#pignic

another great MGPR Pignic!

Farm Sanctuary Guests Enjoy a Special “Pignic,” and You Can Too!

Farm Sanctuary life is all about celebrating the power of compassion. At our sanctuaries, our rescued residents are free to spend the rest of their lives knowing nothing but the love and care they deserve — and the humans they meet, in turn, can benefit from the peace and healing that come along with interacting with these incredible ambassadors for their species.

Each day is cause for celebration when we honor each being we meet as someone, not something. But our recent Southern California Pignic offered an extra opportunity to commemorate the incredible potential we all have to align our actions with our values, make choices we can feel good about, and support a compassionate world for all.

Von D piglet soaks up some sun.

Summer is a time when many people enjoy extra time with their families and friends — and of course, many get-togethers center around a meal! One great way to celebrate love and life this summer is by hosting or attending a compassionate Pignic of your own! 

It’s easy to enjoy your favorite flavors without causing harm to animals! Acton Summer Pignic attendees enjoyed these incredible Beyond Burgers, one of many delicious animal-friendly grilling options out there for those interested in having a compassionate cookout!

At Farm Sanctuary, we value farm animals as friends, not food — and our Pignic events are a wonderful way to celebrate the guests of honor: the animals!

We started the day with a special introduction from Program Coordinator Breezy Rondilone and Shelter Manager Alicia Pell about our amazing farm animal friends and the difference that we humans can make when we align our actions with our values and make compassionate choices.

Breezy and Alicia interact with a young guest.

The day brought ample opportunities to spend time with loved ones, interact with like-minded individuals, and share how we can all contribute to a kinder world. From to visits with the animal ambassadors who call the sanctuary home to compassionate meals to farm-animal-themed crafts, it was a day to remember!

Compassionate crafts for compassionate kids! Some of our younger guests hard at work on farm-animal-themed crafts.

There was also fun to be had for the young at heart! Guests of all ages stood in line to get “Simpson-ed” by Dale Hendrickson, a character artist for Fox’s “Simpsons.”

And of course, there was plenty of plant-based food to go around! Pignics are a wonderful way to share compassionate fare and spread the word about how delicious and fulfilling plant-based, animal-friendly foods can be!

Guests enjoy a beautiful summer day in the courtyard! It’s easy to enjoy beloved traditions like picnics in a compassionate, animal-friendly way.

Plant-based meals can look and taste just as great as the foods that many of us grew up with!

Guests enjoying a compassionate meal together!

A young guest samples some Harmless Coconut Water.

And there was plenty of love to go around! Of course, no day at Farm Sanctuary would be complete without spending time with our amazing rescued residents!

Young attendees offer a snack to “one-ton Labrador” Bruno steer!

Regina lamb has only three legs, but that doesn’t stop her from living life to the fullest! Here, she’s surrounded by an entourage of compassionate friends — changing hearts and minds together, one step at a time.

Paolo enjoys some attention from a guest. Together, we can spread the word that farm animals like him are each someone, not something.

Farm animals like Bruno are friends, not food! And Bruno is known for demonstrating his friendliness with a lick with his sandpapery tongue.

A guest shares an embrace with new resident Betty Rose sheep.

Paolo visits with one of his new young friends.

And of course, no Pignic would be complete without loving on some pigs! Here, Junip Sydney enjoys a belly rub from a friend. Pigs, just like our dogs friends at home, love belly rubs! 

At our Farm Sanctuary Pignics, it’s tradition to “give a pig a belly rub and eat a vegan hotdog!” But even if you can’t join us in person, there are plenty of ways to bring Farm Sanctuary life to your corner of the world. If you’re looking for inspiration for your own Pignic, Farm Sanctuary offers tips and recipes to make your compassionate celebration a success. It’s easy to enjoy your favorite foods while celebrating the compassion that all beings deserve!

Farm Sanctuary would like to thank Native Foods Café, Tofurky, Beyond Meat, Harmless Harvest, and Trader Joe’s in Santa Clarita for supporting our Acton Summer Pignic — allowing us to celebrate the delectable lives all beings deserve when we put compassion first! All photos by Teri Bocko.

P.S. You can bring the fun and flavors of Farm Sanctuary’s Pignic home for your own gathering by downloading our “Summer Pignic Guide” (sample page below).