Love's sanctuary - Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, N.Y - Editorial

Vegetarian Times, Dec, 1995 by Catherine Censor Shemo

`Pigs Enjoy having their bellies rubbed," insisted our Farm Sanctuary tour guide as she waded through a crowd of snoring pigs, some weighing close to 1,000 pounds. Pigs sunburn easily and it took our guide a while to find a few who hadn't been sunbathing as of late. I crouched by a friendly looking sow named Lynn, and gave her a tentative pat. Incredibly, she rolled over on her side, like a golden retriever, and snuffled encouragement. I laughed loudly enough to wake her neighbors.

During my weekend stay at the Watkins Glen, N.Y., shelter, I learned some surprising facts about the creatures many call dinner. I learned that turkeys can be as affectionate as house cats--and equally inquisitive. I learned that sheep often answer to their names and come when called. Unfortunately, not all of the discoveries I made were as pleasant. Hilda the sheep, who nuzzled my leg for a good scratch, had been dumped alive on a stockyard " deadpile. " A doe-eyed steer named Jackson was abandoned at a calf auction because he was too sick to be sold for a profit. He was dehydrated, hungry and crying when rescued. Barney the pig, a belly-rub fiend if ever there was one, had once been left to starve by a heartless feedlot operator.

It was heartening to see that there are people who are willing to put time, money and hard work behind their commitment to caring for abused animals. Every day, the volunteers, interns and sponsors of Farm Sanctuary do whatever it takes to rescue victims of the "food-animal" business. They fight legal battles in court, petition the media, run education programs and provide shelter, food, medicine and love for hundreds of animals. I urge you to visit and see for yourself that when you don't eat meat you're benefitting living creatures with personalities, affections and curiosities. Here you will see that when you turn down that slice of holiday roast beef or bring a vegetarian entree to a dinner party, you are making a having, breathing difference. A visit might even change your life. My husband and I left home as newlyweds and returned as proud parents (of a sheep, a rabbit and a goose who we now support by mail).

At this time of year, when the holidays inspire us to deeds of kindness, I wish you a renewed sense of purpose. I wish you health and happiness. But most of all, I wish you sanctuary.