They Deserve to Live

A couple of years ago I decided I wanted to stop eating meat. Red meat at least. I was never a big meat eater anyway so I figured it would be easy. Towards the end of 2006 I started to read a lot on natural and organic foods. The more I read the more I wanted to change my life and my eating habits. I have always loved animals and felt I was a supporter of animal rights. I have never been a fan of leather or animal fur and it always made me upset when I thought of animal testing and torture. How can anyone be comfortable with this?

I remember this one time my cousin Alex, a vegetarian and huge animal rights activist, showed me a video on the Peta website that will haunt me forever. A kitten being tortured to test products. It was so horrible to watch that I couldn't even finish it. The tears that ran down my face were so intense. I just couldn't believe that this goes on everyday. These poor animals do not deserve any of it. I think its sick.

Years have gone by and the idea of eating meat gets less appealing even more and more. I didn't stop completely when I wanted to. I just cut down to maybe once or twice a month. It was hard for awhile when I was in a relationship with someone who loved meat but I tried my best to stick to my guns. Today I am proud to say I have given up most meat and don't even have the urge or the craving to put it in my body. I still do eat chicken but in time that will go too. Its a big step and I am so happy that I am moving towards a much healthier life.

There are plenty of things to eat besides meat. Some people I know absolutely love to eat it and will never give it up. Thats fine for them. People have the right to make their own choices for themselves. But I know that it is not healthy. Our bodies do not need it. Especially on a daily basis. Yuck! When people eat red meat more than 3 times a week it really grosses me out. Can you say clogged arteries? With all the

veggies and fruits in the world why even think of eating animals? There are tons of other ways to get protein.

It has gotten to a point where I can't even look at a hamburger without even thinking of the slaughtered cow. Their poor bodies hanging...bleeding. All this just so you can eat them. Its absurd! All the poor piggies, deer, and fish in the world that suffer just so humans can be greedy. And yes, its greed. Don't you all eat enough animals! Do you have to eat cute little bunnies? Do you have to shoot, kill and eat deer? Is there really a good reason to eat octopus and squid? NO. Its disgusting.

I am happy to know that I am not a part of that horrible cycle. I can live a carefree and guilt free life knowing that I am not a murderer. Even though you may not kill these animals yourself, you are eating them, which means you are the reason they are dying in the first place. I am sorry but no human is that special. I think its time people really think about what they put in their bodies and start making better choices. Not just for them, their health and their future but for all the creatures that live on this planet. They deserve to live a happy, healthy life as well.

What gives you the right to take another life?