Bull Torture

Ever since I was little, I was always horrified by the rituals of bull riding and slaughter.  It has never ever seemed ok to me.  I was researching, like I always, and I came across a article about this topic.  On the weekend around November 13th every year in Soria, Spain, they have a spanish festival called "Toro Jubilo".  Residents at the festival get flaming balls of tar and throw them at restrained bulls.  The bulls are scared, innocent, and don't understand why this pain is being put upon them.  The bulls are then released among the streets and left to burn alive.  This ritual burns their faces and eyes, and eventually kills them.  The contestants then take their burnt "prize" home to eat.  Please, please stop this torture.  These animals do not deserve to suffer like this.  If any one has a heart, please follow this link to take action. https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2639

Ellen goes Vegan

So I don't know about all of you, but personally I love Ellen DeGeneres.  I think she is first of all so so funny.  She is also a very great example of kindness and selflessness.  Recently, Ellen also did something that is very inspirational to me,  she became a vegan.  I have wanted to do this for so long, but I don't seem to have enough self control.  When asked why she became vegan, Ellen replied this:

"I personally chose to go vegan because I educated myself on factory farming and cruelty to animals, and I suddenly realized that what was on my plate were living things, with feelings. And I just couldn't disconnect myself from it any longer. I read books like Diet for a New America and saw documentaries like Earthlings and Meet Your Meat, and it became an easy choice for me."

Even though you may still eat meat and dairy products, doesn't mean you can't educate yourself on what your meat is made from and what the animals you are eating went through.  Visit peta.org and find out for yourself.  It may be a life changing decision.

Stop Australian Lamb Mutilation

In Austrailia many of their farmers are part of a disturbing act called lamb mutilation.  The farmers use large sheers to cut off chunks of the innocent lambs backsides.  Other farmers use large clamps that hold large chinks of their skin together for days and even weeks until the skin dies and rots off.  The wool producers still refuse to end this harmful act.  Go to https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2305 to send a letter to them and urge them to stop hurting these gentle creatures!

I want a dog:)

So I went for a girls day with my mom and sister on Saturday to a movie and lunch.  While waiting for our movie, we decided to go look at the animals for adoption at our local pet store.  We went in and immediately I ran over to all of the animals and started playing with them.  While we were there, I saw the absolute cutest dog I have ever seen.  It was a little pug, which is my favorite kind of dog ever!!  I wanted it so so bad.  But, ufortunately, my apartment doesn't allow pets. But someday I'll get my pug!!

My Cat Emmy

I remember the first day that I got my cat Emmy.  My mother and I were looking around Pets Mart and we both spotted her in one of the cages in the back.  It was pet adoption Satrurday, and my mom promised me I could get a pet.  Emmy was small, only a few weeks old, and she was this cute ball of gray fluff.  I knew I had to have her from the second I saw her.  We brought her home and she instantly became a part of the family.  After about five years of having her, a tragedy happened.  I came home sick from Highschool one day and couldn't find Emmy anywhere.  I was nervous because anytime anyone came in the door she would run up and rub against their legs.  Just as I was about to call my mom, I heard a soft wimper coming from outside my back door.  I ran to the door, knowing it was Emmy.  As I opened the door, I immediately burst into tears.  As Emmy limped in through the door,  I could see her back left leg , which was aparemtly broken, just hanging on by a thin layer of skin.  She was bleeding everywhere, and was in horrible pain.  I ran to the phone and called my mom.  She said she would be home as soon as she could and would take Emmy to the vet.  I was scared that I was going to lose my cat, and friend.  I sat on the floor next to Emmy, trying to comfort her.  Even though she was in such pain, she slowly eased her way on my lap, andstayed there until my mom got home.  The Vet ended up amputating her leg.  Now, a couple years later, Emmy is as happy as a clam.  Even with three legs, she flies through the house as fast as can be everytime I come through the door.

