There are many reasons to transition to an eco-friendlier and plant-based lifestyle. A reduced carbon footprint, and conserving our natural resources, are benefits to the environment that are the most obvious. But we must also consider the definition of “eco-friendly”, which literally means “earth-friendly”. Being earth-friendly means having consideration not just for the planet itself, but for all life that must call this place home. This post will dive deep into the individuals that really benefit from humans transitioning to a plant-based diet. I would like to share some amazing farm animal rescues that are providing sanctuary for these majestic and often overlooked creatures. Considering recent posts focused on plant-based cheeses, this post will highlight the rescue of some amazing dairy cows, and how you can help your local farm sanctuary.
Happy Herd
This farm animal rescue and sanctuary is located in Aldergrove, BC. They are home to many farm animals that were abused and/or at risk. The beginning of the happy herd farm sanctuary was with one little calf named Desi Moo Moo. After a few more animal residents joined, they officially became the Happy herd.
They have a beautiful website that I recommend visiting, with pictures of all the beautiful survivors living life as it should be. Their rescues include pigs, goats, chickens, turkeys, cows, horses, donkeys, and more. One story, among so many that are also worth sharing, is the story of Scooter. He was rescued as a 1-2 day old calf and discarded as waste like so many other male calves in the dairy industry. He was rescued by the Happy herd, and with much care and love, he is now living his best life! I personally follow the happy herd on Instagram, they have the most amazing, funny, and inspiring videos.
You can also volunteer, donate, or sponsor one of these lovely animals, check out more happy herd residents!
Farm Sanctuary
Another awesome farm animal rescue is Farm Sanctuary. They are located in New York, USA, and have some incredible stories to share. Their sanctuary has been in operation since 1986 and is Global Federation of animal sanctuaries accredited. Currently, they have over 1000 residents at their sanctuary, including chickens, cows, goats, turkeys, sheep, and pigs.
There are so many residents, I couldn’t begin to pick which to take the spotlight. Instead, I would like to share “The Someone Project”. This incredible project is being sponsored by farm sanctuary to document the sentience of cows using scientific research. This paper focuses on all the innate details that make these majestic beings individuals, and not commodities. Download the white paper: “Thinking Cows: A Review of Cognition, Emotion, and the Social Lives of Domestic Cows: to develop the most informed idea of how cows demonstrate intelligence and socioemotional complexity (i.e., how they develop relationships) in ways we humans can recognize.”
There are so many ways to help Farm Sanctuary. You can donate, volunteer, adopt a farm animal, become a member, or even follow them on social media! I actually love giving holiday gifts from Farm Sanctuary. For a donation of your choosing, they send you a beautiful photo of the animal you sponsored.
Kindred community farm sanctuary
This is a wonderful farm animal rescue located in Surrey, BC. They have an inspiring mission, to rescue animals and help people. The kindred community provides sanctuary and love to farm animals. In turn, these animals help to provide emotional therapy to front-line health care workers/firefighters and even troubled youth. These programs help to promote the incredible bonds that should exist between humans and animals.
Kindred community farm sanctuary needs help, they must move to another location and require more funds to do so. Find out how you can help move the kindred community to a new home.
Eden’s way
Eden’s way farm sanctuary is in Kamloops, BC. This farm animal rescue started with 2 horses and 2 dairy cows that needed rescuing. They are now home to many animal residents commonly found in animal agriculture and others like rabbits and peacocks.
They have a wonderful page on their website to view all the residents of the sanctuary and provide a detailed story behind the unfortunate lives they once lived. One story that is really heartbreaking but also moving is the story about the dairy cow, Esther Theodora Federica. Esther arrived at Eden’s sanctuary as a 10-year-old dairy cow, traumatized and scarred after giving birth to 6 calves, each taken away from her. Esther’s milk production went down and was subsequently scheduled for slaughter until Eden’s way farm sanctuary stepped in to save her. She lived the rest of her life out with her last baby Ezekiel, in peace, respect and dignity. As it should be.
You can visit their sanctuary, donate, and even sponsor the animal residents.
Help farm animals like these live their best life
It is an overwhelming feeling of emotion when we see these beautiful creatures go through pain and sorrow, and it is our own humanity that allows us to feel this way. The word “humane” is derived from this very point, an ability to show compassion and kindness. We are meant to share a special connection with these beings, as so many of these farm sanctuaries have shown us. Helping to support farm sanctuaries like these, and transitioning to a plant-based diet, will help us to bring change, because that is what we need now more than ever, change.
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Brittany Goldhawke
Brittany Goldhawke has a B.Sc. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of British Columbia. She worked in research with yeast for over 5 years, for environmental, food, and beverage purposes. Brittany also has extensive experience in winemaking and has a WSET level 3 certification in Wine. Brittany likes to write about microbes and their benefits to the environment, sustainable living, and of course eco-friendly wine and food products.