Jun18
30 Days: The Aftermath
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Comments (66)
Well, if you missed 30 Days on FX last night, don't say we didn't remind you. Fortunately for everyone, George Snedeker—the hunter (and incredibly good sport) who agreed to spend a month with a family of animal rights activists, including PETA's very own Melissa Karpel—has taken some time to answer a few questions about his experience. To watch this episode in its entirety, please click here. Check our the interview below ...
1. When you were first selected to participate in this show, what did you expect the experience to be like?
I was pretty scared. I expected to be surrounded by people that just wanted to argue for a whole month. I'm not afraid of an argument, but I thought the numbers were stacked against me. All I was told was that I would be totally immersed in the animal rights movement. As far as the people I would meet, I expected a lot of angry people that yelled a lot. I figured girls and guys alike would be hairy-legged sandal-wearing hippies. For the most part, I was mistaken.
2. How did your opinion of animal rights activists change after your 30 days with the Karpels?
I realized almost immediately that animal rights activists, PETA members specifically, were very normal folks. That being said, there are some out there—just as with the factory farms—that give everyone involved a bad name. I learned about several examples of the abuse, neglect, and suffering that occur in factory farming. It's not a pretty industry, and if people were able to experience what I did, you might see a major change.
3. What were your best, and worst, experiences during the 30 days?
Living with Melissa and her family as a vegan for the month was by far the most fun. It just took a few days for us to find common ground, and then we worked from that point in a nonjudgmental way. The Karpels are a wonderful family that I was proud to be a part of throughout my adventure. I have made great friends with them, and I miss them. I am a lucky man. It's not hard to find the worst experiences—there were two. First was the initial time I spent at Animal Acres, and second was the time I spent at the UCLA protest. Without getting into specifics, I can just say that being the loudest is not always the best way to be heard. These people were deliberately offensive and were the most close-minded individuals I have ever met. On several occasions, I was verbally abused. I traveled 3,500 miles with an open mind to learn, not to be judged.
4. Are there any animal rights issues that are particularly important to you now that you hadn't thought about before staying with Melissa and her family?
I am aware that there need to be changes in factory farming, but aside from veganism, I haven't heard about a practical alternative. I personally prefer to buy my meat and produce from grocers that support the smaller local farms. The Burberry demonstration was hard-hitting, but we don't have very many fur coats in North Carolina. The one subject that I find the most offensive is vivisection. I can't give away anything about the show, but I had no idea how unnecessary it was. Tissue samples are infinitely more effective. For the sake of money, it seems people are abusing animals just because they can. They should be ashamed of themselves and pray that they never have to answer for their actions.
5. What are your views on the tactics that PETA uses to draw attention to the suffering of animals?
One area where I think PETA could use some P.R. work is separating themselves from some of the other animal rights groups out there. The term most people relate to animal rights is PETA. Anything that happens for the sake of animals, regardless of how offensive it is, gets hung on the neck of PETA. Consequently, most people think PETA people are nuts. I believe PETA does it the right way: education. ... They keep it fun and provide people with information.
6. If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I can't imagine changing a thing. Our director, Jay Blumke, and producer, Matt Hobin, did their homework. It would take years for anyone else to get the entire experience that I had. I had total access. It is amazing what can happen if you walk into something with an open mind, even if it is against everything you know already. You might think you are 100 percent right on a particular subject. Here's a news flash: You don't know everything. Just watch, listen, and learn. I still can't get a hold of "bugs." Is it against the PETA tenet not to like them? I have about 1,000 red bugs (chiggers) that hate me. They're trying to eat my legs clean off. Is it OK to hate them back?
And here are some photos of George and Melissa delivering doghouses that didn't make the final cut of the episode:
Before the doghouse delivery
George and Melissa after the doghouse had been delivered
—Christine
Posted by Christine Dore
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Comments
I am so very proud to be a "Shitty Hunter".
Posted by: Maureen | June 18, 2008 12:18 PM
My husband and I LOVE 30 days and this was one of the best episodes yet. We learned a lot by watching this episode and are going to work hard to make more informed food and cosmetic/pharma purchases in the future.
And George, you rock man! Intelligent, open-minded and not afraid to have a healthy discussion. Good for you!
