What I Eat.

It has been three years eight months since I became fully vegetarian. It was something I wanted to do, something I felt I had to do, for some time. It was a decision based on ethics. I have always loved animals, how could I eat them. I tell people I like my animals "on the hoof", alive.

I have never accepted the contention that we have the right to use animals. "Use" as in use and abuse. I have had companion animals all my life and I have no problems with that as long as I treat them properly. My animals are part of my family and I never give them away.

It is said that you would never eat meat again if you "visited" an abbatoir a.k.a a slaughterho use. I wonder about the people who work there, who slaughter as a living. Do they become desensitised or were they already desensitised to want to work at such a job.

My choice is taken differently by different people. Some interrogate me in a hostile manner. Many take it as an inconvenience as vegetarian food must always be available at dinner parties I attend. Some are kind enough to prepare or order something specially for me. There are those who believe a salad or any vegetable would be a sufficient repast.

We have a few vegetarians in my family so I am not alone. We are still very much in the minority. I have been trying gentle persuasion so they will at least reduce their meat eating. Its tough going and if I push harder, they will just dig in their heeels.

Going vegetarian is just a start for me. I want to go vegan, no eggs or dairy products too. I have realised that most dairy cows do not live in the green pastures shown in television ads. Their calves are slaughtered for veal or raised for beef. They are all slaughtered eventually. This would apply to most egg laying hens too. Unfortunately, this illness of mine has left me with disability and problems with among other things, cooking. I have problems getting vegan meals. My diet is not the best but the best I can do in the circumstances. I may need a miracle to vegan but anything is possible.

Going vegetarian and of course vegan, is a better choice for all. There will be less pollutants, more people can be fed with grain, fruits and greens and animals do not need to be raised just to be slaughtered. Don't forget the health advantages.

I do not need animals, sentient beings to suffer and die painful deaths so I can eat indulgently. I have no right to do so. I am pro life - all life.

I do not want the lives of sentient beings to be taken so I can eat