Animals suffer all over the world for a multitude of reasons. In the wild, animals are being driven from their homes. They are poisoned, poached, hunted, and trapped. In zoos and circuses animals that should be free, live in cages and are forced to preform. In schools and laboratories animals are tortured and tested on. In our homes we take in animals as part of the family, but these animals still are neglected and abused. Luckily there are compassionate people throughout the world who are forming organizations and are working to help and protect these powerless beings.
But if we were to combine all of these animals the total would not even come close to the number of animals that are being raised for food products.
The number of farm animals that are exploited, and enslaved for human consumption is hard to fathom. It has been stated that in the United Sates 10 BILLION animals are killed for food for humans every year. This number is astronomical, and is in the United States alone! World wide the number of farm animals is impossible to calculate nor comprehend. For these animals, help and support is hard to find. Although cows, sheep, chickens, pigs and goats have just as much ability to suffer as any animal in the wild or in our home they almost always get over looked.
There is one extraordinary organization in the United States that is working tirelessly to rescue, protect, and fight for these voiceless animals. Farm Sanctuary is doing more to help farm animals than anyone else in the world. For the past 25 years Farm Sanctuary has been providing shelter for animals suffering at factory farms, stockyards and slaughterhouses. Their extensive education programs raise awareness on the plight of farm animals. All this as they campaign relentlessly to encourage legal and political reforms that promote respect and compassion for farm animals.
I have so much admiration for the people that are devoting their lives to speaking up for animals. The more that I acquaint myself with organizations that work for a better world for animals the more incredible and inspirational people that I meet. At Farm Sanctuary I was blown away with the compassion that I witnessed.
I consider the people at Farm Sanctuary genuine heroes. When I was given the opportunity to intern there I was thrilled. At the time I couldn’t believe that they had chosen me and now it’s still a little surreal. I always feel that I am bragging and have trouble keeping a straight face when I say , “ya I interned at The Farm”.
Now almost 2 years later I am honored once again to be a part of this incredible organization. Recently I was contacted by Farm Sanctuary inquiring if I would donate a piece of my photography for their upcoming auction.
This year Farm Sanctuary is having their 25th anniversary. Since the humble beginnings of selling veggie dogs at Grateful Dead concerts 25 years ago, Farm Sanctuary have grown into a nation wide organization speaking out and standing up for the most powerless and exploited of all animals. They are holding a 25th anniversary Gala Dinner in New York on May 14th.
http://www.farmsanctuary.org/galas/nyc.html
As part of the event they are holding a silent auction of art work. I am delighted, excited, thrilled and honored to be included in this huge event, and so happy to have the opportunity to raise money for these beautiful animals.
If you are not familiar with the work of Farm Sanctuary please take a look at their website. www.farmsanctuary.org
If you are already a fan of Farm Sanctuary and are attending New York City 25th Anniversary Gala for Farm Animals celebration on May 14th please support them by making a bid on an item at the silent auction!

I FIRST HEARD ABOUT THE FARM IN A BOOK I READ JUST A MONTH AGO — EATING ANIMALS — SINCE THEN I HAVE BECOME A VEGETARIEN. i WAS SO OUT RAGED WITH WHAT I READ. i GUESS I KNEW BUT BLOCKED IT FROM MY MIND.
Oh such stunning photography!! NICKY PIG! I miss her!!
Julie, the picture of the sheep at the top stirs — talk about capturing “Voice of the Voiceless.” Thank you for all the work you are doing on behalf of the babies. And, mercy, the work of Farm Sanctuary.…..those amazing folks!