How Animals Love

I have always wondered how animals have such a big heart.  Unlike humans, animals never judge anyone, and they love without limits.  Humans, however, judge too quickly, are many times scared to love, and they often betray one another.  I think its so cute that everytime I am sick, crying, or just feeling crappy, my two cats, Emmy and Fat Boy, are always there by my side.  It is as if they can feel what I am feeling and they just want to turn my day around.  That is one of the greatest things about having a pet, they are also one of the best friends you could ever have. :)

"Frog-Oh-Spheres"

The mall-retailer Brookstone sells an item called "Frog-O-Spheres" in which dwarf frogs and snails stuffed into tiny tanks and die slow and painful deaths.  Many customers who came and visited the store were horrified and disgusted in what they saw there.  The employees neglected the ones that were sick and dying and put them in the back of the shelves where customers were less likely to see them.  Instead of calling the vet and getting these creatures help, they chose to prolong their suffering.  When customers bought a "frog-o-sphere", the employees neglected to tell the customers what the frogs and snails need to survive.  We need to stand up for these creatures and urge the stores that sell these types of "torture chambers" and not participate in the cruelty.

Animals- Not Meant For Entertainment

Every year millions of animals around the world in places such as zoos, are abused by their trainers.  These trainers are training these animals so people like you and me can go see them perform, ride on them, and just sit and watch them.  As innocent as this may seem, its not so innocent in the animals eyes.  These animals are cramped in cages and hooked on chains for most of their lives.  They aren't out in their natural habitat like they should be.  They don't get to experience their lives and have freedom the way they were created to.   Speak out to others about what is happening.  Maybe if we all stand up for them together, we can really make a difference.  <3

Dairy Products

So one of my favorite things to eat is ice cream.  I love the stuff.  But, to my dismay, I am lactose intolerant.  I get very very sick when I eat the stuff.  So, I have been thinking of going without dairy for life.  Which, in my case, means giving up one of my favorite foods.  I have been recently researching going without dairy, and have come across many benefits of it.  Did you know that dairy products are linked to allergies, constipation, obesity, heart disease, cancer, and other disease?  They also contain considerable amounts of cow's blood and pus, pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics.  Yucky!!  Also dairy farms across the world keep their cows in very cramped and filthy environments.  They treat these animals, not like the living beings they are, but like they are milk machines.  It is common for a cow to produce more than 100 gallons of milk  per day, which is about ten times more than they would produce in nature.  This constant milking makes the cow's utters so saggy and large that they many times drag on the ground, causing painful rashes and infection.  Lets save the cow's milk for what it was originally intended for- it's babies!!

Bob

I can remember the first time I realized how much I appreciated all of the living beings on this planet.  I have always been intrigued by humming birds, butterflies, and even ants.  Groing up, I remember I would avoid stepping on ants as the cruised across the sidewalk, and would be devestated when I would step on one.  I always recognized that even though some of the creatures may be as small as an ant on a sidewalk, they are still living organisms trying to make the best of the life they have been given, just like us.  Who knows how much they can feel, think, and appreciate?  I remember one day, when I wasd about ten, my sister and I were sitting at home watching television.  There was a bumblebee flying around our heads constantly.  Unlike most kids, who would most likely get out the fly swatter  and kill the bee, me and my sisiter took a liking to "him".  We decided to name him Bob.  Being so young and naive, we didn't realize that Bob could not survive in our house forever.  The days went by and Bob continued to stick around and be our little friend.  One morning, my sister and I realized we hadn't seen Bob in a while and became quickly concerned with his whereabouts.  We found his dried out body in our kitchen window.  He was probably longing for the life he needed, outside.  We had a funeral for Bob in our backyard, and burried him in a matchbox. Bob would seem like just some bumblebee to many people, but to me he was a friend.  And I was devastated to had lost him.  I am so glad that I was raised to love the animals and creatures around me.  I feel this characteristic trait has made me the person I am today.

Famous Vegetarians

I thought it would be fun to list a couple of famous vegetarians and why they decided to stay meat free. :)

Alicia Silverstone: "Since I've gone vegetarian, my body has never felt better and my taste buds have been opened up to a whole new world. It's one of the most rewarding choices I've ever made and I invite you to join me in living a healthy, cruelty-free lifestyle."

Carrie Underwood: "Ever since I was little I loved animals.  They depend on people to take care of them. If you told me I could never sing again, I'd say that was horrible, but it's not my life. If you told me I could never be around animals again, I would just die."

Sir Paul McCartney: "If anyone wants to save the planet, all they have to do is just stop eating meat. That's the single most important thing you could do. It's staggering when you think about it. Vegetarianism takes care of so many things in one shot: ecology, famine, cruelty."


