We asked santuario Vegan Point what “Caregiving is Activism” means to them. Read below to find out!
“Caregiving influences every aspect of my life. I believe that veganism is first lived, second spread, and third (because it is less accessible due to the privileges it entails) is caregiving: caring for animals directly, with our own hands.
I believe that using our hands to protect, care for, and help those we once mistreated, exploited, objectified, and used unnecessarily—whether out of ignorance or poorly learned customs—is a form of redemption. Although it’s impossible to repair all the damage we’ve caused, we can sow the seeds for a better future. Each resident represents an opportunity to show that it’s worthwhile, that it’s necessary, that it can be done, and that each one of them has a story to tell that deserves to be heard. Therefore, in addition to living this active part of helping those I once harmed, by doing so, I equip myself with a unique tool because only a tiny percentage of animals have this opportunity. They become ambassadors for their species, and we have the responsibility and privilege of being their representatives.
Thus, caregiving, for me, affects my entire life, which is veganism, and it helps me become a better person—more educated, more empathetic, and more committed to spreading this truth: in our case, the birds, the hens, are not here to give us their eggs or their bodies, nor are the roosters here to be used as objects of combat. Being able to share their daily lives is truly important to me.
In my experience, veganism has always included caregiving. Since I learned this reality, I began rescuing animals and trying to help them, thinking that even though I can’t repair the damage, if we all used our time and energy to build, to help, to heal, this world would be beautiful much sooner than we think.
Caregiving enriches my veganism by offering it an upgrade. I feel that many people who live veganism, even through activism and the defense of animal liberation, generally do not have this beautiful opportunity. Therefore, caregiving elevates my veganism to another level; it is a constant reminder of why I choose what I choose and do what I do. I believe that respecting them is a duty, but being able to love them is a privilege. I also believe that it has taught me the only correct way to relate to other animals, especially those used in exploitative practices who cannot be free. As a vegan opposed to pet ownership, and fully aware that the animals I have rescued and care for are not my pets, with them I learn about a relationship that is pleasant for them. I do not force them to let me cuddle them, nor do I make them interact with those they don’t want to. I try to provide them with the maximum freedom within a safe space, so they can choose with whom, when, and how to do what they want. Caregiving allows me to live with animals without any pretense on my part or any objectification in our relationship.
The only other acceptable way I know to relate to other animals is through pure observation. Having a microsanctuary helps me show people that we can indeed relate to other animals from a perspective of respect for them, for what they want and need. They also teach me a lot about not pretending or expecting anything in return. The only thing I usually ask them is to let me watch them so that I can learn from them, document their lives, and thus allow more people to empathize with them and start admiring them for the wonderful beings they are.”