Many people whose moral circle includes animals face ongoing interactions that communicate insensitivity, pressure to conform, and downright obliviousness. There are often insensitive remarks- like hearing you should “get over it” while you grieve the loss of a companion animal.  Or maybe you are criticized (by animal eaters) as “difficult” for eating a vegetarian or vegan diet when folks assume your choices are about food and completely miss the reality that they are about ethics.  One recent report revealed that “a large majority of former vegetarians/vegans (63%) disliked that their diet made them stick out from the crowd.”

In addition to numerous online resources, the introverts at CLAWtheory often turn to books and reading, so here are a few we’ve found that make a real difference in navigating these varied challenges. Here are three favorites:

1. Living Among Meat Eaters by Carol J. Adams: practical reflections and tools about the awkward social pressures and conversations, broken into chapters by useful topics and concepts that will help you understand and navigate “meat-eating defenses.”  Along with Adams’ other vegan books like “Never Too Late,”  this book offers practical insights and approaches to make meaningful and lasting changes.
2. “Grieving the Loss of a Pet” by Julie Axelrod: if you are struggling with a loss, this brief article outlines some common emotional challenges specific to companion animal loss and may help you better articulate your needs and lead you toward improved self care
3. The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB) offers a number of specialized resources, support, and training programs for professional counselors

Sometimes a quick reminder that you that you are not alone is all you need to help you wear your animal loving veg stripes with pride!

There are roughly 7 million vegetarians/vegans in the U.S., about 7% of the population.  Wherever we go, we find amazing people changing the world, and CLAWtheory sends a big thanks to everyone making veg life better- check out U-Turns for more!