Matt and myself are the founders of Farm Animal Refuge. We aren’t a couple, but we are best friends. We have lived together almost ten years. Ironically, we met both working in the food industry. There we beared witness to the waste of animal products day in and day out. Matt was even a chef before it became too hard to have to cook meat.
Before we started this amazing adventure we were just two passionate plant based individuals looking to make a difference. However, like so many vegans navigating their way, we were not quite sure where to start. We wanted to be involved in the movement but we just didn’t know how.
Our journey began with taking steps to enlighten family and friends around us and open their eyes to the widely overlooked cruelties of the meat industry. I asked that my family accompany me to Gentle Barn as my birthday present and surely enough, every one of them left vegan. Places like Gentle Barn and now ourselves, take an approach to animal activism by showing people who normally would never have met a cow, pig, or chicken in their lives, just how pet-like farm animals actually are to at the very least, make them question what is on their dinner plate. This prompted a conversation between Matt and myself regarding the importance of more people to be able to meet farm animals and experience their personalities. There are definitely not farm rescues in every city; there was not even one in our home town, and at that point we knew we needed to change that to truly make a difference.
After extensive late night planning and serious conversations, we decided there is no time better than now, packed up the U-Haul, and opened the doors of Farm Animal Refuge. The purpose of our rescue is to provide not only the people of San Diego, but people all over the world, the opportunity to meet these precious babies and discover their incredible and diverse personalities as well as similarities to cats and dogs. Whether they are visiting our rescue or following us on social media, our animals are able to display their nothing short of adorable and unique personalities.
Beginning this rescue we thought that even if we could just change one person’s opinion on the consumption of animal products we would be happy. The response has been astounding. As it turns out, people did not know that cows play fetch, that pigs sit for treats and love belly rubs, nor that baby goats are amazing cuddlers. People definitely did not know that these animals suffered for a meal either. Visitors of our rescue began to make the connection between cows, chickens, and pigs to dogs, cats, and other household pets. It became apparent that our vision was working. We truly believe that if the general public knew just how similar farm animals are to the pets we share our homes with and treat like family, more people would be interested in a compassionate lifestyle.
This brings us to another goal of ours at Farm Animal Refuge; to provide a way for interested people to transition to a vegan lifestyle. The majority of American’s grow up eating meat three times a day and visiting places that promote less than preferable treatment to animals such as The Zoo or Seaworld. With this type of lifestyle as the norm for most Americans, the transition can seem overwhelming. Going against the status quo is never an easy feat, however we are here to help every step of the way! A lifestyle change does not always happen overnight which is why we strive to provide you with informed information for whatever step you are currently attempting to conquer, whether it is vegan meals or cruelty free products.
Though we are always happy to provide our thoughts and ideas on animal rights issues, we believe it is important to help vegans and passionate animal lovers alike to find their voice for the animals. With so many different forms of outreach and activism, it is important to find the one that works for you and that you are comfortable with because there is a different voice for every audience. Whether you participate in a protest, belong to a certain activist group, share videos of farm animals, or even simply by having friends over for a vegan dinner, you can make more difference than you know. While we realize there are different ways routes of advocacy for different people, there is always a way to use your voice to help the animals. As a team for animal lovers, animal rights, and justice we can truly change the world and it is up to US!
There is never a bad time to speak up for animals and their rights. They are the voiceless and they always need us. You do not have to stand in protest, join a group, or even cook for people, but you should do something. When you see injustice speak up and help to fix where these innocent beings cannot. YOU may reach people that others may not. Say genuine to yourself, find your voice as activist, and do not forget that we are here to help you find that right fit.
To reiterate, our goal is simple: SAVE ANIMALS. Even touching one single person and guiding them towards a plant based lifestyle can spare almost 1,000 innocent animals in five years which is more animals than we could ever house here at the farm.
Here is our mission in 3 simple steps:
1. Help people make the connection between companion animals and farm animals to promote a compassionate lifestyle
2. Help those people transition into a that lifestyle
3. Help those practicing peace on their plates spread the word to enlighten others to join our movement
Now beautiful people, Let’s save animals together!
