The Day I Read About Esther the Wonder Pig

I have always considered myself a good person with good values and a warm heart. I grew up in a loving home with two brothers, a twin sister and two parents who love us very much and did a great job helping us grow up into good human beings. I love my family more than anything in this world. It wasn’t until February of 2014 that my values were questioned.

 “I immediately fell in love with this pig”

I was on my social media page and a post came onto my newsfeed about a pig named Esther who was adopted by a couple from Toronto, Canada. Being an animal lover I immediately fell in love with this pig. I clicked on her page, Esther the wonder pig, and I could almost not believe my eyes at what I saw. This pig was living in this couple’s house just like the cats and dogs they had as pets.

Esther opened my eyes to how intelligent pigs are and how they just want to be loved and spoiled just like our companion animals we call pets. Something started shifting inside me and thoughts of eating these beautiful loving animals made me feel horribly sad. That was it, I told myself that I was not going to eat pork any longer and I was firm on that.

A few days after making that decision something still felt off inside me. More guilty feelings were showing up when the thought of meal planning came along. I then decided I would look into the realities of industry farming and educate myself. After hours of research and learning about each farm animal and the way they want to feel safe and loved made my heart want to explode.

“I have come to understand what it is to truly love oneself”

What I saw made me feel sick and all I wanted to do was save all the animals from these cruel industries. So I made a vow that I would become vegan, I would use up what I had left in my fridge and cupboards and chose July 1st 2014 as my official vegan anniversary. To my surprise I realized how easy and delicious eating a plant based diet could be. If only I could have come to this realization sooner.

Since becoming vegan, I have come to understand what it is to truly love oneself. I feel happier and as though a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I care about my health now and care even more than I did before about the environment and I want to do all that I can to preserve this beautiful planet for future generations.

 “It is my purpose in life to fight for the animals”

It is great to know that my heart and my values are finally as one. I’ve also been lending my voice to the animals and try to educate people on the benefits of veganism every chance I get. I joined a local animal rights activist group where I made some wonderful friendships that I know will last a lifetime. It is so great to get out there and speak for the animals with people who feel the same way that I do.

Even with all the horrors I have finally let myself see about industry farming and how we use animals for so much that is not necessary I still feel happier than I have ever felt before because my eyes have been opened and I can never shut them again on these issues. I feel it is my purpose in life to fight for the animals and for our environment.

“My tips are…”

My tips for helping animals would be to educate yourself on factory farming and what goes into your food. Adapt a meatless Monday in your week and throw in a Vegan Tuesday in there once in a while. Look for cruelty free products when out shopping for household items. Don’t take your kids to Zoos or circuses, look for animal sanctuaries near you, there is no better feeling than meeting animals that have been rescued from abuse or neglect. And finally if you love animals, please don’t eat them.

Written by Josie Laf