Posted by: VJ | June 18, 2008 01:35 PM
30 Days rocked it. I don't know where you found George he was the most interesting person. Open and you could see the wheels turning when someone spoke to him and educated him on the medthods of crulety that the animals had to endure. I know how I felt when I first saw Peta's video's. George got to go thru all this first hand and it changed his thinking. He became enlightened right before our eyes. I hope others who watched this program with an open heart also became enlightened.
Posted by: Joyce | June 18, 2008 01:43 PM
Wow...what an excellent show...
I just hated George at the beginning, and that t-shirt his friends sent with him to LA was repulsive and smart-alecky.
It was amazing to see George change right before our eyes. It was the calves on the side of the road, and the ones being pulled into the trucks that did it.
The clincher was the animal shelter.
Thank you George for being very cool, and I hope you will continue to help animal rights in every way you can.
I hope you will save your dog, who is your family member, before you would save a stranger. I hope you see he is not "just a dog". He really is a loving part of your *family*.
I hope you will help spread the spay and neuter message in your community. It is very important.
That is something I think that you will not get too much "ribbing" from your friends about.
Not that it matters, you do what your heart tells you. I know it tells you alot more now than it did...
I have one question, HOW IS SUGAR DOING? Is he still thriving at Animal Acres?
The bottle feedings brought tears to my eyes. Just incredible and a great show.
Posted by: Tamara | June 18, 2008 02:06 PM
"The Burberry demonstration was hard-hitting, but we don't have very many fur coats in North Carolina."
I agree with him. I grew up in California, went to college in Nevada, and well, you don't see fur there. You only see fur coats in a few places: fashion shows and cold places where rich people live (NYC). Fur just isn't an issue for the masses - but maybe it's a bridge. I used to always wonder why PETA would spend so much time on fur. It just seems rather pointless since very few people actually buy fur. But, the fur segment (and the animal experimentation segment) in the 30 Days show demonstrated how those issues are bridges for understanding and compassion.
Posted by: Elaine Vigneault | June 18, 2008 02:33 PM
Besides the times when tears were streaming down my face (the calves being pulled out of the crates by their tails), I was grinning from ear to ear.
I'm so glad the show portrayed both sides fairly. That might've been because George truly did go in with an open mind. Before the show aired, I thought there was no way I could ever hang with 'the hunter' but George proved me wrong. Now, I certainly wouldn't go out hunting WITH him but I'd certainly have a beer with him. Thank you George for educating ME! Thanks to FX for a great episode! I hope it reaches many people.
Posted by: larry sullivan | June 18, 2008 02:34 PM
Loved the 30 Days episode; watched it with my boys, 12 and 9. They couldn't understand why we went vegan 6 months ago.As for George's experience at Animal Acres, she(Laurie ?) just is not a good representative for animal rights. Comparisons to Hitler, Nazis, etc. is lame. How 'bout just plain cruelty, hormones that are giving our sons boobs and making our 10 year old daughters look thirteen and menstruating earlier and earlier, antibiotics that are creating super germs, pesticides that are poisoning us all in the massed produced food that we eat blindly. I, too, am proud to be a "shitty hunter"
Posted by: Kate Sheehan | June 18, 2008 02:46 PM
I personally can't stand Peta. I think Peta is a horrible organization. I'm sure some of the members are fantastic, intelligent, rational people. But the organization itself... That being said, I am against animal cruelty. I wish people would treat animals with more respect, but I also eat meat and think animal testing for medical reasons is something that's needed.
Posted by: Cassondra | June 18, 2008 03:01 PM
I watched 30 days last night for the first time. Although Ive known of these things for quite some years, it was moving, insightful and educational especially for those persons who know nothing about the issues documented on this show. It was wonderful how George understood at the end and how angry and moved he was with the calf who had been discarded, rescued and nursed by him and yes he came to love him too...I cried, I applauded, I was happy this has been brought to the publics eye in such a moving educated way.
Wonderful job PETA Thank you
Posted by: R | June 18, 2008 03:08 PM
I watched the episode last night and it definitely hit home. My husband who doesn't understand what PETA is all about watched it with me and he was turning his head during several parts of the show and I buried my head into a pillow or tried to change the channel. But, after the show he had alot to say and a greater understanding for why we are going vegetarian.
