Janet Holmes sponsored this day of sanctuary and shared this message about her gift!
“For my birthday, and to honor rescued chickens and their people. “I have always loved animals, but for many years I was afraid to get involved with animal rescue because I couldn’t imagine how I would deal with the heartbreak. A few years ago, I decided that animals needed me more than I needed to be comfortable, and I began volunteering for animal rescue groups as a photographer and caregiver. Through this volunteer work I have met many extraordinary individuals (human and non-human) who have taught me about resilience, forgiveness, hard work and love. In particular, in the past year I’ve been working on a special project that involves making portraits of vegan women who rescue and care for chickens. I love those moments when I’m able to make a portrait that allows the extraordinary personalities of these birds and their humans to shine through. You can see some of these portraits here: http://www.blurb.com/b/8541787-why-would-anyone-rescue-a-chicken For the same reasons, I love to (virtually) visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest to see the photographs, videos and stories about the chimpanzees and the people who help them enjoy a safe, loving and enriched environment. And so for my birthday this year, I decided to bring these two communities together through a donation that supports the Sanctuary and honors rescued chickens and the people who care for them. You can read more about this project here: https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/blogs/chicken-photo-book-janet-holmes. Thank you to everyone who helps Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest provide the best life possible for the chimpanzees!”
Thank you so much, Janet, for choosing to celebrate your own special day in such a compassionate way. Thanks for all your efforts to make the world a place where everyone is honored for their place in it. Happiest of birthdays to you!
Here’s to everyone having a place to roost and call home, surrounded by love for exactly who you are:
Happy Birthday Janet! What a fabulous way to celebrate your birthday by honoring animals and people who care for them, and to shed more light on compassion for all animals – I just looked at the link and your books look amazing. Beautiful photography. Thank you for all you do for the animals. We love going to Key West where the gypsy chickens and roosters are free to roam, and laws protect them. As it should be:)
Janet Holmes: What a delightful article, which I never expected to find on my favorite CHIMP SITE. That orange chicken on the front seat of an automobile is REALLY BEAUTIFUL And you have indeed opened my eyes to what goes on with frequent egg hatching to the poor chickens’ body. That never crossed my mind before. I have read and seen pictures about the deplorable conditions chickens endure and that is why I only buy cage-free eggs even though they are quite expensive But you brought up a whole new issue about abuse that never crossed my mind before. Thanks…and hope your book makes other people think too