From Us to You

As we learn more about the ways animals are raised for meat, eggs, and milk and use our power as compassionate consumers to take a stand against their abuse, it's often helpful to turn to fellow animal advocates for support and advice. We hope you'll find these letters from HSUS employees inspiring and empowering as you transition to vegetarian eating.

For many people, the reality of factory farming is so overwhelming that they feel powerless in changing today's agribusiness practices. But every person can make a difference every time he or she makes food choices at a restaurant or grocery store. It's not about purity, but rather about helping animals one at a time. And at the same time, voting with your dollars is one of the most effective ways to influence commerce and send a message to corporations that they need to do better. One person can lead by example and be an ambassador for the animals who can't speak for themselves.

—Michael Markarian, Executive Vice President, External Affairs

 

For years, I spent many sleepless nights feeding babies as I cared for injured wildlife, nursing sick animals back to health, culminating in releasing them back into the wild, hoping I'd done everything possible to give them a chance at life. The work was often thankless, but its rewards were knowing I'd helped give animals a chance. My passion was for wildlife, and—although I was a vegetarian—I didn't think much about working to help farm animals.

But one day it clicked as I watched a squirrel who had been hit by a car struggle to live—I care about wildlife because I know wildlife, yet all animals struggle exactly the same way and deserve our concern, whether they're dogs or ducks, possums or pigs, crows or chickens. I realized that I had the ability to help so many more animals during my lifetime simply by choosing to promote vegetarian eating to everyone I knew. If you're like me and would do anything for the animals in your life, I encourage you to widen your circle of concern to include all animals, and speak out.

—Heidi Prescott, Senior Vice President, Campaigns

 

Since graduating from law school, I've dedicated myself to protecting the planet and our fellow inhabitants—animals—through whatever legal channels I can. But as you know, there are precious few laws that truly preserve environmental integrity, and there are virtually none that prevent the worst abuses against farm animals.

I've struggled through times when I've felt like Sisyphus, forever pushing a gigantic boulder up a hill, only to watch as it came crashing back down. During these times, I've found strength in reminding myself that as I write yet another brief or pore over just one more legal tome, I'm actively helping animals at every meal.

—Jonathan Lovvorn, Vice President, Animal Protection Litigation

 

When I first became vegetarian, I felt very isolated. I didn't know other like-minded people who made dietary choices to reflect their compassion for animals. So I sought out anyone and everyone who could support me in my decision to help animals by leaving them, their milk, and their eggs off my grocery list. At the same time, I kept—and still keep—learning as much as possible about animal issues. I also took veganism on as a challenge. I wanted to re-create all my favorite comfort foods in animal-friendly form, and it's been fun discovering all the ways to do that. Not only did my self-education keep me inspired, but it helped me share my commitment to reducing the suffering of animals with my friends and colleagues. If you're feeling alone, pull together your own network of animal advocates to help and teach each other. Get involved with your local animal advocacy group or contact us to get active in our work to help animals. Whatever you do, don't give up—you're taking the most important steps you can to help reduce the suffering of countless animals.

—Nancy Perry, Vice President, Government Affairs 

 

One of the best decisions I ever made was to become vegetarian. I feel better, I think more clearly, and I can look my animal friends in the eyes. Making humane food choices is the easiest, most effective direct action we can take to reduce animal suffering. It's a step forward in the evolution of the human species, and this guide will help you on that path.

Bon(eless) Appétit!

—Patrick McDonnell, creator and author of the award-winning, internationally syndicated comic strip Mutts®.

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