Thoughts...

I just got back from my first Ed. Lunch. Becky, our absolutely fabulous Intern Coordinator made a delicious vegan mac & cheese, scrumptious salad with homemade ranch dressing, and delectable cookies. I'm sad she'll be leaving for California tomorrow to work at one of the sanctuaries out there, but I'm so glad I got to know her for a brief time. We also watched the documentary "Vegucated," which I had seen clips of years ago but never watched straight through. 

Since today was my third day off in a row since I simply wasn't on the schedule, Ed. Lunch was really all I did today. I was going to go out and explore, cuddle with the animals, and take pictures, but it's pretty cold and rainy out and those of you who know me know I easily feel frozen--ha! So I'll do that on my next days off, because I definitely want to spend as much time with all of the animals as I can.

Right now I'm just going to curl up and reflect, read, and write. I am in a very pensive mood right now...

There is something that is so very inspiring, amazing, and practically magical about living at a sanctuary in the middle of nowhere surrounded by beautiful animals, gorgeous scenery, and extremely compassionate people with the biggest hearts I've ever known. 

Yes, it's incredibly hard work. Yes, I've cried almost every day because of something extremely sad that has happened on the farm, documentaries viewed, or information received. But this is by far one of the most unbelievable experiences I have ever had.

I have no idea what I'm going to do when I go back to the Albany area where I'll be surrounded by all of the crap I've had the luxury of escaping while here. I've been working directly with the victims (some being "the lucky ones") of the beef, poultry, pork, veal, egg, dairy, and foie gras industries. So while I haven't been able to escape knowing all of the horror that occurs day in and day out, I have had the privilege of escaping the people who just don't care, and instead be in the company of likeminded individuals. 

If you thought I was a crazy animal rights activist before...just you wait. I honestly don't think I'll even be able to sit at a table with other people eating meat...eating my friends, eating the animals that I am currently working my ass off to protect, nurse back to health, and rescue. There is no possible way I could ever crave cheese or any of the "tough to give up" products again. If you give it a chance, you'll find that our bodies and taste buds are extremely adaptable. Same with our minds and hearts. Choose compassion. Better the lives of animals and people all over the world, the environment, and your health. Go veg.