Veganism is a diet and lifestyle that seeks to exclude the use of animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. Vegans endeavor not to use or consume animal products of any kind. The most common reasons for becoming a vegan are an ethical commitment or moral conviction concerning animal rights, the environment, human health, and spiritual or religious concerns. Of particular concern are the practices involved in factory farming and animal testing, and the intensive use of land and other resources required for animal farming.

If you consider yourself to be a vegan you might be interested in the post written by Eric about a series of short documentary profiles that will feature vegans from all walks of life and they are looking for more people to interview.

For all of you pets owners Matt wrote a very important post about common human medications that you should never give your pet even if there are other over-the-counter medication that are OK.

for example:

Ibuprofen is a popular and effective over-the-counter medication available to treat pain and inflammation in people. For dogs, ibuprofen can easily exceed toxic levels. The most common cause of ibuprofen toxicity is a well-meaning owner who tries to alleviate pain in his dog by administering a dose he thinks is adequate without knowing the toxic dose.

I think it is a very important post to read or even print and magnet to your fridge

courtesy of YoungRobV

GEARI embedded a video in his last post about the Mountain Gorilla.

The Mountain Gorilla is one of the three subspecies of the Eastern Gorilla. There are two groups. One is found in the Virunga volcanic mountains of Central Africa, within 4 national parks: Mgahinga, in south-west Uganda; Volcanoes, in north-west Rwanda; and Virunga and Kahuzi-Biéga, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Mountain Gorilla has longer and darker hair than other gorilla species, allowing it to live in hot or cold weather and travel into areas where temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. It has chosen a life on the ground more than any other non-human primate, and its feet most resemble those of humans. Gorillas can be identified by nose prints unique to each individual.

The Video Shows the Life and Concerns of the Endangered Mountain Gorilla, the Clear Footage & Sound Interviews take you Into their Challenged World.

Californians for Humane Farms is the proud sponsor of the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act, an initiative that will appear on California’s November 2008 ballot. It is cruel and inhumane to confine animals in cages so small they can’t turn around or stretch their limbs. All animals deserve humane treatment, including those raised for food.

On November 5th Aimee got this amazing and history changing Email about the prop 2.

Take a bow. You rewrote history for animals

Thanks to you, 20 million animals in California will soon be spared the worst abuses of factory farms. And I’m confident that we’ll look back at Prop 2 as a pivotal moment in how our nation treats animals who are raised for food

Early returns tonight show that more than 60% of Californians voted for Prop 2. This is a tremendous victory for animals, for The Humane Society of the United States…and for you. We were able to reach millions of California voters with our message of compassion only because you stood with us — by taking action, by donating to the campaign, and by telling those you knew in California about Prop 2 and what it would do for animals and for citizens there.

What a great news. You can read more about this exciting Email on here blog 4 the love of animals.

courtesy of dougtone

Throughout history man has measured a horse’s worth by what the horse could do for man.  Horses have provided transport, done hard labor, carried soldiers into battle, performed as athletes and entertainers and have provided pleasure to millions.  Somewhere along the way man has forgotten the true value of the horse.

Refuge RR for Horses is a federally registered, charitable organization which rescues, rehabilitates and provides permanent homes for abused, neglected and/or abandoned horses. They also provide sanctuary to a variety of other animals: sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, rabbits, dogs and cats.

According to Jeff from the 4th Time-blog the Refuge RR for Horses is in trouble and needs our help.

Recently, their well has gone dry and they have no water for 165 and more animals who live at their rescue. Winter cold is coming fast to this part of the world and the neighbors, who have been helping, will no longer be able to supply water vital for their lives.

Be kind and send a donation.