The Cyberactivist

Well, the job goes on just as always every day. But then you already know that. Our day-to-day care of rescued animals is routine most of the time. So, let's get on to what we recently did that was different now.

On Oct. 2 we had our little World Farmed Animals Day vigil right here in Pine Ridge and right on our very own road. This is the first time we have had any sort of public demonstration in our area, as we wish to keep being quiet and not create problems where we have to live for the rest of our lives. So, this was a big thing for us, despite the smallness of the way it looks. We didn't hand out any leaflets (we took them to the Walk to give out) or engage in any conversations (which we also did at the Walk), but only one guy flipped me the bird, so it wasn't too bad. At least our presence and feelings were known, just as they were with the Cindy Sheehan vigil.

I put up the newest photos of all of this on the photo page, as I always do, but here are the two pics of our little vigil:





Then ,later that week we headed for Nashville for the Walk for Farmed Animals, where I did a short talk and a long walk. The visit over there also included a wonderful treat - a visit to a pig sanctuary - Shepherd's Green, where they have over 200 pigs. It was amazing to see so many and sad at the same time to know that so many people had gotten them when they were little and cute, then abandoned them when they realized that they would get big and all. Again, the pics of all of this are on the photo page. I would put them here, but it makes it hard for people like me who only have dial-up to have to deal with a bunch of pictures in a post. You never get them all.

Anyway we had a great, if quite chilly Walk and got to see a pig sanctuary. All-in-all another great trip well-spent. Staying with local activists in their homes is a major plus. I want to thank Billye's mother publicly for sharing her home with us while we were there (say "hi" to Hound Dog and Teddy Bear from us, as well as the cats). And, thank you once again, Billye, for putting this thing together, having us out there, and once again having a great time while we did some great things. We raised over $3000 for Farm Sanctuary, about double what we raised last year! So, that was great.

We also had our first bits of information printed up for our own table for the first time. Laura's mother gave her a printer/copier/scanner/fax for her birthday, so now we can do more than we could before. Of course we have already used up two whole printer cartridges since we started, but we did get some stuff printed up and have designed our letterhead and business cards. All we could do in the time permitted was to print the cards up on regular paper and cut them out, but before long we seek to have them printed out on card stock like anyone else.

Our little organization and sanctuary is growing, and we am doing more and more, so we are doing our best to meet the demands being put upon us. It's like trying to run an entire organization with only 2 people, but many groups have started out with only a handful of ompassionate and dedicated people and succeeded. I think that what we are doing is important and makes a difference in the world - a positive one to make up for so much of the bad I did for so many years.

Thank everyone that sent me birthday e-cards and emails. I believe I answered you all individually, but in case I missed anyone, I thank you. Yet one ore year I survived, despite the obstacles. Definitely something to celebrate!

After you get finished checking out the rest of the photos and extra commentary, check out the page for the sanctuary we visited. They are doing great work there, and, like all sanctuaries, work really hard and barely get by. They are always in need of help, so if you live in the area and wish to help, check out their volunteer days. If not, perhaps you might throw them a little cash to help care for all of those animals, some of whom need lots of medical care.

If it is one thing I have learned it is that sanctuaries never pay (that's why the exppansion hasn't gotten anywhere yet+I have to get my chanisaw out of the shop to cut the poles) - you are always pulling money out of your own pockets to keep everyone cared for. When you decide where your donations go, don't forget the people who take in these animals. With people like us and them (as well as other already mentioned on this blog, like the one I did the Blogathon for), the money goes directly to the animals. You are literally saving lives here. Without the public's compassion and support, sanctuaries can only do so much to save so many. And then what? You turn down an animal needing help? Some have had to do just that.

I hope that never happens to us, but it is a worry of mine...