I consider myself a vegan and an animal activist. I am proud of it. Very proud. No, I will not force change on someone and no, I will not judge you for not being a vegan - heck, I haven't always been a vegan! But I do know this, if it were not for organizations like Farm Sanctuary, Mercy for Animals, PETA, and so many others, I would never have known where my burger came from, where my chicken came from, or where my yogurt came from. Sure, I knew that a burger was a cow at one time, but having a grandmother who was a farm girl and knowing how she and her family cared for the animals they raised, I was under the impression that all farms are just like hers. And maybe it was something I told myself so that I would enjoy the burger, chicken, eggs...
After the Michael Vick investigation, I began to become an activist against puppy mills and dog fighting. Through learning about both of these horrific issues - I started to look at farm animals and how they were raised and "processed."
I remember the first undercover investigation video I watched like it was yesterday. It was filmed by a brave activist while working at a Tyson Farms pork supplier. What I saw was so unbelievable that my emotions took over. I saw a farm worker break the legs and back of a sow all because the sow wasn't moving. How is this ok? How is this acceptable? This simply is...not...right.
Through my learning, I have seen so many videos like this, most I can never fully watch because they are too horrific to witness; and it is because of these animals that I am VEGAN.
One organization that I believe in very strongly is Farm Sanctuary. Gene Baur opened the sanctuary over 30 years ago and has saved countless farm animals all of whom came from deplorable and horrific situations of abuse and cruelty; and these rescued animals get to live their life out in Sanctuary. It is one of the most peaceful places on Earth. It is quiet and respectful. These animals only know compassion while at Farm Sanctuary and you can sense that when you are there.
I strongly suggest that if you are able to, make the trip out to Watkins Glen NY or out to California to experience this for yourself. You will hear their stories, how they came to be living at Sanctuary, and the plight of others who they were unable to save.
I will be heading to Watkins Glen this month and I will go live on my Facebook page - be sure to follow me and stay tuned!
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