farm sanctuary

a few years back, i learned about Farm Sanctuary and their pioneering work in the field of protecting animals. on one particular occasion, while spending time with family, i recall mentioning how i really admired the efforts of this group. i asked a cousin if he had ever heard of it before. in reply, he remarked “farm sanctuary? that sounds like an oxymoron.” for some reason that stuck with me because it was a candid response and sadly, for many (or most) commercial farms in this country, it truly is an oxymoron. we simply do not protect and respect farmed animals like we once felt called to do. and whether you eat animals/animal products or not, i think there is a common ground that must be established when it comes to animal protection… to be sure, there will be a spectrum of opinions when it comes to animal rights legislation – just like there are vast spectrums on every other issue known to man – but still, the idea that living creatures deserve to be treated humanely and with respect is something that i believe most people can find themselves in agreement. sadly, because of the unsustainable demands of the market and a movement away from traditional agricultural and husbandry practices, however, farms are quite often anything but a safe haven for the animals that live there.

two years ago, husband (jeff) and i, along with my parents and our dog Bo, participated in the Walk for Farm Animals in princeton. it was a great experience – getting to know other like-minded people who are concerned about animal welfare, and hoping to spread a message of compassion. in just one week (it really snuck up on us!), we will be participating in the Walk once again, in an effort to help Farm Sanctuary raise awareness about the realities of factory farming and incite change in the way society views and treats farm animals. it should be another fantastic, inspiring event – and will be one of dozens of such walks that take place across the country this fall.

if you want to get involved, it would mean so much to me (and to us!) if you would make a pledge of support for farm animals in need by making a donation for my participation in the 2012 Walk for Farm Animals! …or if you are feeling up for some light exercise and activism, and want to come out and join the Walk on saturday, october 27 in philadelphia then that’s awesome, too! either way, thank you for taking the time to read this and for considering the welfare of farm animals everywhere.

to make a donation, visit my fundraising page here.

to sign up for the walk, register here.

[photos from the 2010 Walk for Farm Animals - that's my mom and dad getting ready for the Walk.]