DC's Walk for Farm Animals

On November 1, World Vegan Day, I was a proud member of the Walk for Farm Animals in Washington DC. This event happens each year, and is sponsored by Farm Sanctuary, an organization that strives to help animals who have been hurt and kept in cruelty, make legislation to keep farm animals humanely, and educate people about animals and things they can do to make the world a better place. I was joined by Rob, Cari, and Paul on this 2.5 mile walk on DC.

The walk was brisk, but not as cold or rainy as it could have been, so we were thankful for that. I was pleased that many non-vegans (including my wonderful companions!) were very supportive of the cause. You don't have to be vegan to recognize that factory farming is cruel, and I sincerely hope that Farm Sanctuary continues to be successful in its mission to ban things like gestation crates through legislative action (If you're reading this in New Jersey- you have some action coming up soon!)

All in all I think it was a successful day. These marches happened all over the country- I believe that California had a large march in Los Angeles- where one of the largest Farm Sanctuaries is. I know that our team was able to raise funds to help the cause, and I would like to thank Cari, Paul, Rob, and especially Bruce and Karen for donations.

As I said in my fundraising page, this cause is near and dear to my heart. My parents are farmers. I have seen firsthand the difference between animals raised on a farm raised by caring farmers and animals in factory farms. While in my Utopian world, I would like no animals to be eaten, ever, I believe in taking the first steps, which is first eliminating the cruelest conditions. I, myself would one day like to open a farm sanctuary where I foster turkeys and goats and the like to be able to live their lives naturally into old age. 

Until that time, each year I "Adopt" a turkey through Farm Sanctuary for Thanksgiving. Last year, her name was Tulip, and she lived at the New York Farm. This year, the turkey I've chosen to adopt is named Cecelia, also from the New York shelter, she was one of 24 baby turkeys left at the shelter after being rescued from a factory farm. She is curious and fun, and loves cooked yams and raisins, just like me. If you're interested in adopting a turkey, too- it's only $30, and those funds go to help provide care for rescued animals at the shelters, as well as help place rescued animals in permanent homes after rescue. Check it out at farmsanctuary.org