If you asked me a few years ago if I could ever see myself as a Vegan, I would laugh, make an excuse, and say no – until 2023.

Veganism was something that would pop into my mind periodically any time I saw a video about animal neglect, abuse, and torture, but I would typically avert my eyes or keep scrolling to avoid seeing what happens to the animals that humans often treat poorly in the animal agriculture industry so that I wouldn’t allow the guilt to bother me, but a little bit would linger.

In the Summer of 2022 I met my now-partner, Lauren who has been Vegan for almost 7 years to date. Thankfully my open-mindedness and her lifestyle began to open more doors and more enlightenment for me. Gradually we would go to Vegan restaurants and I would learn more about what goes on behind the closed doors of industries that exploit, harm, and kill animals that don’t need to experience these things, especially in a modern world.

If we fast-forward to August of 2023 (by now I have learned a lot about all the good that can come from being Vegan and all the burdens that come with knowing the immoral and unfair things that happen to our animal- friends), Lauren and I dabbled with the idea of visiting an animal sanctuary if there was one nearby. That is when we stumbled upon JP Farm Animal Sanctuary. Excitingly, I reached out so that I could try to visit ‘JP’ and soon after Britt got back to me and we arranged a visit.

The visit to the sanctuary was wonderful and incredibly eye-opening. We were greeted with open arms and infectious friendliness from the whole team. After we had some impressive, homemade, Vegan snacks and learned a lot about the sanctuary and its history we went out to meet the animals. Meeting them really connected some dots. I mean, it was like finding that lost puzzle piece that made its way under the sofa long after you put together every other piece. Lauren and I pet the cows and fed them cookies as they showed me a gentle nature. I held a rooster with beautiful colors and a curious look, showing me that animals have personalities. I pat the pigs as they sleep peacefully, not wanting any trouble – reminding me that animals too want to live their lives without compromise from humans. One of the pigs happily snorted as their human-dad, Oscar gave her belly rubs. She feels joy and comfort. We watched as the turkey would strut around with confidence and poise, once again expressing individuality that all animals have. Lightbulbs that have been flickering for the past year became illuminated. I had a revelation while at JP that animals are NOT commodities. Animals are beautiful, unique, and expressive beings that deserve to live their lives without humans trying to exploit them. Between having a loving relationship with a Vegan and visiting JP Sanctuary, I took up a mantle and became Vegan.

Please, visit the sanctuary when you can and you will not regret it. The visit helped me abandon my cognitive dissonance and realize that we do not need to harm the animals that we share this planet with. I sincerely believe that JP’s residents (and staff, of course) have inspired me to make that final push into a more peaceful, purposeful life as an advocate for the voiceless. Thank you to Oscar and Lynn for creating this beautiful place, giving these animals the life they deserve, and for helping people improve their own lives in so many ways. Thank you to the supportive team of volunteers and employees that ensure everyone there thrives, regardless of species. JP Farm Sanctuary is “inspiring compassionate living” and now I am too.

With compassion,
Brandon