Posted by: Leslie | June 18, 2008 03:14 PM
I absolutely loved 30 Days! It was so amazing to see someone be willing and not afraid to really see what happens to the animals in the production of almost everything that people consume. It's a horror show that is hidden and no one wants to see it, so they can go on eating their flesh, wearing animal skins and fur, and using the cosmetics they want to. George, through the show 30 Days and Peta witnessed so much of the unimaginable cruelty that animals endure. Thank you George, Peta, and the producers of 30 Days! I love you for helping educate people so animals can have a chance for the decent lives they were meant to have. I was deeply moved by the show and hope it will be repeated. I also hope Peta has a video of it for sale at Peta Catalog. I want to buy 10-15 copies and give them to as many people as I can.
Posted by: Jaymielynne | June 18, 2008 03:21 PM
So, Snedeker has witnessed, and now opposes, cruelty to animals. But he still eats meat, and he still hunts.
Is that acceptable to PETA? Because if it is, there are plenty of hunters who oppose cruelty and abuse. And of course, by hunting for their meat, they're obviously bypassing factory-farmed animals, at least to some extent.
Do we have common ground?
Posted by: A hunter | June 18, 2008 03:55 PM
George great job! I've always known you have a kind heart, but this show showed it 100%. Now everyone can see that, just because people hunt, as a hobby, that doesn't mean thier cold blooded. I have always been proud to be your sister and forever will. You handled "Sugar" just as gentle as you did the 1st time you held your nieces and nephew. We all love you and are very proud of you!
Posted by: Beth | June 18, 2008 03:58 PM
re. Elaine's comment: "I used to always wonder why PETA would spend so much time on fur."
Elaine - you should maybe get a 'reality check' and see how many animals (foxes, artic foxes, minx, raccons, raccoon dogs, etc) are caged up going out of their minds in fur farms in Europe, USA, China, and elsewhere that supply to the global demand for fur across Europe, USA, and elsewhere.. each fur farm can house up to THOUSANDS of miserable animals pacing back and forth, back and forth in their tiny cages..
you have to look at the BIGGER picture.. and yes.. fur IS an ISSUE.. and it's HORRIBLE abuse on a massive scale.. instead of looking around your neighbourhood.. you could maybe look up research data on how many animals are killed horribly for their furs each year.. it numbers in the MILLIONS..
that is why it IS an issue.. and Peta rightly so.. gives it the attention it needs .. it's right there.. with factory farming, vivisection, etc..
on a personal level.. the fur trade probably bothers me more so than any of the other global commercial animal abuse issues.. but then agian.. they're all horrors and all bad..
Posted by: yvonne c | June 18, 2008 04:30 PM
I thought that the show was great. George was a great sport!!! I also feel that this did get the message out there in the mainstream. If a hunter from North Carolina can find compassion in his heart, anyone can. It takes small steps, this is how change occurs. So many people could learn from George's experience. I was so proud of George I cried! Bravo!!
Posted by: josey | June 18, 2008 04:52 PM
Damn, great responses, George. It's people like you that give me hope that animal rights activism really can be effective.
And, on the other side of the coin, this is such a good reminder of how important it is for those of us who are activists to be reasonable and respectful to people who may disagree with some of our viewpoints. Great stuff.
Posted by: Jack | June 18, 2008 05:21 PM
George Snedeker makes an interesting comment about what some people's perception of PETA is. I used to volunteer at my local Humane Society, where the management seemed quite nervous about the fact that I am a PETA member. They clearly didn't understand what PETA does, or what animal rights means. Shows like 30 Days are an excellent way to help people to understand better.
Posted by: Elizabeth | June 18, 2008 05:55 PM
Har har, eric schweig. We've ALLLL heard that joke before. Here's a secret: it's not true, and it's on hundreds of t-shirts and bumper stickers.
That said, George: it is perfectly okay to hate chiggers, and it's even okay to kill them if you can't get them off your legs in any other way! And I say this as a vegan! Being respectful of animals doesn't mean you love everything they do, and it certainly doesn't mean you have to suffer to protect them.
I think you sound like a great guy and I thank you for having been so open-minded throughout the course of 30 Days!
Posted by: Canaduck | June 18, 2008 05:59 PM
The word "vegetarian" loosely translated from Inuktitut (Inuit) into English is an old and thankfully unpopular phrase in many circumpolar communities meaning quite simply..."Shitty Hunter".
