TALKING TURKEY

“Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight.”   
                                                                                                         Rev. Dr. Albert Schweitzer  

      As the holiday season approaches, and we all start planning our feasts, especially our Thanksgiving feasts, I wanted to share this short article from Farm Sanctuary's Sanctuary magazine, from the Fall/Winter 2014 issue.  This is by Susie Coston, Farm Sanctuary's National Shelter Director (I think she must have the best job in the history of jobs.)  If you are not familiar with Farm Sanctuary, please check out their web site.  It is an excellent resource to learn about issues affecting farm animals and to learn the wonderful and heartwarming stories of the animals Farm Sanctuary has rescued and cares for at its three sanctuaries.  

Here is the article:

Thanksgiving is a bitter season for turkeys, with more than 46 million slaughtered for the holiday every year.  During their foreshortened lives, most of these bird suffer intense crowding, and their sensitive beak-tips are amputated to discourage fighting in these stressful conditions.  Selective breeding has designed them to grow so rapidly and so large that it strains their bodies and prevents adult birds from flying or perching.  Knowing this, you might think it would be depressing to hang out with rescued turkeys.  But it's not.  It's a joy.

The industry has taken so much from these animals, but it has done nothing to dull the keenness of their perceptions or the liveliness of their curiosity; it has not dimmed their vivid awareness of (or strong opinions on) their surroundings; it has not diminished the depth of their feelings or the vitality of their friendships.  Every turkey is different -- this one mellow and affectionate, that one daring that one shy -- but all of them are so alive.

 This Thanksgiving and Christmas, consider adding to your list of things to be thankful for your ability to be compassionate.  Give thanks to God for the wonder of these marvelous birds and celebrate God's mercy by showing mercy.  Adopt a turkey at Farm Sanctuary instead of eating one.  There are so many wonderful meat-free alternatives, you will never miss it.  Here, selected somewhat at random, is a link to plant-based Thanksgiving recipies from Forks Over Knives.  There are LOTS more available with a quick google search.   As Farm Sanctuary says, "A compassionate world begins with you."  I'm sure the Good Shepherd would agree.

Eastern Wild Turkey, G. Stoltz, US FWS