Our First Farm Animal Rescue

Post by AVN member, Dave

I live in a rural community and as such my drive to work takes me past wonderful vistas of hay fields, streams, lakes, dairy farms and of course, being in the great north east, beautiful mountains. 

I drive about 30 miles one way to and from work each day. I have been doing this for over 20 years. You would think that one would take the views for granted after a while but the views constantly change with each season, and no two seasons appear the same. In the spring the snow melts and the tree buds appear. The hay fields start to green-up and the chirping of birds slowly increase as the sun appears for longer periods of the day. The smell of early spring flowers flood in through the partially open windows, each season brings its own special attributes, each one different and I that's what I love the most about the north east, the changing of the seasons.

There was and still is one constant that I notice each year. That is, newborn cows tied up to trees on the farmer's front lawns or tethered to a wall in a semi-open barn. This was a sign of renewal that came throughout the year, no matter what season. 

The dairy farm that I drive past everyday pastures their cattle on the opposite side of the highway, from the barn and farmhouse. The ritual - twice a day - once in the morning and once in the early evening, is to block off the main road while the cows cross from the pasture to the barn. Driving past these baby cows used to bring me joy but over the years I began to notice that these baby cows would wind their tether chain around the tree trunk until they couldn't move. Other than the tree branches and leaves, they were not provided with shelter. It began to deeply sadden me, to see this cycle of newborn cows being culled out and deprived of their mothers nourishment, both physically and emotionally. 

I discovered that the weaning process begins early for female calves (who are the ones I saw tied to the trees) and immediately for the male calves (who were tied to wall posts - their mother on the opposite side). The female calves would go on to become dairy cows and continue the process and the male calves would be picked up weekly and brought to auction for the veal industry.

Driving by the farm, one morning in late fall of 2006, I happened to notice one calf in particular. I don't know why, but I felt compelled by this particular little guy and I pulled to the side of the road to get a closer look. Knowing it was Wednesday, and having become familiar with the farm routine, I knew that he would be picked up the next day for auction. I felt a pressing desire to do something, to save this helpless being from a fate that he had no control over. Jan and I had previously discussed the terrible life that these animals go through and without hesitation we both decided that we needed to rescue this calf.

We approached the farmer to ask if we could have this calf. The farmer said that he would get $150.00 for this calf at auction and if we agreed to pay that fee then we could take him.  Hesitant at first (only because paying meant - in a way - supporting the meat and dairy industry) we decided that this calf's life was more important. We handed the farmer the money and away we went.

[When we went into the barn the farmer kicked the calf in the side to make him stand up. He explained that "this is what you do to get them on their feet." The little guy's hind end was covered in feces and his tail was stuck to his body. We put him in the back of our horse trailer and brought him home. We have three family horses (Spirit, Amber and Mac) who were very curious about their new friend. Once out of the trailer the calf began to run around and kicked his hind legs high in the air. It was as if he knew that he was safe.]

 Our family horses and Dylan - checking each other out

Dylan, when he first arrived at our house

This was a first for us, and we felt heavy in heart knowing that we had left others behind, but saving one life - this particular life - felt important and felt right. Neither Jan or I had tended to a cow before so we needed some instruction. With a few frantic phone calls and some Web site searches we figured out the basics of what we needed to buy for food and supplies. Over the next few days Jan phoned numerous places and people hoping to find a permanent home for this newly-freed fellow. After hours she finally reached Jenny Brown and Doug Abel of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary (WFAS) in Woodstock, NY. They agreed to take the calf and said that he would become an ambassador for all farm animals. 

Jan feeding Dylan

We put down some hay in the back of our horse trailer to prep for the calf's journey to his new home. We walked him inside the trailer and he circled and made himself comfortable as he laid down in the bed of hay. He was quiet and seemed content during the 1.5 hour road trip to WFAS. 

Dylan, nestled in the hay on the horse trailer

Upon arrival Doug welcomed the calf with open arms and was anxious to make him feel comfortable and safe. Since the calf was only about one week old, it would be a few weeks before it would be safe for him to join the existing herd. 

Doug Abel carrying Dylan to be weighed (80 pounds)

WFAS named him Dylan and now, this former veal calf is two-years-old, friendly as all get-out, and weighs about 800-pounds. Jan and I enjoy visiting him a couple times each year and when we approach the fence and call to him, he always comes running over to greet us.

Top: Dylan with Jan and Dave (2007)

Bottom: Dylan with WFAS 2007 ThanksLiving attendees

We can hardly find words to express our gratitude to Dylan and what he has done for our lives. This experience reinforced that our moral compass is set in the right direction.

Thank you to Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary for their open arms.

Maple Farm Sanctuary

Post by AVN member, Kristin

Tucked away in a cozy corner of Mendon, MA is a warm and friendly place where farm animals can frolic in peace, mingle with their friends, and be pampered by those who truly care about their well-being.

