Roundworm-A Serious Zoonosis

Farm Sanctuary 2012 

A Tribute from Dr. Don DeForge

Animal Doc AM Multi-Media

30September2012

"It is only when we give joyfully without hesitation or thought of gain~can we truly know what love means!"
Leo Buscaglia

What is Farm Sanctuary?  

From Farm Sanctuary National Headquarter-Farm Sanctuary's Magazine:

"Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization.  Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal industry" through research and investigations, legal and legislative actions, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts.  The three Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and Orland, CA provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming."

Visit FarmSanctuary.org to read more about the ongoing projects of this organization.

Jane Goodall states:
"Farm Animals feel pleasure and sadness, excitement and resentment, depression, fear, and pain.  They are far more aware and intelligent than we ever imagined.....they are individuals in their own right."

Christopher and Julia together at Farm Sanctuary

I first met the President and Co-Founder of Farm Sanctuary during an interview, I hosted, on WICC 600 AM radio: Animal ER~The Animal Kingdom: Celebrating the Human-Animal Bond.  It was an inspiration and delight to have Mr. Baur on my show a few times to discuss the work that his organization has accomplished and continues to accomplish in 2012.

I would like to share with you a quote from A Letter from Farm Sanctuary's President and Co-Founder, Gene Baur, from Farm Sanctuary Magazine: Fall 2010~~~

"Empathy is central to our humanity and it extends beyond our own species.  We are naturally wired to fee hurt when we see others being harmed.  But humans also have an amazing capacity to rationalize inhumane conduct, and most importantly unwittingly support factory farming without thinking about it.  We grow up and live within a social system that is largely invisible to us.  Recently defined as 'carnism," this social construct is in place to legitimize and normalize the killing and consumption of other animals and to discourage us from questioning this behavior or acting in alignment with more compassionate sentiments.  It is therefore up to us as people who care about farm animals to help others see through this construct and get back in touch with their natural ability to feel compassion for the most exploited among us."

When Mr. Baur was on my radio program, he opened my eyes to the pain and suffering caused in farm factory settings through intensive confinement devices.  Some of these are battery cages for egg laying hens; gestation crates for breeding sows; and veal crates for calves.  Farm Sanctuary is working nationwide in advocating laws banning these systems state to state.  Farm sanctuary also continues to work to prevent dragging, pushing, holding, or selling "downed animals" at stockyards and slaughterhouses.  If you want to help in these efforts go to farmsanctuary.org and hit the button "get involved!"

Thanksgiving will soon be upon us.  This year consider adopting a Farm Sanctuary Turkey.  The funds raised help to care for the sanctuary residents and also help the organization to work on behalf of all farm animals languishing in farm factories across the United States.  Join "Celebration for the Turkeys" at farmsanctuary.org

My entire life as a veterinarian has centered on providing a quality pain free life for companion animals.  I was one of those who didn't see or hear the pain of the abused farm animals in farm factories across the United States.  I am now an advocate for these animals and will utilize my media productions to allow each and every person the opportunity of awareness.  Read Jane Goodall's quote again: "Farm animals feel pleasure and sadness, excitement and resentment, depression, fear, and pain.  The are far more aware and intelligent than we ever imagined ....they are individuals in their own right."

I send this Tribute of work well done to: Gene Baur, President and Co-founder; the Board of Directors; the Department Directors; and the grass root workers including interns, volunteers, and contributors nationwide.  Leo Buscaglia writes: "It is only when we give joyfully without hesitation or thought of gain--can we truly know what love means!"

Animal Doc AM Multi-Media
30September2012
Dr. Don DeForge
Silver Sands Veterinary Center
www.SilverSandsVeterinary.com
E-Mail DoctorDeForge@yahoo.com
Join us on FB at Silver Sands Veterinary
1-800-838-3368
Dr. DeForge welcomes your comments as we work together to Celebrate the Human-Animal Bond