Archive for Animals

Talk to the animals

Lots of people talk to animals…. Not very many listen, though…. That’s the problem. — The Tao of Pooh

It’s easy to take our pets for granted sometimes. They ask so little but give so much joy. And they always seem to appreciate whatever attention we can give them.

Sometimes you’re simply too busy to take your dog for a long walk, but you can always take a few minutes to let him know that he’s special. Have lunch with him, or just give him some well-earned pets or treats.

It’ll benefit you both.

What can you do to make your animal feel like he’s part of the family?

Ode to a dollop of Vegenaise

Creamy, tangy, it tantalizes the lip
The real, wholesome “miracle” whip
It’s everything-you-don’t-want-free
No eggs nor gluten, nor cholesterol nor dairy
If you can handle fakes, just try
You could serve it atop poached quail eggs with persimmon-glazed, honey-seared  endangered Humboldt’s woolly monkey steaks, but why?
That would be pointless, and something to dread
Try it with faux meats instead

Okay, so we’re not poets here at The Daily Kind, but we do value every little way you can be kind to yourself, the planet, and other beings.

Vegenaise fits the bill. It’s healthier than mayonnaise; it’s better for the environment (as are all vegan foods); and it does not support the exploitation of animals. And, it tastes great. Really.

Vegan foods have come a long, long way, and there are now vegan substitutes for more foods than you can probably imagine. If you’ve ever thought of going vegan but are reluctant to take such a radical step, don’t fear. No one says you have to go completely vegan all at once. (And this is still America—no one says you have to go vegan at all.) But replacing mayonnaise with a vegan option is one small, easy step you can take to make a difference.

Hey, why not try it?

Visit a farm sanctuary

Science is finally catching up with what most animal lovers already know, with research clearly showing that animals indeed have feelings, and that they are capable of many “human” emotions, including empathy. Farm sanctuaries rescue abused and neglected livestock, which helps foster greater compassion for animals who are often seen as nothing more than a product to be sold at a profit and consumed. Give a pig a belly rub…pet a cow…hold a chicken…it may give you an entirely new outlook on life. If there is not a farm sanctuary in your area, follow one on Facebook for photos and animal stories, and information about how you can help. We recommend The Gentle Barn (CA), Farm Sanctuary (NY), and Heartland Farm Sanctuary (WI) for starters.

Speak out against “ag-gag” laws

Last week, the governor of Iowa signed a law making it illegal to fill out a job application with the intent of secretly recording animal abuse at a farming operation.

Unfortunately, undercover work of the kind the Iowa law seeks to criminalize is often the only tool activists have for exposing widespread cruelty on factory farms. For instance, a recent Mercy for Animals investigation of Sparboe Farms, a leading egg producer, not only brought numerous factory farm abuses to the public’s attention, but also prompted McDonald’s and Target to drop Sparboe as a supplier. If more laws like Iowa’s are passed (similar legislation has been considered in seven other states), investigations like these could be a thing of the past. If that happens, animals will continue to suffer, and the public will remain in the dark.

The Iowa law would expose courageous activists who are simply trying to reveal the truth about animal abuse to misdemeanor charges carrying a sentence of up to one year in prison and a $1,500 fine.

Please inform yourself about these “ag gag” laws, and speak out if they attempt to pass one in your state.

Boycott the circus

The extreme cruelty involved in “training” elephants, tigers, lions and other wild animals to perform in circuses is well-documented, yet animal circuses continue to sell their performances as wholesome family fun. These beautiful, sentient animals deserve so much better than a life performing unnatural and dangerous tricks for humans. Don’t visit circuses that have animals, and encourage your friends and family to do the same. For help talking to children about the darker side of the circus, go to this ASPCA website written especially for kids.