Posted by: eric schweig | June 18, 2008 06:06 PM
It was wonderful seeing people with very different viewpoints and opinions talking respectfully to each other. So much can happen when people just listen to each other without yelling and being defensive. We can all learn from each other and find common ground. It is so sad to rarely find this type of conversation in our country today. Everyone has fallen into little sealed off groups and no one wants to talk anymore.
Posted by: Kelley | June 18, 2008 06:31 PM
Wow!! Loved the show!! I cried like a baby. If this guy can be touched I think almost anyone can.
Posted by: katie | June 18, 2008 06:44 PM
I loved the 30 days show!! I am so glad that people got to see the things that happen in day to day living to these poor animals. I hope it touched many peoples hearts and that they are moved to make a difference.
Posted by: Lisa | June 18, 2008 06:58 PM
george has been my brother for many years and i have been proud of him all my life.I am so very proud of him for this.i love you george,you taught me allot last night and for that i am thankful .i will add it to the long list of things i have learned from you over our lifetime so far.
Posted by: marie | June 18, 2008 07:05 PM
I just wanted to say thank you for the episode from last night.
Like how most of us felt im sure there were parts that were hard to handle, but my favorite part that brought a tear to my eye was Sugars first steps! It was awesome to witness and I wish I could witness more things like that on t.v instead of a lot of the crap they show!
I think PETA will be proud to hear, that your episode last night pushed me to go from vegetarian to vegan. Ive stopped eating meat for almost a year and a half now, but I just couldn’t give up the milk and cheese! But it was from your episode that said, enough is enough, I can live with out these things, and substitute them! Knowing im helping a mother from being hooked up to a pump for days on end, it makes me feel better knowing I wont take part in it!
Your episode truly touched me and my fiancé who were watching it together with our dog and cat who is OUR FAMILY and I would do anything for them. And my favorite scene they could have showed was when the women asked george if hed save his dogs life for her, and not one thing would stop me from saving my animals from a stranger!
Thank you!
And George, I think that what you did was awesome! For someone to walk in like they did with about as much open mind as they could, and walked out a little bit of a changed man, it means that we can make progress!
Posted by: maria | June 18, 2008 07:28 PM
When the show was almost over I was thinking George is going to quit eat meat, George is not going to hunt anymore, but NOT he is still eating meat and hunting; where is his compassion? where was he changed?
Posted by: liliana | June 18, 2008 08:16 PM
My fervorous congratulations with deep thanks to PETA for this marvelous creation, and others who collaborated to make this fantastic "30 Days" show! Also the same and kudos to George, for showing not only that he does have a good heart for those [erroneously considered] lower animals; George: humans are animals too!!! :o) but also that he is intelligent and broad minded. What he experienced and absorbed will take a little while but sometime in the near future he will again give it his most serious thoughts and will commence to put them into practice. BRAVO GEORGE!!!:o)
Posted by: Adela | June 18, 2008 08:53 PM
I loved this episode of 30 days! With George “the deer hunter”.
This episode with George shows there is hope (for the animals) cause people with different background and beliefs unite against animal cruelty!
I think a lot of people would react strongly to what goes on with animals in Factory Farming, Fur Trade, Pet stores and so on.. If they only knew what goes on behind closed doors.
The more people who get educated on animal cruelty, to sooner we can stop this horror!
Thank you 30 days and Peta for education more people on this issue!
Posted by: Helene | June 18, 2008 10:17 PM
I am so disappointed that I missed the show. However, I want to say one thing: Hunting is killing and killing is murder. People who hunt enjoy killing. Yes, that does make a person cold blooded.
Posted by: Jessica Stovall | June 18, 2008 11:00 PM
This was a great 30 days. I think it really helped to open a lot of peoples eyes.
I am a huge animal lover and this show made me bawl my head off. I don't understand how people can be so cruel.
I had been thinking about going vegan, not just vegetarian, but definitely am now!
We've already changed to vegan shampoo, skincare and vitamins using Arbonne. Anyone can have a great career with this vegan, no animal testing company. I have learned from them and am spreading the word through home parties about how horrendous animal cosmetic testing is and the horrible rendering plants that grind up animals for collagen and different ingredients in cosmetics and vitamins.
