I became vegetarian at the early age of 10 years old. Nobody had ever told me about the cruel suffering animals had to go through before they turned into "someone's" lunch or dinner. I was very curious and nobody seemed to answer my question. I was determined to find out why I had to eat the cute animals in my farm books who looked so happy living on an open farm. As a child, in my head I always seemed to believe that all living creatures lived a happy, long and healthy life as we were supposed to, then pass away at an old age. So it was okay to eat them right? I mean, my parents told me I had to eat meat if I wanted to grow strong and be healthy. Wrong. I was in for a rude awakening. It was Peta' s "Meet Your Meat" video that traumatized me and changed my life completely. Watching animals get beaten, pigs getting shocked by electric prods, cows stunned in the head prior to slaughter, baby chicks being ground up alive just for being male, it was sickening, disturbing and so cruel. All these animals were screaming and struggling for their lives and those were the images and footage that changed my mind about eating the flesh of an innocent animal. Not a single taste in the world is worth taking someone's life. Abuse, exploitation, and the murder of animals is something that cant be ignored which is why I went vegan.

To be honest, the most difficult part for me was giving up cheese. I loved pizza and nachos too much for my own good. But after educating myself with the dairy industry and learning about the vegan lifestyle a lot more, it got easier and easier each day. I had no idea there were so many cruelty free alternatives to replace every dairy product. Now being vegan for a little over 2 years, my health and skin has improved, I have more energy when I workout, but most importantly I know that I am helping make a difference for the animals and our planet.

My fiancé Jared Warth and I try our best to stock up on bags of dog food, canned foods, blankets, towels, treats and toys to donate to our local animal shelters in the valley. We see ourselves fostering pets who are looking for a forever home in our future when we own a house with a backyard big enough for our foster pets to run around and play. The Humane Society was the very first place I had ever volunteered at and was fortunate enough to adopt one of my dogs there in 2010 and foster a few since then. Social media has made it easy for me to help guide others to make everyday decisions to buy products that are cruelty-free, from makeup to fashion and healthy foods. I repost and love supporting other animal activists/vegans around the world who are trying to make a difference. I tell myself, if I can convince a few people through instagram/twitter about converting to veganism, boycotting the circus, adopting animals, volunteering at their local shelter etc. I feel like I am doing something right. For the most part, I've been living a cruelty free vegan lifestyle for two plus years and have been trying my best to continue educating others through social media. I am looking forward to getting more involved with animal rights movements such as protests, fundraisers and other events that will make a difference.

I have so many favorites animal rights organizations, but at the top of my head I have to say Mercy For Animals, ASPCA, Sea Shepherd, Humane Society, Lucky Dog Rescue, JNF Foundation, Fur Free LA, Farm Sanctuary, PETA and so many other rescues and sanctuaries. I think they are all awesome! I appreciate every organization/rescue that is trying to make a positive change.

I have always had compassion for animals though. When I was smaller I used to move snails off the sidewalk in my grandparents neighborhood so they didn't get squished. But the most memorable stories that come to mind are of course my three little rescue stinkies. After the loss of my first dog Buttons in 2009, it was hard to move forward. I grew up with her for 18 years and shared many adventures, laughs and tears. Buttons meant the world to me and still does to this day. In 2010 when I first volunteered at the Humane Society I came across a 7 month old shihtzu puppy who had been abused and neglected. I just had to take him home. So I did. I named him Gizmo McRuffels and he fit in perfectly with me. Seven months later my co-worker Michelle told me she had just taken in a male shihtzu who was abandoned and left in a foreclosed house down the street from her mothers. No food, no water, just simply ditched and left to die. Luckily she heard him whimpering and took a look through the window to find this underweight dog, scared and confused. She immediately had him neutered, got his shots updated, had him gain some healthy weight and trust people again. Once she got a hold of the owners who lost the house, she had learned that he was used for breeding only and they purposely left him behind. But being the amazing foster parent that her and her husband are, they took care of him until she asked me if I wanted another dog. I only had Gizmo for a few months but hey he needed a brother to play with so with no questions asked I said yes! She brought him over to meet Gizmo and within a few minutes it was as if they were actually siblings, playing and getting along great. I was the happiest doggie mama with two amazing shihtzus. Now just 6 months ago, my friend Monika posted a photo on her facebook of a three legged dog named Lucky who was hit by a car and left to die on the side of the road. He needed a forever and I was just the person to give him a second chance. I called my fiancé immediately to tell him I wanted to adopt him the next day. And sure enough I called that shelter the next morning and was on my way. He was very timid at first and looked confused, but the second we left the shelter and had that first drive home together, he was the happiest dog ever. He is now Stimpy McFly, and he is living a happy life with his two brothers Gizmo and Ozzy with Jared and I.

Are you thinking about going vegan? Just do the damn thing! No, but seriously just do it! You wont regret it I promise. Going vegan was one of the best decisions I have ever made, I have way more energy and I couldn't be happier. Knowing that you are doing it for the animals, your health and for the environment will make you feel that much better too. But do educate yourself and feel free to ask for advice, I would be more than happy to answer any of your questions. Living a cruelty free life is pretty rad! You aren't taking part in any animal cruelty and you are bettering yourself.