On Saturday, November 21, 2015, I attended the Celebration of
the Turkeys at the Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, New York. I have been a
couple of times before, so I knew the routine, but I hadn’t been in the last
few years because I waited too long to get a ticket. So, needless to say, I was
quite excited about everything – the feeding of the turkeys, the vegan
Thanksgiving dinner, the picturesque beauty of the farm, the chance to
celebrate compassion with like-minded others, and, yes, the gift shop!!
This year I decided to pay attention to as much detail as I
could. My observations started in the parking lot. Mostly New York State cars,
but I saw license plates from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts
and even one from California. The barn building where we all signed in was a
rustic structure with a charming vibe. On display was information about the
work the Farm Sanctuary does, facts about animal agriculture abuses, a display
wall of photos and quotes from celebrities in the scientific and entertainment
community about human relationships with other living beings and others
praising the work of Farm Sanctuary. Hot apple cider, hot tea and coffee, and
healthy chips and cookies gave us sustenance for our journey to the animals.
Despite a blustery cloudy day, we set out to once again see
and interact with those farm animals that most of us might pass on the road
when we see cows or chickens in a field, but don’t get to look into their eyes
and know them the way we do our companion animals. 
The feeding of the turkeys, of course, is the main event. We
all sat on bales of hay and watched trays of cranberries, lettuce and squash
being placed on the low lying tables being set for the feast. The guests were
not us humans all seated around on bales of hay, but the turkeys. It always
strikes me that this event is such a powerful symbolic scene. On Thanksgiving,
so many turkeys are killed to provide that essential? part of the celebration.
But today we were reversing that to feed the turkeys, not eat them. A new
tradition of compassion witnessed by men, women and children who want to see a
change in how we eat, care and live. I especially love seeing the families with
young children – those children are experiencing other ways to see the farm
animals and learning to treat them with respect – experiences that will travel
with them into adulthood and hopefully influence their choices. 
Lastly, this event is a reinforcement for the choices that I
have made – it makes my commitment stronger. Seeing 350+ people take the time
to attend this event, support the Farm Sanctuary, some traveling many miles –
all for the purpose of gathering to honor and share with like-minded others,
the compassionate lifestyle. Seeing the enthusiasm of so many for this
lifestyle gives me hope that this movement to respect the lives of farm animals
and their right to not be abused and treated like commodities for human
consumption will spread and prevail.
Happy Thanksgiving!– as I celebrate with my family both
vegan and non-vegan, I will take the opportunity to share some vegan approved
food with everyone and be thankful for those that have taught me, helped me and
supported me in my journey towards the compassionate life.
