I have always loved animals.

Even before becoming vegan, I would often say that I love animals, even though I really meant just dogs.

I mean, I never wanted to harm animals. I would never go out of my way to inflict pain or suffering on any animal.

But I did pay someone else to do that.

When I was still eating meat (animals) I was out with a group of fellow protestors (after a human rights protest) and one of my colleagues who was eating vegan said they were surprised that as compassionate and kind I was, that I did not embrace those same ideas while eating. They said it in the kindest of ways. So kind, in fact, that I took it to heart.

I loved animals. I didn’t want to particpate in harming them.

It would be several years until I would go vegan, but that conversation was the planting of the seed. I had never thought about what happens to animals in order to end up on my dinner plate. I certainly never thought about animals being tortured, filled with fear, not wanting to die. Animal suffering did not cross my mind.

I’ve been vegan for 27 years now. It all started by looking at the violence on my plate.

If you are new to being vegan or considering it, check out my page here on the blog called “Helpful websites and blogs”. I keep it updated to be as helpful as possible. If you know of a website that would be helpful to new vegans around food, recipes, health, or nutrition, please let me know!

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Go vegan. Vote. Be kind.