Maple Farm Sanctuary (MFS), co-founded in by Cheri Ezell-Vandersluis (a former goat farmer) and Jim Vandersluis (a former dairy farmer), is home to over 80 animals, providing "lifelong homes for abused, abandoned and unwanted farmed animals while promoting veganism and respect for all life through public information."

I was introduced to Maple Farm Sanctuary through a friend and have since begun volunteering to clean stalls, prepare meals, and soak up the goodness of the other volunteers and of the spirited animals. 

Left: Tori with MFS volunteer Tommy 

Right: MFS co-founder Cheri with Habibi

A few weeks ago the Albany VegNetwork put together a goody bag for the farm. The Farm is always in need of gauze, vet wrap, neosporin, Q-tips, digital thermometers, mineral oil, baking soda, and old blankets, sheets and towels.

Dave and Jan packing up goodies

All of the animals are wonderful, but I do have a soft spot for the llamas. I have never spent much time with llamas before (or pigs, goats, sheep and cows for that matter) but there is something about their big soft eyes, pronounced under bites and clever tricks (like quickly snatching the hat off of an unsuspecting passerby) that really warms my heart.

Also, having grown up around horses, and now seeing less of them since moving to Boston, I can't get enough of the horse barn at MFS. When I walk into the barn, the sounds, smells and even the way the air settles, is so comforting. It somehow grounds me again... every time. It never gets old.

I can't write about MFS and not include one exceptional volunteer by the name of Eva. A vegetarian most of her life, and now vegan, Eva has always had a passion for animal welfare. After a 2007 visit to relatives (who own dairy cows) in Ireland, Eva decided that she wanted to do more. She sought out a local farm sanctuary and found MFS. Her superior volunteer efforts led to more involvement in which she helped to organize and run the 2008 MFS open house, and now also gives farm tours, recruits and trains new volunteers, and helps with website updates - just a few of her tasks. From personal experience, Eva is incredibly dedicated and driven... and is quite simply, an outstanding volunteer!

Eva and Kristin with one of the llamas

More MFS animal pictures...

My Vegan Story

Post by AVN member, Jan

In my youth, before marriage and having a family I always had compassion for animals and I always felt a deep connection to them. For years, I had a shirt that stated "club sandwiches, not seals." This shirt often drew much attention and curiosity, I hoped that it would encourage people to understand the message and maybe even take action. Despite this, I had yet to make the "connection" and then, in my early forties, it all came together.

My family consists of myself, my husband Dave, our son Josh and daughter Kristin. During my kids growing years, I was concerned about additives, food coloring and preservatives in foods, especially 'quality meat.' Quality meat? What was I thinking? I recall the day that Dave bit into a burger and chipped his tooth on a piece of a bullet.  This incident sat heavy with me... how were these animals really being treated... and for my consumption?

It wasn't until years later that our lives would take a new direction that wold prove to benefit our health, the animals and the planet.

Our son Josh came home from traveling and announced he had become vegetarian. Not familiar with the term, Dave and I were concerned for Josh's health. We decided to take action and began researching the topic. Going in, we thought it would be easy to make a case to prove to Josh that being vegetarian is unhealthy.

What we found changed our lives. Reading books and researching on the Internet proved to be informative, educational and factual. Josh had also become involved with an animal activist from MA, which provided us with short undercover videos of inhumanely treated animals in the meat and dairy production industry. For the first time I saw, with my own eyes, what the mass population had never seen. Once learning of the horrible treatment of these innocent animals, I began having nightmares almost every night. I knew that I had to do more and now, nearly eleven years later, Dave and I are completely vegan and became founding members of the Albany VegNetwork (AVN). We also serve on the board and as officers of the AVN. Josh and Kristin (who are also members of the AVN) are both vegan as well - you could say that we are one big happy vegan family!

Dave and I continually attend lectures on topics regarding health, ethical concerns and the sustainability of the planet - and how they all relate to a plant-based diet. I enjoy meeting like-minded people and sharing my experiences with others. For me, a cruelty-free lifestyle is essential for my well-being and I am proud to say that have finally made the connection. 

Events: Peace Fair

Post by AVN Member, Jan

On Saturday, December 6th, the AlbanyVegNetwork (AVN) tabled at the third annual Peace Fair held in Glens Falls, NY. AVN members Jan and Dave handed out information, to Peace Fair attendees, on vegan-and vegetarianism and about the next Veg Expo.

Hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, the Peace Fair brought together related vendors like The Lemon Tree Yoga & Healing Studio and Upper Hudson Peace Action. There were also musicians and vegetarian food served throughout the day.

Dave and Jan had a wonderful time, met several vegetarians and vegans, engaged in enlightening conversations with many attendees and reported that it was a great event overall.

