Greetings Mrs. Beck's 4th grade class! Its the end of your school year, and its almost time for you to have some summer fun. I thought I'd give you a quick update about how Winston and I have been doing since our last post to you.

Winston is getting more active now that it is late Spring, and he's getting hungry for more lettuce. I've grown to just longer than 5 feet. Chris keeps feeding me larger and larger rats, and I keep eating them (I eat two a month) I'm almost to the point where the pet store doesn't have rats large enough for me to eat, so soon, Chris will have to start feeding me small rabbits. I know, rabbits are cute, but these rabbits were grown special for me to eat, just like cows and pigs are grown special for you to have in burgers and pepperoni pizzas.

Before I let you go have your fun in the sun, and get ready to be 5th graders, there is one more important message I want to tell you.

No matter what size we are, no matter what shape, or color, it is really important for you to remember to respect all animals. Not only the cool looking ones (like Winston and I) and the animals that are meant to be pets like dogs and cats, but all animals deserve the dignity and respect of humans. Some of us even need your help to survive.

It is really important to remember that we eat, sleep, get happy, sad, and feel pain just like you do, even though we may not be able to show it.

The most important thing for you to remember above all else is this; animals are not evil, mean, or bloodthirsty, we are what nature has made us, wild. You should treat every animal with respect and caution, and if you ever meet one of us, or the friends in the pictures above and below...
... only handle us with the permission of an informed adult, somebody who is trained to handle and take care of us. As long as you can remember these important things when you go out into the world and meet us, maybe when you grow up, you too can earn the right and responsibility to be our caring friends. It all starts with respect.

Be good future 5th graders! Have fun this summer, and be safe!

Thanks,

Viktor, Winston, Deb and Chris