Responsibility for Animals: Become Animals' Best Friend!

A special encounter in the Bernblütenhain

Glanzhoch is a special time in the Neflental. The sun shines golden over the landscape. Its light glimmers on the rivers and makes the small lakes sparkle like embers. On the banks sit children, parents, and friends, all wearing colourful clothes. They laugh, sing songs around the campfire, and watch lanterns that rise silently into the sky. Everything feels light and a sweet scent of honey and summer rain hangs in the air. It comes from the Bernblütenhain.

Animal worries during the highlight wedding

On a warm afternoon, Rosa Immergrün is walking through the Bernblütenhain. The golden-yellow blossoms sway gently in the wind. Bees hum everywhere and colourful butterflies flutter through the air. Suddenly, Rosa hears a soft squeaking from the bush. Who might need help there?

Curiosity gets the better of Rosa as she wanders between the flowers. In the tall grass, two little baby hares tremble. They press themselves nervously against each other and stare at Rosa with wide eyes. There's more besides: bird calls shriek nearby, as if the animals are agitated. Rosa looks around and notices that small animals are scurrying about excitedly throughout the grove. Some birds are searching for food, while other squirrels have retreated into the golden bushes.

Taking responsibility and helping

Rosa immediately notices: the animals are worried. Perhaps people have carelessly left their picnic leftovers behind. Or music that is too loud and cheerful jumping frightens the young bunny kits and other inhabitants of the grove. Rosa feels that animals need friends who think of them and look out for them.

Rosa is talking with some other children who are busy weaving colourful flower crowns. Together, they think about how they can help the animals. They carefully collect rubbish so that no animal is put in danger. Where dogs are playing, they ask the owners to leash their pets and keep them quietly by the shore. Rosa hands out small cards with pictures: these show smiling children observing animals, but not disturbing them. Everyone listens and enthusiastically joins in.

A celebration for everyone – for the animals too

In the evening, everyone is amazed. The Bernblossom Grove looks even more beautiful now. There's a gentle rustling in the grass. The baby rabbits sit under a golden blossom, contentedly nibbling on a leaf. Birds also return and chirp happily. The squirrels dare to return to their favourite tree. The animals feel safe because the children are mindful and show responsibility. They leave enough space in the grove and even share some berries with their little friends.

Rosa and the children build extra small shelters from leaves and branches. This gives the animals protection when many people are around. They make sure to be quiet and friendly towards the animals. In doing so, they sense how wonderful it is to be a friend to animals. Responsibility means looking at the world with open eyes and heart. And being strong together when someone needs help.

As the sun disappears behind the Dragon's Tooth Mountains, fireflies dance on the water in the amber light. Rosa watches the lanterns drift by and thinks: "We can be best friends with animals if we are considerate of them. This way, the Neflental will always remain a happy, safe place for everyone – for people and animals alike.".

What do we learn from this?

Every animal in the Neflental deserves a home that is safe and friendly. We are all part of this colourful world. If we are mindful, pick up litter, and stay quiet, we help our animal friends. This is how we become loyal companions to the animals. And the loveliest thing is: Even the smallest deed can show a big heart.

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