Pamela Anderson:"Chickens, pigs, and other animals—they are interesting individuals with personalities and intelligence. But if farmers did to dogs and cats what they do to animals they're raising for food, they could be prosecuted for animal abuse and locked up."
 
Shania Twain: "I think there's something odd about eating another living anything."

Yummy Vegetarian Dish!!

So I was looking up recipes on the internet, and found this delicious one!!
Please try!  Its totally vegetarian and healthy, so no animals were harmed in the making.  Which is a total plus!!
Basil Pesto

. 3 garlic gloves, peeled
1/3 cup pine nuts
3 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves
1/2-3/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup soy Parmesan cheese
• Place the garlic and pine nuts in a food processor and process until minced. Add the basil, salt, and pepper and process until the mixture is ground into a paste.
• With the machine running, pour the oil into the feed tube in a slow, steady stream until well blended.Transfer to a bowl and stir in the soy cheese.
• Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Makes 2 cups

I am a very big fan of pesto, so when I saw this I knew I had to try it.  I put it over warm pasta noodles, and had myself a feast!!

All About Chickens

I don't know why, but ever since I was a little girl I have always thought that chickens were so darn cute!  Their little feathered boddies waddling around and making funny sounds has always made me smile. For this reason I have never really developed a liking to eating eggs or chicken.  It felt, in a way, wrong to me.  Sort of not natural.  So I decided to write this blog about chickens and give a couple facts about them.  Many scientists around the world have come to believe that many chickens have avilities that are more advanced than those of our typical house pets- cats and dogs. Chickens are very intellectual.  They pass on knowledge from generation to generationa and they also learn new things just ffrom watching and being around eachother.  Now does this sound like an animal who should be butchered and eaten up?  I think not! :)

Save the Environment!

So I recently read something very interesting.  Did you know that going vegetarian and not eating meat can actually help save the environment?  You might be thinking this is a big lie, but it is true!  I was just as surprised as you.  I know not eating meat can be very difficult and challenging, but in the ned it will be worth it.  Try it for just a week and see how it goes!!  You can help save some amazing animals, get a healthier body,, and now, as you read, save the environment!  On goveg.com it states that "eating 1lb of meat emits the same amount of greenhouse gasses as driving an SUV 40 miles.  So do your body and the environment some good and try going meat free!!

P.S. Veggie burgers are a delicious meat substitute!

Save the Environment!

Save the Hampsters!

On PETA.org, they posted a very, to me, disturbing article.  The article states that at teh Tampa, Florida Highschool in the science department, they are doing more than just teaching their students.  They are setting very bad examples on how to treat the animals around us.  They have obtained hampsters over the past few years, and are keeping them under very harsh conditions.  The gerbils are not being supplied with enough food, water, or bedding.  They are also kept in very cramped cages.  The gerbils are so hungry that some of them have begun to eat the flesh of their cagemates.  The classoom also obtained other animals thta have recently passed away due to these inhumane conditions.  Please follow this link and send an email to the principal to stop this.  https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2501

Fur Free Friday!!

On November 27 of this year, many people across the country will be rushing to their local shopping centers to get their hands on the after Thanksgiving sales.  But, as many people don't know, this day is also the day to remember to not buy fur.  November 27, 2009, is also the national "Fur-Free Friday".  We need to remember where the fur actually comes from and what poor innocent animal suffered so that we can have the latest trends.  Faux furis just as good looking as fur, and an innocent animal didn't have to suffer for it.  So when your out this holiday season, make it a fur free one and support the animals!

Pigs <3

So I decided to leave a post on the lighter side today, and talk about one of my most favorite animals: PIGS. I first fell in love with pigs after watching Charlotte's Web for the first time.  I could never see them as anything different than a pet, a friend, or just a dang cute animal! Many people think pigs are just smelly, fat, grunty, hairy, dirty farm animals, but this is not the case.  Not only are pigs downright adorable, they can make FANTASTIC pets. Pigs are actually very very similar to dogs.  Like a dog, pigs are friendly, outgoing, and extremely loyal.  Pigs actually are quite clean animals.  They prefer not to live within the same quarters as their bathroom spot.  Pigs love the sun, and as many of you already know, they can spend many hours sunbathing. Its sad to say, but now days about 97% of these lovable animals are raised in factories and confined in small cages for their whole lives.  So adopt a pig, befriend a pig, love a pig, and most of all respect a pig :).

