No but seriously, I LOVE pigs. As a young teenager who had loved pigs as long as I could remember, I suddenly woke up. One day I asked myself how I could love them so much and still eat them. No one told me to think this way – no one pushed their beliefs on me. I just knew that it was wrong. This began my transition into vegetarianism as I quit eating pigs that day and slowly, over the next few years, phased out all meat.
Over 10 years later, I still feel guilt for the 15 or so years that I didn’t know any better and I ATE parts of something I truly loved. Seems really awful, doesn’t it? I hear people now saying how awful it is that groups like PETA have adverts directed towards children because they “shouldn’t have to see those things”. But I disagree and I know for certain, had someone educated me sooner, I would have less years to feel guilty for.
I love all animals. Every single one. And even those I fear (like sharks, omg), I wish no harm upon whatsoever. But pigs will always have a special place in my heart. So smart, loving, and fun! These animals are treated SO terribly by the meat industry and they are SO intelligent it breaks my heart every day. Years ago, I sat down and forced myself to watch “Earthlings” because I don’t believe in fighting for a cause that I haven’t done my best to really educate myself on, nor do I believe in turning a blind eye to the truth just because it’s painful for me. It took me about 30 seconds of watching the pigs being harmed to break into tears and I spent the entire two hours crying. I will never begin to understand how humans can do such things and see nothing wrong with it.
I try so hard to be understanding of other choices. I never want anyone to look at me as a pushy vegan. I don’t think that my feelings are the only ones out there, nor do I believe I have any right to tell anyone what to do with their lives; what to eat. But it really blows my mind that people who I know do love animals can then cook up their body parts and eat them without connecting the two and I hope that as time goes on, more and more people can open their eyes and choose their heart over their stomachs.
I have recently got my mom to agree to meatless Mondays!! While she isn’t one of those people who must have meat with every meal, she does eat a lot of it and she eats a LOT of dairy. She does love animals, I know that she does but she just feels too old to change and with the addiction that I know the meat/dairy industries create, I have no doubt it feels like it would be a difficult thing for her. But I offered to make her vegan breakfast, lunch, and dinner, every Monday and she agreed! It’s small but it’s something. I’m going to blog the meals I make her to show how easy it is to eat cruelty free! She’s not a fan of any of the meat substitutes I’ve had her try, either so I have my work cut out for me! Anyone out there interested in joining her in meatless Mondays?
I’ve used a photo of Esther the Wonderpig for this blog because she makes me smile every day. She was “supposed” to be a mini pig and is now 400lbs! But her dads didn’t give her up, they didn’t cook her for dinner, or throw her out in the street. They love her and they have been able to use her as a voice to show the world the love and personality pigs can have. Check her out, if you haven’t on her facebook page or her website http://www.estherthewonderpig.com
~Stormy
OhStormy 