How did you first start caring about farmed animals?
When I became vegan a decade ago (this July!) I was motivated to engage in vegan outreach for the environment, but it wasn’t until I visited Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary in Erie, Colorado that I truly bonded with farmed animals. I’ve had the honor of knowing Felix, Franklin, Ruby, Rudy, Walter, and so many other residents at the sanctuary. Meeting them, becoming an animal care guide, and getting to know their personalities, likes, and dislikes along the way opened up unique bonds I’d never experienced before. As my time continued over the years, I learned their likes and dislikes, who they enjoyed spending time with, and the lesson of offering space.
Domino, a dear cow resident at Luvin Arms, brought wonderful lessons into my life in profound ways. As an Animal Care Guide, I often cleaned the outdoor space where cows resided. One day, I turned the corner and in a flash, I saw Domino running toward me! I had no idea he was around the corner, but I ran and hopped the nearest fence so quickly! To this day, I stay true to an awareness of my physical space and who needs more distance by carefully tuning into body language, sounds, and more. Today, as an Animal Reiki practitioner for Luvin Arms, I focus on their perfection, their wisdom, and holding a space of healing through meditation
What kinds of advocacy do you do to help animals?
Locally, I’m an organizer for Pro-Animal Future. We’re a collective of voters and volunteers working to pass local legislation to ban slaughterhouses and fur products through ballot initiatives in Denver. One of my efforts is to collaborate with other organizers to coalition build with other organizations. I’m also a volunteer Animal Chaplain and Animal Reiki practitioner at Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary. My previous advocacy efforts included co-organizing our vigils at Superior Farm, the only slaughterhouse left in Denver. I spent many years passing out leaflets, attending protests, and more. Shifting into policy change work with Pro-Animal Future leaves me very hopeful and I highly recommend visiting proanimal.org.
One of my most memorable moments was coming face-to-face with a baby lamb at Superior Farms slaughterhouse for the first time. The fence keeping her from running into the parking lot was slightly ajar and I’ll never forget the flimsy lock, that was not latched, that held the gate shut. Her bright eyes shined while my friend Sarah and I watched her lick the lock repeatedly. When we drove away from the slaughterhouse that same day, I re-affirmed in my mind that this is my lifelong work. That was 7 years ago and that thought hasn’t changed.
What or who inspires you to advocate for animals?
Creating freedom for others, while I have freedoms of my own, is a responsibility. If it weren’t for the stories of rescued farmed animals, policy changes acting in favor of animals, vegan food and farm transformation efforts, and so much more, I might have lost hope a long time ago. I am inspired by so many individuals I’ve met over the years and the love that drives them to continue with much wisdom they’ve gathered along the way. I’ve had the honor of meeting people who have been in the movement for decades and those who just started. People who work to improve the lives of wild, exotic, and domesticated beings as well as individuals who let me find my own path while offering unwavering support even in the face of uncertainty.
Reverend Sarah Bowen with the Compassion Consortium is one name that comes to mind. Rev. Sarah was my Animal Chaplaincy instructor and her guidance, patience, compassion, and ability to find the gems that people need without telling them to continue to leave me in awe. I also have immense gratitude for my friends and fellow animal advocates whom I had the pleasure of volunteering with for the past decade and the rescued individuals at Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary in Erie. Felix, a resident who is a pig, brings me back to my connection with all beings. Felix’s loving presence offers hope every time I see him at the sanctuary. All the animals I encountered directly or indirectly brought me to where I am today and led me to become an Animal Chaplain. This journey is, and will forever be, for the two-legged, four-legged, finned, scaled, feathered, furry, and all other individuals. I am deeply honored to be on this wonderous and precious planet with all beings, regardless of their species.
