Elizabeth
Elizabeth with her sweet girl, Ginger
Elizabeth is a lifelong animal lover and animal advocate with a career in health journalism. When her beloved dog Grace died unexpectedly, she wrote to manage her grief, creating one of the first evidence-based books to apply the words “love” and “family” to our relationships with companion animals. Her focus now is promoting vegan food choices and gently educating others on the sentience of all animals. She is happy to share her story with other Farm Sanctuary supporters.
As a member of Maya's Legacy Society, why was including Farm Sanctuary in your estate plans important to you?
No group of animals on the planet are more exploited and need more protection than farm animals. The changes required to rectify what life has become for them are unlikely in my lifetime, but I can continue to support the reforms with my estate plans. Nothing gives me greater joy than knowing I’ve done all I could to protect animals throughout my life—and after. I am deeply proud to support Farm Sanctuary’s keen insight 35 years ago to establish the first sanctuary for farm animals and for their sustained work to inform the world about the impact of factory farming on the animals, the workers, and the environment.
What was the process of creating your legacy plans like for you? How did you feel when it was done?
It was at once excruciating and exhilarating. Thinking about your own death can be emotionally difficult, while also requiring great attention to detail and deep thought. The benefit is that the process requires you to get completely clear on what your life means and how you want remaining resources used to further your causes, hopes, and dreams. It’s exhilarating to see your plans form, knowing that you are supporting crucial work you may not see to fruition.
You also joined the Hilda Club this year! What inspired you to join and make that commitment?
I wanted to make a difference right away. Honestly, I regretted I had not given more during my higher earning years. I wanted to make up for lost time. I also wanted Farm Sanctuary to be confident in my sustained support during these uncertain economic times. Animal suffering increases during any crisis, and the unprecedented nature of the pandemic means that their need is unprecedented as well.
What future do you hope to see for farm animals and how they're treated?
I would like to see animal agriculture completely eliminated so that all farm animals get to enjoy the life nature intended and live in peace and safety over their natural lifespans.
