Stories of joy from our authors
Our authors sent us inspirational stories of little moments that sparked joy in their lives. Enjoy!
Mark Peters
Sharing countless hours with cow herds thriving in ten different farmed animal sanctuaries brought a continuous sense of joy, like a bell’s tone lingering long after the sound fades. How could it not? All of these animals were released from situations that would have led to their slaughter. In sanctuary, they have autonomy. They cultivate friendships. They are respected and cared for.
I’ve watched mothers nurture their calves like helicopter parents and best friends forage and nap together, clinging to each other like swirling particles of an atom. In one sprawling sanctuary, a blind calf kept pace with the herd only because older members circled back, gently nudging her in the right direction when she strayed.
Bill Crain
Five years ago, we moved our farm sanctuary two miles down the road. We did so to gain larger pastures, and the animals adjusted to their new home. But at the former farm I had been feeding the ducks on the pond–escapees from a hunting club. I didn’t want to abandon them, so I added a clause in the house-sale document that allows me to feed them once a day, and I have been doing so every morning. I also throw some birdseed for the wild birds who live in the nearby trees.
This year the gas-and-electric company came through our town, cutting down trees with branches within 10 feet of the power lines. I tried to get the tree service to preserve several trees, including those that were homes to the birds I fed. But the tree service didn’t listen. When I saw the result of its work–the brush devoid of trees–I felt a hole in my heart.
During the next few weeks, I continued to throw birdseed, but few birds came. Then, little by little, they started coming back. This morning I drove my car to the pond area, parked, and opened the car door. To my surprise, one of the catbirds I had been feeding flew over and sat on the door. For a few seconds, she or he sat right next to me. What a happy feeling this gave me!
Angela Crawford
Author of Vegan Transformation
I visited Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, NY a couple of weeks ago. It was uplifting to meet other like-hearted human guests who are committed to helping animals – and to enjoy delicious vegan finger foods and desserts made by local restaurants. We also had a wonderful farm tour and visited with the animal residents: cows, sheep, goats, and pigs. Farm Sanctuary has long held a special place in my heart, and played a key role on my vegan journey, educating me and opening my heart to farmed animals. I’ve found that there is nothing that breaks through our blocks to compassion more than developing a face to face connection. Through my visits to the sanctuary, I have been touched by each animal’s individuality, their unique personalities, and their social and playful nature. In spite of my stress about the events of our world, this visit brought feelings of peace, connection, uplift, and joy.
Isabella La Rocca González
Eight years ago I moved into a creekside cabin where for the first time in my adult life I could grow a garden.
In my tiny slice of veganic heaven, I grow dozens of native plants that host and feed our pollinators. In the background in the picture on the right are lovely Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta), native to eastern North America. I also grow edibles for humans including basil, Swiss chard, lettuce, herbs, and heirloom tomatoes and peppers. I amend my garden with plenty of home made compost and no animal inputs. Pictured on the left is a handful of Eagle Smiley Dwarf tomatoes, tiny bombs of umami sweetness that make for scrumptious snacking while gardening. On the right is a ripe Ajvarski sweet pepper; every bite bursts with summer sunshine and cool rain. Endless moments of joy grow from my veganic garden.