For those who are big fans, it's Steve Irwin Day! This is a day to remember the Crocodile Hunter, the man behind the khaki shorts, the Australian accent and the catchphrase "Crikey!" But, that's not why he was "The Crocodile Hunter." He was known for wildlife conservation. He was the Prince of the Jungle and the Leader of the Wildlife Warriors. I include myself as a wildlife warrior because of my passion for nature. His dream will live on!

Since I was a baby, I've been fascinated with animals. That's me and Oliver when we were just little infants. He was such a cutie!

At 2 years of age, I really loved horses. On a Sunday afternoon, I went outside and climbed onto the horse using the trampoline. Without a bridle or saddle, I rode on the family horse. Luckily, I wasn't in any harm. Dad stayed with me though to be safe.

Oliver and me when I was just four or five years old in this picture. He sure loved giving kisses. I liked that a lot.

Holding a cat at great-Grandma Elma's house in '98. Cats are my favorite animals because they are cute and cuddly, but they can give us hard times when they're not in happy moods.

On a family vacation in CancĂșn, I was busy watching the chicks hatch from their eggs while we were waiting for our tour to start.


I also got to see spiders in the water. Or I saw something that looked like a spider. Probably a starfish. Who knows???? I looked like a zoologist, didn't I?

Me and Precious before I went to a friend's birthday party. She was a great dog to be in our family. Always protected us like a loyal guard dog. I loved playing with her a lot growing up. I used to come and hang out in her dog house with her. She and I were best friends.

I was excited to go to SeaWorld with my family at seven years old. I was thrilled to see the orcas in real life, which have been my favorite marine animals since I watched the "Free Willy" movies. At the Shamu tank, there was a baby orca that followed me around. He sure liked me! That made my day even more special.

When our sharpei, Neddy, gave birth to her first batch of puppies in '06, I was happy to learn how to take care of them, even though it was a big responsibility. I learned a lot!

When I went back to SeaWorld in my 12th year, I got to feed the dolphins, which I hadn't done in a long time. In addition to that amazing encounter, I got to know what dolphin skin feels like. They're very rubbery and silky. It was awesome!

Since I was 12, Dad would take his 'angels' horse-back riding in the mountains. That's what I love to do in Mexico because I get exposed to nature more, and the views of the mountains and the lake are so beautiful and sights for sore eyes.

While living in California with Lexie and Grant before Ellie was born, I worked at the Rohnert Park Animal Shelter as a volunteer for two years. Had lots of experiences with the animals I helped care for. As a cat lover, I worked with the felines.


Lexie, Grant and I would also go to the beach to look for starfish on the weekends or holidays. It's always good to bring a few layers of jackets on the cold, rainy days.

This doesn't look very good, but I did this drawing a long time ago, recently after the Crocodile Hunter's passing.

It's been seven years since the tragic death of our hero, Steve Irwin, and it was something that shocked the world. Though he's gone, his family and friends are still moving forward by loving the animals and fighting against animal cruelty. Not only are they wildlife warriors, his fans and the other animal supporters are as well.

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