Dead Rabbit Profile

To me, this photograph, and the entire folder makes a strong and graphic statement regarding the harshness of the universe in which we live and die, and the casual indifference man displays to the suffering of animals. We run them over because they had the misfortune to get in our way as we are going somewhere. We kill them for no reason or for 'sport.' Our destination or our whim is more important than their lives. We kick them to the side like rubbish, and they lie there in the sun decaying.

Two mornings ago, I came across a baby deer on the interstate whose back legs had been broken off by being run over with a vehicle. It was crying and struggling to stand while its mother and sibling stood by the roadway as cars veered to go around the spectacle, not even slowing down. I pulled off and backed up the shoulder. When traffic waned, I pulled the baby from the road. Its mother and sibling had gone when I stopped. I knew the most humane thing for the baby would be for it to be killed quickly, but I didn't have anything available to do it with, so I stood there by the road and waited for a state trooper to come by (about twenty minutes) and flagged him down. He pulled in front of my car. I walked up to his window, showed my i.d., and explained what the situation was. Another trooper arrived in seconds, boxing me in (I know they have to be careful), and, keeping my hands where they could be seen, I also explained to him why I had flagged them down. The second trooper evaluated the deer, said it needed to be shot, and asked me if I was squeemish about such things. I replied, "No," even though seeing animals suffer bothers me tremendously these days. He then drew his pistol and shot the fawn. I thanked him, asked him if they needed anything from me, to which he replied, "No," and I got in my car and drove home. Despite the logical knowledge that the correct thing had been done, I had tears in my eyes from this event. I have been tempted to try and photograph such things to convey the moral, philosophical, and emotional aspects they represent, but have not attempted to do so believing I may not be able to achive such a lofty goal, and just be deemed a 'sicko' instead.

This is what your photograph evokes from me. You have some very impressive educational credentials. I hope I didn't grossly misinterpret your work.

-Steve