We decided to do something different to celebrate Spring this year. We visited the Poplar Springs Animal Sanctuary in Poolesville, MD. We often talk to our children about why we do not eat animals, but when they make a personal connection with those animals, it means more than just words. They have been to a farm before, but we knew that most of those poor creatures were going to end up on somebody's dinner plate. It was not always a peaceful trip! So we decided that it was high time that the kids meet and appreciate the animals that they have saved by not eating them. And it was a FANTASTIC day! The staff there are so very nice, and each animal has a story and a NAME. We met them all and most of them were very kind and gentle. The only questionable moment was when we met the goats, but most of the goats that I have met are a little high-strung anyhow (like many people that I know!). The sanctuary is a perfect place to take your kids to teach them the meaning behind veganism or at the very least...compassion toward other living creatures. Plain and simple! Bring a picnic lunch, but make sure that there is no meat in it. There is space to just hang out and enjoy yourself on a lazy warm day. Check out Poplar Springs' website at http://www.animalsanctuary.org/index.html. If you like to run or jog, they have a 5K run in May, which I will be participating in for sure! Maybe I will see you there!
