5 Beautiful Friendships Between Humans and Non-Humans

Sometimes, the bond between humans and animals goes far beyond the conventional relationship of a man and his dog. Although kittens, puppies, bunnies and birds make excellent companions, the list doesn't stop there. For some, the comfort of a loving friendship with a pig, a cow or a chicken is just as wonderful, unforgettable and unbreakable. Farm animals are highly intelligent, loyal and loving - just as much as the dogs and cats we know so well.

Here are some examples of beautiful friendships between humans and non-humans. These animals exist as unmistakable proof that all life deserves love.




Esther the Wonder Pig and her dads

Esther is one inspirational pig. Alone, she helped her human companions not only to discover veganism, but also to open up their very own sanctuary for rescued farm animals. Originally thought to be a 'mini pig', Esther shocked her companions as she continued to grow to an enormous size! She has a strong social media presence and, with her beautiful smile and loving disposition, Esther the Wonder Pig has influenced people around the world to become vegan.

The unbreakable bond between Esther and her dads is often expressed through warm cuddles and heartwarming smiles, as demonstrated in the photo below. Esther also has an amiable relationship with her feline and canine companions - they're all just as enthusiastic about cuddles as her human friends!

Esther with her loving family

"The unbreakable bond between Esther and her dads is often expressed through warm cuddles and heartwarming smiles."

Gevan and Sharon

Gevan is a beautiful highland heifer with fur of ginger and spun gold. Her companion, Sharon, is the highly dedicated and loving owner-operator of C-A-L-F Sanctuary. Gevan is one of many beloved rescues. Together, the two make an inseparable pair. Gevan's name, an anagram of vegan, is fitting - she's a compassionate and loving girl who adores the company of her human and non-human companions.

Sharon first discovered Gevan alone in a field and was heart-wrenched with sadness and despair. She promised she'd do whatever she could to help the poor girl - and that she did. Sharon saved Gevan from a life of loneliness and suffering, and the adorable, fluffy cow is clearly grateful. Every time Sharon visits Gevan in her field, she raises her head in anticipation, and she gazes longingly after her friend every time she leaves.

Sharon and Gevan

Milkshake and Beth

Milkshake, a 544kg cow, spent almost the entirety of her life cruelly confined within a pen no wider than three metres long and three metres wide from only two weeks of age. Unlike the majority of these wonderful animals, Milkshake was lucky - she was rescued by the Grace Foundation, an organisation dedicated to saving the lives of abused and neglected farm animals.

Beth DiCaprio and Milkshake have an enviable friendship built on a strong foundation of love, trust and gratitude. Milkshake is eternally grateful for Beth's gentle care - she is known for following her all around the ranch! In a YouTube video by the Grace Foundation, Milkshake can be seen jovially skipping along, never straying far from her beloved caretaker and friend.

"Beth DiCaprio and Milkshake have an enviable friendship built on a strong foundation of love, trust and gratitude."

Beth and Milkshake

Opie and Gene

Opie was a treasured member of the Farm Sanctuary family for 18 years. Over twenty years ago, in 1990, Opie was saved from a short lifetime of commodification and suffering. When Gene Baur found Opie left for dead, shivering in the wintry breeze, he chose to save the innocent baby's life. Opie was treated by a veterinarian and went on to make a full recovery. Opie's peaceful spirit radiated around the sanctuary, bringing joy to all - especially Gene.

The time of Opie's passing was difficult for Gene, but his lasting impact and memories he left behind will live on forever. Their friendship remains strong despite Opie's absence in the living world. The love shared between these two kindred spirits is demonstrated perfectly in the image below.

Gene and Opie share a memorable moment

Hank and Jenn

Hank, a 15-pound broiler rooster, was loved by all at Catskill Farm Sanctuary. His calming demeanor and loving attitude was infectious, and all who met him fell in love. Hank's love, however, was directed primarily towards one woman - Jenn Mackey, Catskill's Animal Care Coordinator.

Although Hank is no longer with us, his relationship with Jenn Mackey lives on through memories, photos and beautiful words. Every morning, Jenn would warmly greet the majestic bird, and he would call back every time without fail. Hank would softly bury his head in Jenn's arms, or rest his head on her chest and wrap his feathery wings protectively around her.

Here's a wonderful quote from Jenn:

"Hank has taught me so much more than any book or study ever could about the emotional capacity of chickens. I can't really find the words to express how much I love him."

Despite common belief, farm animals are just as capable of love and complex emotion as any other animal on Earth - including humans. As demonstrated in the above photographs, the friendships formed between humans and farm animals can be just as strong as the relationship you may have with your feline or canine companion. Cats, dogs, chickens, cows, humans, sheep, pigs and all the rest are all deserving of respect, freedom and love. 