Dolphin Slaughter

In Japan, there is a very small, villiage-like fishing town calle Taiji.  This town may seem like any other smalll tight-knit community. This is the place its local community calls home.  But to me, this village is home to one of the most inhumane fishing practices on this planet.  They don't hunt just any kind of "fish", oh no. Taiji is one of the largest dolphin and whale fishing villiages around.  I don't think this practice should even be considered "fishing".  The way they hunt down and slaughter these beautiful animals makes me cringe at even the thought of it.  They hunt these creatures down, trap them in the cove, and then vastly begin their blood-thirsty frenzy.  They slit their throats, bash their heads in, brutally stab them with their harpoon spears.  Sounds like your basic fishing game right?  Wrong. Miles away back on the shore of Taiji, the screams and cries of these animals can be heard by nearly everyone.  Please help stop this horrible tradition.  Follow this link to find ways you can help : http://www.savejapandolphins.org/.

Pets :)

As we all know, times are tough right now and money is hard to come by.  People are finding themselves having to cut many costs in their life due to this economy.  One of the costs people are cutting is pets.  The number of animals in shelters has gone up moderately fast since the downfall in the economy.  People are taking their long time friends to shelters, and many animals are being put out on the street.  Every year, about 8 million dogs and cats are killed because there aren't enough homes for them, and our country has over 50,000 homeless animals.  I know that times are tough and it is hard to keep up financially for many people these days, but I am truly heartbroken over how many animals are being thrown out of their homes and set out to defend for themselves. Animals, just like humans have basic needs that need to be met.  They need food, shelter, but most of all they need love. 


Reasons to adopt a homeless animal:
1. The difference you will make in an animals life.
2. The happiness and loyalty an animal will bring into your life.
3. A workout buddy.  Having a dog is a great way to stay healthy and fit.  You will never run out of a workout buddy!
4. Having a best friend by your side 24/7.
5. Someone to tell your deepest secrets to.
6. Because an animal will never judge you. No matter what.
7. Because animals are ADORABLE.


If adopting an animal is not in the future for you right now, you can still make a difference.  Follow this link and you can feed an animal everyday at no cost to you.  It is paid totally by sponsors.
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Save The Cats!

I was recently on the PETA website, and came across a very horrifying article about innocent cats being used for scientific experiments at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Odessa, Texas.  The article stated that the cats that are being used as "science experiments" are going through very painful procedures.  They are having tubes forcefully shoved down their wind pipes that can cause the cats to bleed, cause their throats to collapse, and it is even causing death to some of them.  To read the whole article you can go to https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2081.  They also have an email you can send to the officials at the university to urge them to stop testing on these innocent animals. There are other ways for the university to teach it's students without hurting any living organisms.  Urge them to do so. Don't let these cats suffer at our expense!

Our Friends.

Ever since I was a little girl, I have always loved animals.  I loved watching the birds feed out of the bird feeder outside of my house, and was amazed at the sight of them flying high up in the sky.  I loved watching the squirrels run up and down the trunks of the trees in my backyard.  Most of all; however, I loved the way animals made me feel.  There was no feeling in the world of snuggling up on my couch with my cat in my lap and watching my favorite movie.  Unlike people, animals are unconditionally forgiving, never judgmental, kind, loving, and always there to be your friend.  As a young girl, I thought that this was the way everyone in this world perceived animals- as our friends and nothing less.  It didn't seem possible for things to be any other way.  I later came to realize how terribly wrong I really was.  In this world we live in, my "fuzzy friends" are considered target practices, science projects, clothing lines, rugs, wall hangings, and something to test new products on.  Statistics show that 250 animals die daily from animal testing in the United States alone. About 4,000,000 animals suffer everyday from animal cruelty.  In my opinion, this is absolutely horrifying.  These animals are the same animals who comforted  you when you were nervous for your first day of school.  The same ones that stood by your side through those lonely nights of the "single" life.  The ones who layed with us when we had the flu.  And where are we when they need us?  Where are we when they call out for our help?  We are chowing down at our local burger shack only thinking of ourselves.  I think its time to stand up for our friends, and fight back against animal cruelty.