Question of the week: What Animal Would You Want to Be?
By Joshuah Albert
The Dalles OR. September 7, 2023- In a recent survey, we asked members of our community to share their whimsical choices if they could transform into an animal. The answers ranged from the playful to the imaginative, giving us a glimpse into the diverse dreams of our fellow residents.
Rachel
Rachel, with a twinkle in her eye, had a rather unexpected answer to the question. She expressed her desire to become a monkey. To many, this might seem like an odd choice, as monkeys are often seen as miniature, furry humans with elongated limbs. Rachel defended her choice, stating, "I love monkeys; they're active and exude happiness when they swing from trees. They are also naturally curious creatures who love to explore."
Deb, on the other hand, took a more fantastical route and selected a fictional creature—the legendary and elusive Unicorn. While this choice might push the boundaries of our question, Deb's reasoning was captivating. "Unicorns are both magical and majestic," she explained with a wistful smile. "I've adored them since I was a little girl."
Joseph, displaying a penchant for adventure, opted for the Arctic Tern. He remarked, "They travel the world, and that's something I've always wanted to do." Expanding on his choice, Joseph shared, "They hold the record for one of the longest bird migrations in the world." A quick fact-check confirmed his assertion, revealing that these medium-sized birds cover an astonishing 55,923 miles each year, journeying from Greenland in the North to the Weddell Sea in the South.
Delores, Gene, and Janet
Turning our attention to a trio of residents—Delores, Gean, and Janet—each offered unique and thoughtful selections.
Delores envisioned herself as a butterfly, citing their spiritual significance and captivating beauty. "Butterflies represent transformation and are incredibly enchanting," she said with a serene smile.
Gene's choice was the Kestrel, also known as the Sparrow Hawk. With a spark of excitement in his eyes, he described how these birds of prey soar gracefully through the skies. "I often see them darting about, and their speed is truly impressive," he exclaimed.
Lastly, Janet declared her love for big cats and chose the cheetah. She declared it to be the "coolest cat of them all." Janet couldn't help but appreciate their elegant spots and undeniable grace.
These imaginative choices remind us of the boundless wonders that nature offers, even in our own backyards. Whether it's swinging through trees, chasing mythical dreams, or soaring through the skies, each answer reflects the unique spirit of our community members.
