Friday, March 18, 2022 Hi, can I ask a favor? We need to help educate people that helium balloons released into the air can cause a multitude of problems when they end up falling onto a farm with animals. They seem like fun and harmless decorations at birthdays, graduation parties, and other events. However, once balloons become loose or are released in memory of someone, they can pose a serious threat to animals. Animals can become entangled in balloon strings, which can injure or even strangle them. Some animals may even mistake balloons for food, causing them to choke to death. Once ingested, balloon remnants may also block the digestive tracts of animals, leaving them unable to receive nutrients or unable to eat. The animal slowly starves to death. Baby animals, just like little kids, are curious about new things in their environment. After a while, their curiosity will get the best of them, and they will try to taste it. But unlike a little human, when it gets stuck in their mouth, they can’t pull it out. The more they panic and try to breathe, the more it gets sucked into their mouths and throats. There is not a happy ending.
So help me let people know there are better ways to celebrate that won’t end up causing harm to animals. Release butterflies. Plant a memory tree. Create a special place you can go to visit and remember a lost loved one. Thanks for the help and have a wonderful Friday.
Photo of the Day: Found in the girls pasture this week. Juno had it in her mouth, luckily she dropped it before trying to eat it and before the alpacas found it. 
Lana
Great message. I cringe every time I see balloons released on television. The people doing it think it has a serious meaning, and maybe it does to them, but it can have horrible repercussions. Thanks for the reminder and I’m glad Juno dropped it. Smart girl.
Linda
Thanks Lana. I’m sure people who release these balloons mean no harm, but they need to know how harmful it can really be. Even house pets might try to ingest one if it landed in their yard.
Sunny
Oh my goodness!! If you share you blog on Facebook I will share it to my feed, if that’s ok.
Linda
Good idea Sunny. I’m trying to avoid Facebook as much as possible these days, but this is one post I should share. Done!
Gigi Caito
I wholeheartedly agree Linda. Like Lana, I cringe every time I see a balloon release. I have tried to educate people about this problem for animals and children alike. Glad Juno dropped it.
Linda
Thanks Gigi!
Linda
Juno was doing h/ job by bringing it to your attention.
Amazing animals
Linda
Thanks Linda. That might be the case! I’m just glad she didn’t try to eat it.
jill jackson
WELL SAID LINDA!
Linda
Thanks Jill!
Pam
I live in a rural area 25 miles from the closest town and find these balloons when I hike. They can travel great distances and last for a VERY long time, presenting an opportunity to kill wild animals and pets of hikers. PLEASE stop using these, balloons, people!!!
Linda
Thanks for your comment Pam.