So sorry to plug, but this company is really helping to get the word out about animal testing!
Thanks for letting me share. I love everyone's comments and thank you George!
Posted by: Chrissy Fish | June 18, 2008 11:08 PM
just wanted to comment back at liliana and how george changed. if you watch the start of the show, and see the end you can see that he really did want the animals to be respected, and treated in a kind fashion. at the start of the ep, i don't think that would have ever crossed his mind. this is the change. and it was amazing. way to go george. way to go peta, but if i ever see that video of the skinning of the live animal again i'm going to throw up. all together a great show (30 days always is, but this one struck very close to home). i too am dropping the dariy from my diet from this show. thanks peta.
Posted by: laura | June 18, 2008 11:49 PM
my hubby watched part of this last night and got tears in his eyes (and he is a typical 'manly' guy who doesn't cry easily). he has decided to swear off of meat, dairy, and eggs, although he still plans to eat shellfish. at age 37.5, this is a huge step. we have been gradually moving our lifestyle towards a healthier / more eco-friendly way for the last few years. we were both raised in 'meat and potatoes' families, and mine especially was full of nothing but complete junk food, fast food, etc. we started with cutting out pork, cutting down red meat, boosting veggies and whole grains, etc. i am excited to go veg. but sort of nervous because i tend to be a picky eater. i'm working on trying out lots of tasty veggie recipes that i think we'll like.
Posted by: megan | June 19, 2008 12:12 AM
I also watched the cattle handlers with tears in my eyes. Well done PETA for getting this message into the mainstream media.
I've been a vegetarian for 20 years simply because I hate the 'idea' of eating muscle tissue. The suffering and everything else just help to make it even more repulsive to me.
I really warmed to George though, he seemed narrow minded at the start but it was inspiring to see how hard he tried. Good on him.
It's a shame he's still hunting but at least he eats what he kills and doesn't try and mask the connection between the thing on his plate and the animal (beef/cow etc).
He's better than the hypocrites who profess to love animals yet are quite content for savage cruelty to take place so they can get cheap meat.
Posted by: Kris Jones | June 19, 2008 01:28 AM
I watched 30 days for the first time last night. I have to say, I was impressed. I agreed with George, that some of the protests were a little much and may not have a 100% positive effect. Like the KFC one...I think it just draws attention to the establishment-but I liked the answer that Melissa gave that they are a business.
I have been a vegetarian almost 3 years now, and after seeing the factory dairy farm, I am going Vegan.
I think George has changed. I didn't hear him say that he is going vegetarian or not. But I am sure he will go home and think twice about what he eats. And even if he doesn't go all the way, he still has been changed and will make a change...we are not going to change the world overnight. I doubt we will in this generation-but if we can make positive examples like this show-we can set the tome for change, and mayve just maybe our grandchildren will all be vegetarian and compassionate--who knows?
Posted by: Elizabeth | June 19, 2008 01:33 AM
Is there anywhere online that I can watch this? I live in the UK and 30 Days isn't broadcast here (yet, at least).
Posted by: DARYL | June 19, 2008 04:16 AM
seriously...one thing was seriously offensive. animal activists need to stop comparing jews to chickens.
Posted by: fred tam | June 19, 2008 04:23 AM
I really loved this episode. Thanks PETA!
Posted by: Tammy | June 19, 2008 08:03 AM
I am so glad the show featured strongly on the reality of factory farming. In my travels, I often see these "farms" in Ontario, Chino, & Merced (among other places). It is mind boggling to me that the animals are allowed to stand up to their stomaches in their own waste, day after day.
While I would like to believe that we will all be able to live in an Utopian society, where we have evolved away from eating meat, the reality is some people just love the taste of it (ugh)! I think George is doing the right thing in becoming aware of where his meat comes from. Using local farmers, as well as shopping organic.
Posted by: Maria | June 19, 2008 08:55 AM
My only disappointment with the otherwise well done show, and apparently a problem with some of my friends(some of whom are on the verge of cutting back on meat eating), was with Lorri Bauston and her Nazi rant. She looked like a mess and acted the same way. Were you going for a 'good cop-bad cop thing?'
I loved watching George feeding 'Sugar'.
Thank you George for participating.
