In all seriousness, I have several clients, students, friends and family who are not, and may never be, vegan. My only hope is that you take 5 minutes to read this to gain a better understanding of why I am driven and passionate about helping Uplands PEAK Sanctuary. I do not see a separation between cats and dogs or cows and pigs. To me, they are all incredibly beautiful beings full of life, love and personality. Getting to know the residents of Uplands PEAK, and each of their courageous stories (which are available on their website), brings me pure joy in knowing they are now living a life of peace and harmony.
Not to bore you with the journey that led me to veganism, but it is through this journey that I have met some amazing people who are hell-bent on living their dream of helping abused and neglected farm animals. Who are these tenacious people I speak of? Michelle and Mark Pruitt are the founders of a young farm sanctuary called Uplands PEAK Sanctuary. This sanctuary is located in the heart of agriculture in Salem, Indiana. While they possibly could have had one of the funniest reality TV shows displaying their day-to-day interactions and making them millions, they opted instead to quit their full-time paying jobs, put their words into action and shovel $%#@. Speaking on behalf of all beings is wonderful and needs to happen, but there also needs to be a lot of activity behind those words for a positive difference to be created in those animals lives.
Running a non-profit farm sanctuary is no picnic, the stress of care, upkeep and the constant pressure of figuring out how to raise funds to continue is incomprehensible to most. Of course the reward is knowing that they are part of something real. They get to see their efforts everyday in watching once abused animals run, play and roll over for belly rubs. Look into the eyes of a farm animal and you will be hard pressed not to see a will to live, a will to be loved and a will to give love. It is through the determination of Michelle, Mark, many volunteers, sponsors, visitors to events and donations that make such a place possible to exist.
I am not here to tell everyone they are evil if they do not become vegan. My goal is for you to think about how your choices may or may not have an impact on other beings, and what you can do to make a positive difference somehow. Being plant-based is one way to make a difference, but there are many other ways too. Visit their website, sign up to volunteer at the sanctuary, if they are too far, make a donation or become a sponsor. If you have a skill or talent that could benefit the sanctuary, consider offering that to help the sanctuary cut costs or to raise funds. Don't just sit back and wait for someone else to help those in need. People like Michelle and Mark are beacons for change. I want to see everyone care about other beings, to set the ego aside just long enough to allow the heart to choose their actions. As Mahatma Gandhi said "Be the change you want to see in the world." The question you need to ask yourself now is "how can I be that change"?
No comments:
Post a Comment