Recommended reading
Among the many thoughtful gifts I received this Christmas was a beautiful book, Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food. Written by Gene Baur, one of the founders of Farm Sanctuary, the book follows three main strands.
One is the story of the founding and growth of Farm Sanctuary, a group that has two shelters (one in New York and one in California) to care for farm animals, such as cows, chickens and pigs, who have been rescued from abusive conditions. It is also politically active in pushing for changes in laws to protect animals from the horrific practices of the industrial-style farming that dominates the U.S.
Another part of the book details just what these practices are and the consequences for the animals. Such information is wrenching to read, but it is imperative for people – whether they choose to eat animal products or not –- know what is happening on “factory farms” and in slaughterhouses. Longtime vegetarians may know much of this already, but sadly I learned several new things as well.
The third and most touching element of the book is the profiles of the animals who live at Farm Sanctuary, and the strong bonds they form with each other. An example is the story of Hope, a lame pig who was sometimes bullied by others, until Johnny arrived. “A younger and newly rescued pig, he quickly became Hope’s loyal companion and protector. At feeding time, Johnny stayed by Hope’s side to make sure she ate without any interference. At night, the pair slept side by side,” Baur writes. “Hope was much older than Johnny, and as the years went by, Hope’s health deteriorated, and she eventually died. Johnny was despondent. Though still young and healthy, he died a couple of weeks later. The only explanation I can come up with is that he died of a broken heart.”
For readers moved to learn more or to take action, the book’s appendix includes extensive resource lists of groups, Web sites, books, magazines, etc.
Readers, was there a certain book that inspired you to consider going vegetarian or vegan?
