Last month, hundreds of people and thousands of animals died tragically in one of the worst disasters in American history. As I write, tens of thousands of dogs and cats remain trapped and starving in abandoned houses because federal relief workers were not mandated to rescue animals along with people. For each triumphant story of reunion between guardian and beloved animal companion, there are many heartbreaking tales of loss.

A grieving nation is suddenly realizing just how important animals are in our daily lives, and that we share an unbreakable emotional bond with members of other species. They are our friends, companions, and even family members. Those who live with animals know that they are special individuals with unique personalities.

Though it is rarely acknowledged in our society, the animals people eat have the same capacity for feeling and relationship as dogs and cats do. Mother chickens, pigs and cows are known to care lovingly for their young, just as a dog or cat would. Yet within modern factory farming, calves are taken away from their mothers within 48 hours and chickens lay hundreds of eggs but never hatch a single one. Mechanized industrial agriculture methods completely deny animals’ most basic biological and emotional needs.

Vegans choose a diet free of animal products for their health, the environment, and out of respect for animals’ lives. Plant foods contain absolutely no cholesterol and have lots of fiber, antioxidants and vitamins. Plus, fewer resources are needed to grow plants for people compared to raising animals for meat, so more people could be fed worldwide on a diet of fruits, vegetables and grains. For these reasons and more, vegans all over the planet will celebrate World Go Vegan Days from October 30th through November 1st. In Defense of Animals (IDA) designated World Go Vegan Days as a time for everyone – vegans, vegetarians and omnivores – to think about how a diet free of meat, dairy and eggs helps people, animals and the planet.

How will you celebrate World Go Vegan Days? Here are some ideas:

· Share a delicious vegan meal with family and friends by hosting a vegan potluck dinner or restaurant outing
· Visit www.happycow.net for reviews of vegetarian restaurants around the country
· Enter cooking competitions using vegan recipes and label them “vegan” so everyone knows that your delicious dishes don’t contain any animal ingredients
· Teachers: talk with your class about veganism and the importance of respect for animals
· Students: write a paper on veganism, hand out vegan literature at a college campus or help get vegan meals into your school’s cafeteria 
· Ask your local newspaper to feature a story about the benefits of a vegan diet or the cruelties of factory farming, or write a letter to the editor on the subject

World Go Vegan Days gives everyone an opportunity to explore what animals mean to them, and to make more compassionate choices that respect the lives of animals. To learn more about veganism and World Go Vegan Days, please visit www.idausa.org/worldgovegandays.html.