“We Failed Prince– The State Says Prince Cannot Have a New Mate”
“The Princess Express” by Israeli artist Kukula
I am sorry, Prince. We have failed you– and Princess, or any Princess, for that matter, will never be coming back.
Bill sent everyone a very disappointing email. The two senate committee heads decided that our swan bill, #6625, wouldn’t even make it out of committee for deliberation by the House. The bill was killed right there on the Senate Committee floor and we had no say in it.
Prince Comes Within a Couple Inches of My Camera to Say “Hello”
We contacted Senator Seaquist and he said he’ll sponsor our bill again next year. But, that’s another year of waiting, and it’s still no guarantee of a mate for Prince at the end of it.
Many have asked why we don’t just bring a swan on to the lake, and if anyone questions us, we just say it flew in.
Even if we wanted to do that, it would be very risky. If we were to illegally acquire a swan, we could be looking at up to 10 years in prison as well as a $5,000 fine.
It must be said that there are many FAR WORSE crimes than swan importation that carry lesser penalties and fines. In this respect, the law in WA State has some backwards elements.
Prince Takes Slices of Bread Off of My Dock
We have been working for over two years now, and this feels like a major set-back. But, what’s even more painful is that Prince is living a very solitary and lonely existence.
He’s 25 years old, and he may be one of the oldest Mute Swans ever to have lived. But, Prince is in excellent health and he’s very well-cared for by Glenda and myself. He still has a few years of life in his old bones.
Prince Swims Past My Rowboat Just After Sunset
When Princess was alive, the two swans always glided through the water, side by side. They were always there waiting for breakfast and dinner. You rarely saw one swan without the other– they were quite attached.
Every time I look out on the lake and see Prince aimlessly swimming around, my heart sinks. Knowing these are social animals that are hard-wired to live in pairs, I can’t image what he thinks as he glides along the lake every day alone.
It’s true that Glenda and I keep him company, and it’s true he loves us, but we can’t provide the companionship he needs. Even if I sat out there 24 hours a day with him, I am still a human, and though I am better than nothing, I am hardly a replacement for his own species.
And I am sure that he sorely misses Princess and he surely misses being part of a pair.
Prince Glides Off in the Darkness, Headed Toward His Bed of Reeds
Prince, I am sorry that we have failed you this time, but we will continue with pursuing a legal acquisition of a new friend for you. We are dedicated to this fact so that you won’t have to one day die all alone, on your soft bed of reeds.
But, Prince, always know that when that day comes, you will be able to come to me, just as Princess did. And I promise you won’t be alone, and that many warm blankets and a pair of arms will be waiting for you. We promise to take care of you until that day comes, and do everything in our power to make sure you spend your last years in happiness.
What a sad ending, or is there more to come? Why can’t there be something done. I would think maybe a local zoo could help? How terrible to think of this beautiful animal floating around all day alone!
Bikinimom,
It’s not over yet. I still have more to write about and see this as a temporary setback. But, as the Beatles say, “I get by with a little help from my friends,” and I think Prince needs some friends right now to lobby for him. I thought of some more things to do today for Prince that would make it so we don’t have to wait another year to get government attention again. I’ll keep writing! There’s more to come…
Sarah
That’s one of the most touching stories I have ever read in my life! I like Fashionable Housewife, but lately I’ve been visiting the site just to read the continuation of Prince’s story. I can’t believe that – how can somebody decide that has the right to take lives, even if that’s the life of a non-native species???What about us – the humans who destroy that planet every day and every minute???That’s just ridiculous, I am so pissed and I want to cry at the same time. I wish there were more people like you – Sarah Polyakov and your neighbor Glenda and then this world would be a better place. Just keep on…
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myvogue,
Thank you so much for your touching feedback to me. It’s readers like you that keep me keepin’ on. I am so happy that others find the Prince story as compelling as I find it. Of course, I’m living it, so I am biased. I was so afraid I would bore readers with this story of the lone swan. And thank you so much for recognizing that we need more people who have concern for the planet and animals. I have been active in environmental causes and animal rights causes ever since elementary school– and that’s a looong time for me who will come up on 40 soon. Time flies, but living in this beautiful world and being close to nature, good people, and animals, makes it all worth while. I just hope to leave this world a better place than I found it. That’s my hope and dream and I pray I inspire others to follow the good path of love for the planet and Peace too. Sarah
This is so sad. The Prince deserves a lot more. I’ve enjoyed this series so much; it has touched me in ways I didn’t imagine. I hope you continue writing about him.
All Women Stalker,
Thank you for your feedback on parts 12, 13 and now 14. I really appreciate to hear how much the story has touched you. That makes me happy.
But stay tuned for part 15, 16, 17, and 18 which will all be coming soon. Prince’s story isn’t done yet, so stay tuned!
Sarah