Vegan…for them. (Wilbur and Petey in @stargazingfarmanimalsanctuary.) #cowstagram #cowtography #farmsanctuary #friendsnotfood #loveanimals #someonenotsomething #veganfortheanimals

Sometimes when I post an animal’s story, people leave comments condemning humanity. I understand the pain, but I believe change doesn’t come from blame. It comes from loving animals out loud. (Poplar Spring Sanctuary) #compassion #veganforthe animals

“An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language.” ~ *I and Thou* Martin Buber wrote about I–thou relationships—where we meet the other as a unique being, not a thing to use. Worthy. Fellow earthlings. #pigsofig #friendsnotfood #loveanimals #veganfortheanimals

Showdown in the Poplar town square: Camillo and Jake say, there’s only room on this here log for the one of us. #goatplay #goatsofig #bekindtoeverykind #farmsanctuary #friendsnotfood #loveanimals

Out of curiosity, what do you like about cows? (Chester and Juliet in Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary.) #cowstagram #cowtography #farmsanctuary #friendsnotfood #veganfortheanimals

Meet Bailey and her baby, Lionel. Abandoned while pregnant, Bailey was in pain—her baby was breech. A C-section saved them both. The vet called the Poplar Spring sanctuary. Now safe, Lionel bounds through grass like joy on four legs. 🐐💚

When you invited your buddy to a society ball, but they thought you meant a hoedown in the barn. At Star Gazing Farm Animal Sanctuary. #sheepbuddies #sheephumor

Is calling my farmed animal photos “portraits” going too far? Isn’t that anthropomorphism? Ideally, my photos reveal an emotion or leave the viewer with an impression of the subjects. It just so happens that the subjects of my photographs are cows or goats, for example, and not humans.

Justin turns 7 years old today. Happy birthday, Justin! Most people don’t know that, when allowed, mother cows like Maisie and their calves remain close for life. In sanctuaries where mother cows and their calves are allowed to stay together, the bond between them is incredibly strong.

Blind since birth, Ray Ray nevertheless navigates his world with confidence, never letting his lack of sight dim his spirit. He knows his way around the sanctuary, moving with ease and always radiating calm. Pure serenity. #farmsanctuary #SanctuaryLife #BlindButThriving

Wilbur clearly loves—and sometimes tussles with—his brother from another (much taller) mother, Petey at Star Gazing Farm Animal Sanctuary. The pair have all sorts of adventures together, such as breaking fences just to see what’s on the other side.

It had been since autumn when I last visited with Petey and Wilbur at Star Gazing Farm Animal Sanctuary. Both boys greeted me with great enthusiasm. I actually had to step back when Petey’s extended, sandpapery licks on my arms and face began to sting! 😂

Big boy Grayson celebrated his sixth birthday recently. Because his pregnant mommy delivered him in the safety of sanctuary, he’s only known gentle, loving hands. At Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary. #CowBirthday #SanctuaryLife #SomeoneNotSomething

Friendship is pretty easy to recognize regardless of species. At Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary #goatsofig #goatbuddies #friendship #someonenotsomething

If squirrels were allowed to compete in American Ninja Warrior, they would crush the competition.

The dairy industry’s advertising is arguably among the most effective in history—turning sensitive, social cows into mere milk producers for our benefit. Many former vegetarians later learn that dairy practices are among the worst in animal agriculture. I once believed the industry’s narrative too.

Reasonable people can argue whether photography is art. I think it can be, if one is intentional. But—and not to sound nauseatingly cute—I’d prefer to be known as a “heartist.” I want viewers of my photos to think, sure, but more so, to feel for the subject and others of their kind.

Throwback to when Zachary, a small goat with a big personality (and horns to match) decided he was the leader of the goats. Speaking of those horns, they were actually a sophisticated radar system that could sense snacks from miles away. #goats

Think about it. Veganism is what we all want. We want to align our actions with our morals. We want flavorful foods that nourish our bodies and our souls. So why do we resist? Resistance to change comes down to a few things: our culture, our identity and convenience. Speed bumps to be overcome.

Happy National Pig Day! 🐷 Female pigs often endure lives confined in small crates, forced into multiple pregnancies until their bodies give out. Piglets face painful procedures without relief. We can do better. Here’s Mabel at @poplarspringsanctuary.

For your consideration, may I present this throwback to when rescued mama Millie gave birth to her full-of-beans babies Jasper and June at Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary. #sheep #sanctuary #vegan

Our squirrels can frolic and forage in over two acres of woods. And yet, like piranhas, they consistently ravage our birdfeeders within 18 hours, leaving behind only sad, empty husks. 😂

At a time when “might makes right” dominates and destroys so much that is good, kind, compassionate, generous, and just, may we come together as a community that protects the vulnerable and defends who and what we love. #choosecompassion #veganforlife #bekindtoeverykind #veganfortheanimals

Say hello to Pancake and his girlfriend Matilda! This twosome travels together in their brand-new adventures in Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary. #chickens #bestfriends #frizzle

Can you imagine yourself in chains? With no shelter? For 10 long years? And with no others of your kind—lonely and worn down. Now, imagine the person who kept you prisoner decided to feed you…no more. When Felix was rescued, his BCS was 1.5 out of 5, where a score of 1 is emaciated. #cows

In this month’s newsletter, I’m sharing advanced praise for Voices of the Herd, my upcoming book featuring rescued cows and their stories: bit.ly/4gFfYdl . Moksha at @indralokasanctuary .

Life is addition and subtraction. We gain memories and hard-won knowledge while losing things that are equally precious, like curiosity and a sense of play. If we don’t push ourselves to move forward, we stagnate. It’s so easy to sit on the couch, watch the news and become angry and bitter.

On many afternoons, depending on the season and their inclinations, the cow herd of @poplarspringsanctuary disappears over a far hill and traverses fields and streams, ultimately “camping out” under the stars wherever they end up on the vast sanctuary grounds.

Book marketing and publicity are no joke! Website, newsletter, social media, review blurbs from influential people in the relevant communities, a freaking book ~trailer~ (!)…. Now, I’m working on my “media kit” for when I reach out to the media to cover my book. Phew!

In egg-laying warehouses, hens are crammed together in tiny, wire-floored cages for upwards of 24 months. Unable to spread their wings or forage or nest, they develop mental and physical trauma from the extreme stress and confinement. #farmsanctuary #crueleggs

In these tumultuous times, how do we build a world of kindness and care? Are who/what we eat, wear, consume for the betterment or detriment of life on Earth, humans and nonhumans? May we take up our arms, not to fight, but in a wide loving embrace of all life. @wildwoodsanctuary.bsky.social #vegan

Oswald and his sister Hazel adore each other. #goats #farmsanctuary #loveanimals #someonenotsomething #veganfta

Have you tried the streaming service UnchainedTV? It includes over 1,500 (and counting) long-form documentaries, reality programming, news and other content focused on animal rights and veganism. And it’s free! The service is available online and via its app. #unchainedtv #govegan #vegcurious

Farmers commonly claim that calves separated from their mothers cry in anguish only because they’re hungry. Because this claim is self-serving, it is suspect. Those same separated calves continue to cry after they’re fed and full. #animalrights #farmsanctuary #cows