## **A Deepening Bond**

As the days passed, Emery’s bond with Pebble deepened. She would sit by the enclosure, watching the chick with a mixture of awe and protectiveness. Her classmates noticed the special connection between the two. While others played and chatted, Emery remained focused on Pebble, ensuring it had everything it needed.

The day arrived when the chicks were to be collected and returned to the farm. The classroom buzzed with activity as students said their goodbyes. Some cried a little; others seemed indifferent. But Emery stood by that empty enclosure in total silence. No tears, just a fierce, quiet ache that spoke volumes.

That night, she couldn’t eat dinner. She couldn’t sleep. “She’s mine,” she whispered into the dark. “I kept her safe. I told her she was home.”

## **A Mother’s Dilemma**

As a parent, I understood the importance of teaching my child about responsibility and the natural order of things. I knew that the hatch-and-release program was designed with good intentions. But seeing Emery’s distress, I couldn’t help but question the ethics of the project. Was it right to introduce children to animals only to take them away after such a short time?

I emailed the school, hoping there might be a loophole, a way to allow Emery to keep Pebble. The response was swift and firm—there were no exceptions. The farm was already scheduled for pickup, and the chicks would be collected the next morning.

## **A Bold Decision**

Determined to honor her bond with Pebble, Emery and I made a plan. The next morning, before the sun had fully risen, we got in the car. Emery clutched a folded-up drawing of Pebble she had made to “help them know who she is.” We drove to the school, arriving just as the farmer’s truck pulled into the parking lot.

As the farmer stepped out with a clipboard in one hand and a crate in the other, Emery ran toward him, eyes wide, clutching the picture like it was a passport. She didn’t say a word—just held it out.

The farmer paused. He looked down at the drawing, then at me, and then back at Emery. After a long moment, he spoke.

## **The Farmer’s Response**

“Well,” he said slowly, “I wasn’t expecting this.” He knelt down to Emery’s level, studying her earnest face. “You really care about this little one, don’t you?”

Emery nodded solemnly, her grip tightening on the drawing.

The farmer sighed, a deep, resigned sound. “Alright,” he said, “I’ll make an exception this time. But you need to understand that raising a chicken is a big responsibility. It’s not just about feeding her; it’s about providing a safe, healthy environment for her to live in.”

Emery’s face lit up with gratitude. “I will,” she promised, her voice steady and sincere.

## **A New Beginning**

With the farmer’s reluctant approval, we took Pebble home that day. We prepared a special place in our backyard, a cozy coop with plenty of space for her to roam and scratch. Emery took to her new role as Pebble’s caretaker with dedication. She researched the best foods, cleaned the coop regularly, and spent hours talking to Pebble, sharing her day and listening to the soft clucks in response.

Over time, Pebble grew strong and healthy. She became a beloved member of our family, her presence a constant reminder of the bond between a child and the animal she saved.

## **Lessons Learned**

This experience taught me valuable lessons about empathy, responsibility, and the importance of listening to our children’s feelings. While educational programs like the hatch-and-release initiative have their merits, they also raise important ethical questions. Are we teaching children to view animals as disposable, or are we instilling in them a sense of stewardship and compassion?

In our case, allowing Emery to keep Pebble was not just about fulfilling a child’s wish; it was about recognizing the depth of her connection to another living being and supporting her in honoring that bond.

## **A Lasting Impact**

Years have passed since that pivotal day, but the lessons learned continue to resonate. Emery has grown into a compassionate young adult with a deep respect for all living creatures. She volunteers at local animal shelters, advocates for ethical treatment of animals, and dreams of becoming a veterinarian.

Pebble, now a proud hen, still roams our backyard, a testament to the power of a child’s love and determination. Her story serves as a reminder that sometimes, the smallest voices can make the biggest impact.

—

Would you like this story formatted as a printable version, or perhaps shared in blog or social media format? Let me know—I’d be glad to help.