Vegan Dating

Post by AVN Member, Kristin

Did you know that as of May 2008 only about two million people (or 1%), of the entire U.S. population, reported living a completely meat-free vegan or vegetarian lifestyle1? And of that segment about 90% are female? Okay, I made that last one up, but it does seem like I have met way more vegan women than men in the past few years. Either way I suppose it does make the following question a bit clearer -

Why the heck is it so difficult to meet vegan guys... who are single - and looking for a relationship - and my type?!

I've actually had decent conversion rates (from omni to veggie that is). The two long-term guys in my past both became vegetarian, and have remained so. Not that I made it a goal or had to try very hard to convince them. They were both open to the idea and once learning more about it, converted with ease - I was simply a guide along the way.

A few months ago I decided 'out with the conversions and in with pre-existing vegans.' Little did I know that it would be a far greater challenge to find single vegan guys. It appears that most of them have been taken... and why not, they already have a lot more to offer like: no stinky meat breath, no clogged arteries, and probably even a bit of compassion!

Obviously they are out there (and probably growing in number), vegan guys I mean. The question is, where? Does it require long-distance dating (since I am sure they aren't all swarming to Boston just for me!) or is it simply more realistic to hope for additional willing converters? 

Photo: veggiekisses.com

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1 - Cited from Research and Markets report. Summary of report can be found at: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reportinfo.asap?report_id=614204&t=e&cat_id

Vegan Builders: Energy Saving Home Improvements

Post by AVN Member, Dave

Many homeowners are looking for quick and easy green home improvements. Whether you want to make these improvements for the sake of going green or you want to make a few improvements before placing a home on the market, that will make it more competitive with new homes, there are plenty of options.

Joining the green revolution will make your home comfortable and less costly to heat and cool. Many of these improvements will also make your home more comparable to newer homes on the market. Make a record of your utility bills for the last year, then look for the savings on your future heating, cooling, and water costs.

Seven quick, easy, economical and green home improvements:

1. Switch to energy efficient light bulbs
Compact fluorescent bulbs cost a bit more when you buy them, but they will last years longer and use only a fraction of the energy that a regular light bulb uses. Start with the lights you tend to use for the longest period of time; like in the kitchen or bathroom. If you are planning to put your home on the market, you might want to start with bulbs in permanent light fixtures.

2. Install insulating/reflective window coverings
Film window coverings are available in several levels of light and UV ray blockage and colors. You can also choose different textures depending on the amount of direct sunlight in various windows. The window film is available in most hardware and home improvement stores, and it is easy to install.

3. Install weather stripping on doors and window frames
Weather stripping is relatively inexpensive and it is easy to install on door and window frames. It will reduce the amount of heat exchange by sealing up the cracks or openings. This will make your home more comfortable, more energy efficient, and more environmentally friendly.

4. Install low flow shower heads and faucets
Most homeowners can install new shower heads and faucets or can hire an inexpensive freelance handyman to do it. These faucets and shower heads use less water without blocking adequate water flow. They will save water and reduce your water and sewer bills.

5. Adjust the float in the toilet tank to use less water
This is a fairly simple adjustment that can be accomplished by most homewoners or an inexpensive freelance handyman. If you can't adjust it, try putting something in the bottom of the tank that will displace some of the water; like a container of rocks. Just be sure that what you use won't rust and won't get in the way of the the flushing mechanism.

6. Insulate the hot water distribution pipes
This is also relatively inexpensive and easy. Simply wrap the pipes that go from the hot water heat to the various plumbing fixtures (kitchens, bathrooms). Keeping the water warmer as it moves through the pipes will reduce the amount of water you have to run from a faucet while you wait for the water to warm up.

7. Install insulating or reflective window treatments
Install reflective blinds or shades on your windows. Then be sure to close them at times when the sun shines on them directly or during the warmest part of the day. This will reduce your heating and cooling bills.

Try these seven steps to make some quick and easy green home improvements. The money that you will save on utility bills will very quickly make up for the cost of making these adjustments.

Events: ThanksLiving

Post by AVN Member, Kristin

Yes, you read it right, I did in fact replace the G with an L! Coined by Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary, their ThanksLiving 2008 event (this year being the third one) gave me and a few other Albany VegNetwork (AVN) members the opportunity to spend a harmonious (and bundled-up) afternoon with like-minded, animal loving, vegetarians and vegans to celebrate the LIFE of the animal that receives the most attention during this time of the year - the turkey.

Hundreds of compassionate people came together to visit the Farm's beloved critters, participate in a bountiful raffle and silent auction, scarf down sensational vegan eats, meet and listen to some of the most influential people in the animal welfare movement, and enjoy the rhythmic tunes of "Echo."

