I clipped out this picture from an issue of Wired (along with the accompanying, brief article) knowing that at some point I would figure out what I wanted to say about it.  It has sat on my desk for a couple of weeks and every time I run across it I think: I must write something about this hideous photo.  Now, my bailiwick is plant-based, cruelty-free recipes.  It is my belief that eliminating meat and dairy from one’s diet guarantees a happier and healthier body.  I mostly leave the animal rights activism to more knowledgeable and eloquent voices.  So the other day when I read The Logic of Animal Rights, by activist and blogger Kara Kapelnikova, I knew that she had written what I would have liked to have said about the photo of this dairy cow hoisted into the air (by a “tilt table”) for an inspection of her hooves.  The deceptive banality of it, the look in the cow’s eye as she stares at the photographer, the filth and muck that surrounds her…While there are certainly more graphic and disturbing images out there, this photo to me exemplifies how we exploit animals for our own needs – how many of us view animals (especially “food” animals) as products rather than living, feeling beings – born, bred and butchered so that we can dine on their remains.  By the way, this was an article in a section called Toolkit about how to start a dairy farm.

Please visit Kara’s blog, Vegan Rabbit to get inspired and informed.  She lends her considerable intelligence, grace and eloquence to the cause of animal rights.

It seems appropriate here to mention another vegan-themed blog, this one called Bacon Is NOT an Herb, written by a new friend from the blogosphere (when I started blogging I had no idea I’d make so many wonderful connections with people of all stripes).  Terri shares recipes and restaurants reviews and makes it a little easier living in her part of the country to thrive on a vegan/vegetarian diet.  Right now she’s looking for vegans, vegetarians or those contemplating making the switch to a cruelty-free diet to submit stories about themselves and their journey.  You can find all of the information here: ‘Coming a Veg.   I think it will be fascinating to read what others have to share about their choices and lives.

Finally, wishing a happy birthday today to a beautiful yogini, vegan, author and devoted friend to “creatures great and small,” Ms. Tracey of Shanti Warrior Holistic Wellness Services.  I’m proud and honored to know her.  Peace and love, my friend.