thoughts on…

being vegan
Food for Thought
I became vegetarian around 2001 and vegan in 2006. For me, it has always been about the animals. I feel that compassion is the basis of a person’s integrity, and I know I would never want to suffer and therefore do not want someone else to suffer for my pleasure. It’s not that I gave up eating animals because I did not like the taste of them, I did it because I did not want them to suffer. I look at all animals as the same, why would I eat a pig, wear a cow and love a dog? For me, the decision was clear. I can’t take care of them during the day and put them on my menu at night. Tails-A-Wagging belongs to the Animal Place Food for Thought Campaign and provide vegan food and treats to the dogs while they are at daycare, as well as vegan food at our meetings, parties, and events. If you want to learn more about vegetarianism, check out this starter kit. It’s great information on everything from going meatless once a day a week to becoming a vegan.
my dogs
My dogs are my life. I think we chose certain breeds based on our own personality. And in reality… I am a Chihuahua. I am small but mighty. I am silly but serious. I like to control the situation around me and get a bit crazy if I can’t. I am often a bit misunderstood and am very direct. If you asked my staff, I am sure they would all say there’s a lot of border collie in me too!
organization
A place for everything and everything in its place. I love order in all things in my life. I am a list lover (ok it’s the crossing off on my list that I love) Caring for dogs puts a big kink into order, I often say its controlled chaos. The dogs bring a level of unpredictability to the table and I like that… I like bringing order and predictability to their lives. Oh and yes, I am all about the label maker! I know, you might find it silly but give me a drawer to clean and organize and I am one happy girl. Did you know, if there is a label on it you are 66% more likely to return something to its place! Nothing left in my house to organize…so I often get in trouble wanting to organize my friends and families stuff.
stuff I love
Movies and Television: When I am not at Tails or walking my dog or home veggin’ out… t.v. is a release and I enjoy the escape from time to time. My favorite shows are The Walking Dead, American Horror Story, Yellowstone- good dramas with lots of character development. I am not super crazy for reality shows… BUT I do love myself some Teen Mom. Movies: Horror is my favorite. And I LOVE my local library.
Gardening: I started gardening out of necessity. I am a very frugal person and I wanted to eat organically but struggled with the cost of it. I (and my dog, Meg) now have a large enough garden that my dog and I can eat from it all year long. I am not the best canner, so our overflow goes to Tails clients.
Volunteering
I feel it’s a necessity in life, especially for small business owners. Tails-A-Wagging has been so successful and owe so much to our community, I owe it to Bellingham to give back. I choose to donate my time and resources to organizations that I think make a difference in the lives of animals.
Whatcom Humane Society:
I have been a volunteer since 1998. I was the President of the board of directors for a 3-year term and now choose to donate time and Tails-A-Wagging services to the organization. We provide daycare, training classes, behavioral evaluations, helping out at their Thrift store, and try to do whatever is asked of me.
Pigs Peace
When you stop eating animals, you can’t help but help those who have been rescued from the food industry. Pigs Peace is a beautiful sanctuary in Stanwood where these former factory-farmed pigs can live out their lives in peace. They also have a vegan grocery store in Seattle …can you say “chocolate-covered twinkie” OMG
Elf Sanctuaty
A local, vegan farm sanctuary in Ferndale, WA
Farm Sanctuary:
Animals used for food can find refuge here, in peace to live their lives without the fear of dying for someone’s dinner.
Brigadoon Service Dogs:
Tails-A-Wagging donates all puppy classes, socialization classes, basic pre-service dog training to all of their puppies raisers.
Furbaby Rescue:
As a primary volunteer, foster home, and adoption advocate for the organization, I assist in rescuing/fostering and placing small dogs in their forever home.
Sean Humphrey House:
We provide free daycare and training for their resident’s dogs. The organization is amazing for our community and caring for their dogs is a simple way we can help them. Compassion for all.