Compassion Fueled Advocacy

"I am large. I contain multitudes." Janet quoted Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself," in a YouTube video earlier this year and we think it's a perfect way to describe this award-winning creative writer, teacher, advocate, and occasional Huffington Post contributor (to name only a few of her roles). Janet's most recent book, Cinnamon, A Dairy Cow's (and her Farmer's) Path to Freedom, was inspired by a cow named Sacred who, thanks to the loving efforts of Janet and other advocate friends, now resides in a sanctuary.

"In my post-animal use world, we (the human animals) would learn from the other animals that we are all animals. The humans would finally understand how to be kinder to themselves, the other humans, and the other animals and understand that we are all sentient beings. I say this because my compassion for myself has been awakened in a big way in the past five years of being vegan. It's as if I didn't fully understand my own worth (and how I am connected to all beings) before that. I can do this by continuing to serve as a vegan role model for others. It takes a certain perseverance. But really what other choice is there?"

"Even if we are living in a time of backlash [and] even though I and many others have lived through hate before and are still angry, I also still have hope." Janet spoke these words in a video and we found it a fitting way to introduce her novel where she conveys a story of love, friendship, personal growth, and freedom. What could be more hopeful?

When Cinnamon, a sensitive and perceptive dairy cow, affectionately nicknames her farmer Sunflower, a bond is forged that changes the course of both their lives. Through the evolution of their bond, the harsh reality of the dairy industry is revealed and even a kind-hearted and well-meaning human cannot legitimately overcome the truth.

Learn more about Janet's book here.