You might try Craig's List

Hi Aleksandas - I know many people have very strong feelings about taking the life of any animal under ANY circumstances, and respect that. (Or course, anyone who eats meat or has a leather purse, etc., is indirectly involved in euthanizing animals.) However, the term "murder" implies killing in a criminal manner, or inhumane or barbarous manner. Under federal law, it is legal to humanely euthanize House Sparrows. They are not protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as they are introduced, non-native invasive species who have caused significant ecological and agricultural harm. I can not emphasize enough that if bluebird landlords chose to control non-native HOSP via euthanasia, it MUST be done in a humane manner. And I know for a fact that almost all of those who do elect to euthanize do NOT relish it in any way shape or form - in fact, they find it terribly difficult and painful. I agree that it is not advisable to show children (or adults) how a house sparrow is euthanized. It's just too hard to process and understand, especially for those who have not witnessed what can happen inside a nestbox as a result of a House Sparrow attack. However, Diane did NOT do this. She is using a LIVE trap. The birds are not harmed when they go into the trap (unless the HOSP kill each other inside the trap, which sometimes happens, as they can be very aggressive.) I have heard many accounts of children and adults being devastated by opening up a box to find a headless, bloody female native bird sitting on top of her eggs or dead young. It can be pretty traumatic. But nature is cruel sometimes.... On another note... I heard of a mother who sued Disneyland when her child was "traumatized" during a behind the scenes tour by seeing Mickey Mouse changing out of his costume(the child thought he was real.) Bet Here is a link that might be useful: When HOSP attack (warning - graphic photos)

There's a basic fallacy in this cute little story. A healthy person does not need a nursing home. A nursing home is not the same thing as a retirement home. A nursing home provides 24 hour skilled nursing care plus 24 hour assistance care. The cruise ship won't have someone answering the buzzer every time a bed-bound person needs the bed panin the middle of the night. A healthy older person is wise to think ahead, and this is a cute story. But it just ain't so.

I do have power of attorney for my mother, she is in a nursing home now and her house sold and all assets used to pay for the nursing home fees. There is no money left to pay for anything. At $13,000 a month the money goes quickly. Everything is gone which is why we are in the process of getting the medicaid application started. For years I tried to convince her to sell her house and move into a senior apartment, and then, if she declined further, assisted living. She refused to leave her home, and I could not force her. Eventually, there was no choice, but my sister did take her in for a few years until things got to the point where she needed 24 hr a day nursing home care. I can't speak for other elderly folks, but my parents became extremely stubborn as they aged. . We affectionately call Mom our 93 yr old toddler. I've learned a few things from this that I intend to do for my kids. I think its good advice for all parents as they approach old age: Sell my house when I can no longer take care of it. have all my important documents in one place and inform my kids where it is. take good care of my health, lose weight, stay active, keep social activities up so I can stay well and independent longer 4) Inform my kids I don't want them to take me in or assume responsibility of my home or my personal care. We will get our elder care policies so they don't have to worry about it. 5) Have a Power of attorney, will, DNR documents (already done this) My father is still in good health and mentally sharp but he also refuses to sell his house and expects us to do the work on it. But I have learned that its ok to say no, if he wants to remain in his house and has the money to pay for repairs, he is going to have to hire people to do it, we cannot do this anymore. We're tired, we aren't getting any younger either and its time to focus on our own home now. Dad refuses to discuss anything related to his aging, his funeral wishes, where and what he has, etc. I've told him do not choose me as power of attorney or executor if you do not let me know these things now. I don't want any part of trying to dig through this stuff again without any knowledge of where to begin. I told him I will leave it all to his lawyer if he doesn't give me more information. Much as these things are uncomfortable to talk about, the fact is we are all going to die, many of us will need extended care so the people we designate to take charge of these things need to have the information beforehand so they can make the right decisions. Leaving your kids in the dark until something happens is just wrong.