I was very lucky to visit Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, New York this week while on vacation from work. I have been a supporter of the work and mission of Farm Sanctuary for a few years and have been wanting to visit for that long as well. Finally, I decided to go finally just go ahead and go. My only regret is not staying longer.
From the moment I drove up the path to the People Barn I immediately felt at peace. The beauty of nature could be felt all around me - the smell of the rain showers that had been happening on and off throughout the day, the parting of clouds to allow rays of sunlight to escape, the sound of birds chirping. I had arrived too late to meet the animals but I settled into my cabin and sat on the deck to take in my surroundings. I met a wonderful couple who go to Farm Sanctuary every year and as we got to chatting, discovered that not only are they from my home state but the parents of one of them were born in my birth city. Talk about a small world!
The following morning, I woke up an hour before the alarm went off- I was so excited to meet the animals. After breakfast, I waited for the tour which began only a half hour later. I was the only guest taking the tour at that time and the staff member leading the tour was so great, so open to all my questions and comments.
The first animal I met was Thunder, a 2900 pound steer. The height of his body matched mine and as he ate grass and I reached out to pet him, I was awed by his strength and his comfort in allowing us to be around him. It was heartwarming to hear about how he has become part of a herd and has made friends with the other cows at the farm.
We continued on the tour, stopping in each barn and meeting sheep and goats-I wish I could remember each of their names. Some were still skittish, having been treated so cruelly by humans and not quite able to trust again, just yet. Others came right over to us, wanting to feel the touch of our hands, the calmness and care in our voices. To know that some humans still care.
I have been sponsoring a goat on the farm, Gloria, for a few months now and was beyond exited to meet her. As I mentioned to the staff member leading the tour, I have her picture on a bulletin board in my office and thought of her as a friend. Finally getting to meet her, to pet her and feel her playful headbutts was almost overwhelming. Her story took on new meaning as she became even more real.
The turkeys on the farm are so big in size, so pumped full of chemicals to ensure more meat. A lot are de-beaked, a process whereby part of the beak is removed, to ensure that the chickens do not peck each other while confined to battery cages. It is done without anesthesia. The peck because they are cramped together, unable to even spread their wings, and yet the solution (rather than giving each animal more space) is to cause pain. It is a mentality I never want to understand.
I could go on for hours about how each and every animal I was lucky enough to meet touched my heart in ways I couldn't even have imagined but more than anything this experience has reinforced what I already knew. Each one of the beings on the farm, each one of the animals that are raised each year to be slaughtered, made into an accessory or eaten, are beings who deserve so much more than the treatment we are allowing to happen to them.
Each animal of the farm has a name, a personality, feelings. I saw it so clearly as one cow, still nervous around people, moved away from us when we approached her. As she lingered close by, I slowly reached out to pet her-she allowed me to and I thanked her. Her tail began to ever so slightly move. It is a connection, a moment of comfort for both she and I that I will carry with me always.
I left with renewed purpose, with increased passion to ensure that farm animals are given the humane treatment all living beings deserve and have a right to. I have not eaten meat for two years and the thought of doing so now, more do than before, is unimaginable. I am now 100% committed to becoming vegan.
Thank you Farm Sanctuary for the inspiring, healing, amazing work that you do on a day to day basis. My visit with the animals and to the farm was a gift that I do not have adequate words to express thanks for. I look forward to returning soon.
Please click below for a slideshow of pictures from my visit!
