What Amy’s Saying…

Dear Colleen,

I am a fairly new vegan, and I finally took the last step to veganism on Christmas Day in 2009. I dabbled in veganism and vegetarianism for awhile both after reading Skinny Bitch and during my first pregnancy, when the small of cooking flesh made me sick. Though I supported the principles veganism stands for, neither really stuck.

This past Christmas, in addition to watching Food, Inc. and reading The Face on Your Plate, I listened to all of your podcasts. One question that kept coming to my mind was, “Is there such a thing as humane dairy?” because, like so many others, cheese was the hardest thing to let go. The more I researched, the more convinced I was that there wasn’t a humane dairy option. How could there be?

After listening to your podcasts on the dairy industry and the mother cows having their babies taken away, and I broke. I had the information I needed to hear. As a new mother, I was crushed by the torment that dairy animals endured. I would die inside if someone tried to take away my son. Why would another mother, no matter what her shape, feel any differently? I decided then and there that, indeed, I could not– WOULD not– contribute to pain and suffering of any kind simply for my pleasure. I knew this was the right choice. Ironically, I knew it was the right choice even before I could make the choice for myself- when my son began eating solid foods, I made him vegan meals. It was I who followed in his tiny footsteps. So, Colleen, I dedicate my support to you, who helped me change, to the animals, who need our help to spread the message of compassion, and most of all to my son. Simon, I do this for you.

Sincerely,

Amy Skretta