The Farm began bustling around noon and quickly filled with people anxious to snuggle up to the friendly cows, chickens, goats, sheep, pigs and turkeys - who seemed just as excited to see us as we were to see them. I was looking forward to seeing Dylan in particular, a veal calf my parents rescued a few years ago from a dairy farm. 

Some Goodies and the Food

After making new farm friends we jumped in line to drop our raffle tickets into the various bins for a chance to win any of the amazing prizes - some of which included lotion gift baskets, cook books, shopping spree gift certificates, jewelry, hand bags, and much more. If the 1.5 hour trip from Albany to Woodstock left any of us looking for something to snack on before the main meal, problem solved! Event volunteers walked around armed with plates full of scrumptious, vegan hors d'oeuvres including black-eyed pea cakes with chipotle aioli, stuffed mushrooms with heart of palm, wild truffle tart with white truffle oil, Dr. Cow tree nut cheese on crisp baguette with tapenade, and mini meatballs with mustard caper sauce. Can anyone say YUM!?

Following the raffle we sat down to hearty vegan-filled plates of goodness which were made up of Celebration Roasts smothered in mushroom brown rice gravy,grilled island yams, savory vegan stuffing, herbed roasted seasonal vegetables, winter kale salad, wild rice salad, cranberry sauce, sumptuous sweet potato biscuits, and herbed foccacia. If that wasn't enough, there also was pumpkin spice cheesecake and chocolate peanut butter mousse layer cake encased in Belgian chocolate, for dessert. With a ridiculously satisfied stomach, I couldn't help but remember a comment that a non-veg friend of mine once made: "Being vegan, do you ever actually feel full?" How I wish she could have been with me on this day!

The Speakers

Now that we were all settled, full and warm we enjoyed the comedic intermediary likings of Dan Piraro. He certainly kept things rolling with raffle winner announcements, hilarious speaker introductions and of course, his clever, no-nonsense quips to keep us all on our toes and laughing.

The Director and subject of the documentary Crazy Sexy Cancer, Kris Carr (best-selling author, filmmaker and inspirational speaker) shared her experience with cancer and how a plant-based diet has changed her life. "Kris has been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, Access Hollywood and The Oprah Winfrey Show. In 2008 Kris and her husband Brian Fassett founded Crazy Sexy Wellness, a company dedicated to supporting individuals on the interconnected journey to personal and planetary health" (ThanksLiving 2008, program).

Next in line: Rory Freedman, animal rights activist and co-author of Skinny Bitch - #1 NY Times bestseller. Rory gave insight into why she chose a vegan lifestyle and how that relates to her love and compassion for all animals. She has a newly released book entitled Skinny Bitch in the Kitch and was named "Person of the Year" by VegNews Magazine. 

Pictured from left: Michelle (AVN Volunteer), Rory Freedman, Kris Carr, & Dawn (AVN Member)

Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary's co-founder, Jenny Brown closed with many thanks and appreciation for those who attended, donated gifts and food for the event, and reminded us how important we all are to the survival of the Farm. Jenny co-founded the Farm with her husband Doug Abel in 2004 and they have never looked back. In the event's brochure, Jenny and Doug provided a beautiful re-cap of the animal-related victories of 2008 - including the hopeful opportunities with President-elect Barack Obama, the passage of Prop 2 in California, the end of greyhound racing in Massachusetts, three major book publications (Farm Sanctuary, Thanking the Monkey, and Skinny Bitch), HSUS' downed farm animals undercover video, Ellen Degeneres' vegan 'outing,' Oprah's "widely publicized 21 day vegan diet," several New York Times articles on factory farming and Heather Mills philanthropic efforts. 2008 has truly been an amazing year!

The Band and More Goodies

But wait, there's more! Feeling well informed and motivated for 2009, we all enjoyed the music stylings of Joy Askew and her band "Echo," as we readied ourselves for the trip back home. Joy and her group (Kirsti Gholson, Amanda Homi, Kevin Bartlett and Bruce Milner) performed beautiful and ethically inspired tunes that kept many people hanging around until the bitty end. Joy is vegan and a farm animal activist, as well as a teacher of Humane Education in NYC public schools. 

On our way out the door every attendee was given a goody bag chock full of amazing vegan treats, coupons, books, the latest issue of VegNews Magazine, many veg resources, and much more!

There is nothing quite like spending an afternoon with hundreds of people, under one [tent] roof, who truly understand what it means to be compassionate, all while enjoying the company of some of the most inspirational people in the movement, paired with amazing vegan food and goodies - and for the sake of the most important guests of honor - our feathery turkey friends.

For the Turkeys

During this time of thanks please don't forget about the millions of helpless turkeys that will be sacrificed in the name of holiday tradition. One person can make a difference and one of the most important decisions that we make everyday takes place when we sit down to eat. 

Pictured from left: AVN Members - Jim, Olga, baby Nicholas, Dave, Kristin, Jan, Dawn, Mary, and Richard