Sanctuary: This is What Matters – VEGAN VOICES writers Pete and Kit Jagoda

Next in our series on the writers of “VEGAN VOICES –  Essays by Inspiring Changemakers”, we introduce you to Pete and Kit Jagoda.

Pete and Kit co-founded and operate River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary in Spokane, Washington.  Their rescue work began in 1994 and they incorporated as a 501c3 in 2005.  They care for approximately 140 farmed animals on their sixty-five-acre sanctuary with a team of extraordinary volunteers and supporters.  As artists and teachers, they integrate art with their Sanctuary Based Education Programs.  Peter has an MFA in sculpture and teaches jewelry at Spokane Falls Community College.  He creates reliquaries and sculptures at the sanctuary. Kit is in her thirty-third year of teaching art full time in public schools.  She holds a Masters in Humane Education from the Institute for Humane Education and Valparaiso University.  The Jagodas advocate vegan living for ethical reasons.

Extract from their essay in Vegan Voices:

“Rudy

Rudy was a young Jersey steer when he was brought to us by the local animal protection agency after being seized in a cruelty case.  Rudy was our introduction to bovines, and it didn’t take long for us to realize he needed a companion. Dr. Scott, one of our veterinarians, offered to bring his elderly cow Yula to live with Rudy.  Yula taught Rudy all things bovine. He became calmer in her presence and seemed to respect her matriarchal position. When Yula passed, we were all very sad, but Rudy’s grief was palpable.  He stood steadfast by her body as Pete prepared her grave. When Pete gently lowered Yula into the grave, Rudy followed her down the slope. He stood beside her, bellowing the most mournful sound. Pete stepped down from the tractor and joined Rudy. They mourned Yula together. Over the following weeks, Rudy was a lone silhouette when there had formerly been two.  He was grieving and we felt so helpless.”  

 

Review of Vegan Voices by Bruce Friedrich, Co-founder & Executive Director, The Good Food Institute:

“There are as many reasons to be vegan as there are vegans, as this lovely anthology makes clear. So many of my heroes in one place—what a treat. Read it and be inspired.”

Vegan Voices: Essays by Inspiring Changemakers
Available at Lantern Publishing & Media
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-59056-650-3
eBook ISBN: 978-1-59056-651-0