And how can we give these innocent, benevolent beings the happiness they deserve?

The answer's simple - by going vegan.

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How To Eat Vegan at Non-Vegan Restaurants

Over recent years, veganism has gradually begun to sneak its way into mainstream life and culture. Vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants are popping up all over the place in most major cities, and even in some small towns. Eating out as a vegan is, thankfully, becoming easier and easier. Sometimes, however,  we have to visit a non-vegan restaurant for whatever reason - perhaps we're out for a family dinner, maybe there aren't any vegan or vegan-friendly restaurants near-by. When this happens, we need to know how to score a little more than a slice of bread or a lettuce leaf!

For experienced and reputable chefs, veganising any meal on the standard menu shouldn't be difficult - but most won't go this far. Unfortunately, many non-vegan restaurants, pubs and cafes use pre-cooked or pre-prepared foods in several of their menu items. This means that they're probably not willing or able to make these items up from scratch in a veganised form - so we'll have to compromise. Here are some simple, easy ways to make sure you're served a delicious vegan meal the next time you visit a non-vegan restaurant.



Look for Vegetarian Options

Most modern restaurants, pubs and cafes offer at least one or two vegetarian options on their menu - if they don't, they're missing out on loads of potential customers. Usually the vegetarian options are limited to pasta and salad, but that's not all bad. Pasta is generally delicious, and salad can be just as good if made correctly! Some restaurants may go a little further, offering veggie burgers, rice dishes and soups.

Many of these vegetarian options may already be vegan - check with the chef to make sure. If, however, the vego options contain egg or dairy, a hospitable chef should be happy to work with you to veganise your meal. If you're uncomfortable mentioning your veganism (perhaps you'd like to avoid the 'drama' this can ignite), tell them you're allergic to egg and dairy, or tell them your doctor advised you against eating animal products for health reasons. The cooks will be more likely to be careful with your meal if you order this way.

If removing cheese, egg or milk from your order takes away some of the flavour, request some alternative seasoning or condiments. Rich, flavorsome vegetables - such as olives, avocado or spinach, spices and/or herbs are recommended.

Prioritise Asian, Mexican & Indian Restaurants

If you're going out for dinner with non-vegan family and friends and they're not willing to go to an all-vegan or vegetarian restaurant, suggest Asian, Mexican or Indian cuisine. Or, if you don't have any vegan or vegetarian restaurants in your area but do have access to this kind of cuisine, prioritise it. Many such restaurants offer a variety of traditionally vegan or vegetarian options. Asian food, for example, consists predominantly of rice, noodles and seasonal vegetables - all delicious vegan staples. Tofu is also easy to come by.

Mexican restaurants, such as my local Montezuma's and Zambero, offer several vegetarian options that can be veganised by ordering without cheese. My favourite Mexican restaurant, for example, offers delicious vegetarian salads, dips, tacos, burritos and enchiladas. The tacos, burritos and enchiladas are made with re-fried beans and are usually topped with cheese - I just ask for them to veganise the meal and I've never had any issues.

As India's population is approximately 40% vegetarian, their traditional cuisine is bound to be largely suitable for them. Most Indian restaurants offer many vegan and vegetarian options along with meat-based meals, so all members of the family should be satisfied. Popular vegan meals at Indian restaurants include aloo gobi, dal, spring rolls and chickpea curry.

Asian dishes can usually be easily veganised

Customise Your Own Meal

If the restaurant, bar or cafe's chef is friendly and hospitable (and has fresh food available rather than pre-packaged) they may be willing to prepare a fully customised meal to suit your needs - or, at least, a significantly altered version of a standard menu option. If there's a non-vegan and non-vegetarian pasta option on the menu, for example, first make sure that the pasta itself doesn't contain egg, as it sometimes does. Once you've confirmed the pasta itself is vegan, ask for a different, vegan-appropriate sauce such as napoletana. Request whatever vegetables and extra condiments you desire, and be sure to ask for no cheese.

Many rice dishes could also be customised to suit your needs - ask for a rice-based meal with seasonal vegetables and a sauce of your choice.

If All Else Fails, Settle for a Salad

Sometimes, you may find yourself in a situation where the chef isn't willing to prepare a fully customised or even slightly altered meal for you. I mean - I've been to restaurants where my requests for a small bowl instead of a large plate were denied! In this case, a simple salad may be your only option - or, perhaps, a simple bowl of hot chips (provided they're not cooked in animal fat). If the restaurant you're visiting doesn't offer salad of any kind - well, your family probably needs to find a better place to eat!
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The right kind of salad can be just as delicious as any other meal