Episode 82: “If the times aren’t ripe, you have to ripen the times.”

Welcome to the 82^nd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Farm Sanctuary‘s National Shelter Director, Susie Coston. 

In today’s episode, we tell you about our vegan happenings back here in New York City, including a frolic uptown to check out Ayurveda Café (where we met the Shannons), then on to see an old Molly Ringwald movie. We’ll also discuss the importance of recognizing the difference between vegan potlucks and vegan outreach. And we’ll give you our take on how to approach people who say the incredibly annoying – yet all too common – sentence, “Oh, but I buy my meat locally…”

Joining us today is Susie Coston, Farm Sanctuary’s National Shelter Director. Susie, who is one of our heroes and soon to be one of yours (if she’s not already), will talk about everything from the importance of the sanctuary movement, to stories of animals in her life who have touched her beyond words. Trust us: You won’t want to miss her heartfelt insights.

For our review, our Hollywood correspondent Ari Solomon will give us the skinny on the book, Pack of Two: The Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs, by Caroline Knapp.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

• “UK Government Refuses to Prosecute Extreme Cruelties Uncovered in New Pig Investigation” from Vegan.com
• “Big Chicken: Pollution and Industrial Poultry Production in America” from Pew Environmental Group
• “Animal Victory: Governor Brown Passes Law Banning Roadside Animal Sales” from LAist
• “L.A. County animal control officers will have power to declare dogs vicious” from LA Daily News
• “Growing menace: animal-rights terrorism” from Homeland Security News Wire

“If the times aren’t ripe, you have to ripen the times.” -Dorothy Height, social activist and educator
You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it’s tax-deductible! Thanks!

Photo at top of blog: Farm Sanctuary Shelter Director Susie Coston holds long-time resident Bron as he is being euthanized, 2006. Photo by Jo-Anne McArthur of We Animals.