Posted by: Pam | June 19, 2008 09:24 AM
I want to say thanks to PETA and FX, because they show this animal cruelty for more people; I know that George was'nt the same person when he began and when he finish the 30 days, but I was waiting for him to say, I won't hunt and eat meat anymore.
Posted by: liliana | June 19, 2008 09:46 AM
While I recognize that it is a potentially offensive argument to make, and one I do not employ myself, I do not believe comparing the treatment of Jews by the Nazis to the treatment of animals by mainstream America is meant to trivialize the suffering of the former, but rather to emphasize the suffering of the latter. That said, the argument will never work with someone who believes strongly that non-human animals are little more than exploitable machines. And it will probably have the unintended effect of closing their minds further.
Having successfully converted the thought processes of a few friends and family members, I have found the more persuasive approach is to address the notion that non-human animals have no standing whatsoever. Most people with an open mind who allow themselves to witness and comprehend the cruelty first-hand cannot help but be affected by it. And if their ability to critically examine their choices exceeds their addiction to animal flesh, progress can be made.
George proved that. Even if he has not completely embraced the idea that the infliction of animal suffering for personal pleasure should be completely avoided, he has clearly opened his eyes to a world that most will never see, or even try to see. And given that he demonstrated a willingness to endorse the existence of "animal rights" (the necessary first step) we should all be comforted that open-minded people *do* exist and can be persuaded to consider a viewpoint different from their own.
We should not only be thankful for George's open-mindedness, we should emulate it. To be a persuasive speaker, one must first be an attentive listener.
This was not just a great episode of 30 Days, this was a great hour of television.
Posted by: Mike | June 19, 2008 10:59 AM
the question is, would George eat Sugar ... does he see that there's no difference between Sugar and the deer he kills? Only difference is he's bonded with Sugar. That's the real question ... can he transfer that feeling? I'd like to hear him respond to that. Personally, it all didn't go deep enough for me. Lot of lip service.
Posted by: Wildflower | June 19, 2008 11:38 AM
Congratulations to the crew of 30 Days for directing producing such an excellent portrayal of two very different viewpoints on animal rights. Great job!
Posted by: Mary Ellen Connor | June 19, 2008 11:44 AM
Well said, George. I applaud your open-mindedness and courage at exploring the "other side."
Posted by: Mike Quinoa | June 19, 2008 01:32 PM
If you want to know what happened to Sugar, don't email Animal Acres.
All you get is a canned response that tells how you can donate or volunteer with them.
It doesn't mention Sugar at all either...I mean I guess I can understand the "canned" response...but they should know the influx of emails they are getting is from the 30 Days show, and people want to know about Sugar, besides wanting to know how to help.
It felt cold and unresponsive to me...not tying the purpose of my email somehow to the request for money
Posted by: Tamara | June 19, 2008 01:38 PM
George, I really thought you were going to be a close minded right wing low IQ ahole. You were anything but. I could never hunt. The thought of killing an animal would pain me, but i have nothing against hunters. On the other hand, like you, I was nauseated by what I saw in terms of treatment of animals. Use of animals to make furs is sickening but I will continue to eat them and enjoy being at the top of the food chain. YOu are a totally great guy George.
Posted by: Mark Starr | June 19, 2008 03:42 PM
For those of you who missed the show, FX will have reruns all week til Sunday.
Everyone please stop bashing Animal Acres and Lori. She's a good person and doing a wonderful job and Animal Acres is truly a wonderful organization which I will definitely donate and support as I do PETA.
Posted by: Milo | June 19, 2008 05:31 PM
Tamara, of course the shoestring budget non profit should devote all of their time and resources to quickly answering mindless questions instead of their mission--remember, the people who do give them money (which they desperately need, as animal orgs are always at the bottom of the list and which is why they asked in their auto response, and I say good for them) give it to them so they can take care of animals. What a pain, shame on you.
Posted by: Liz | June 19, 2008 08:13 PM
Let us not forget that Lori
is the co-founder of Farm
Sanctuary...the ultimate and
first Sanctuary for "Farmed"
animals. She's been doing this
since 1984...devoted her life
to saving animals. Get off her
back. Bravo to the show.
Change the world one conversation at a time.
Vegan..what a wonderful way to live.
Posted by: Marsha | June 19, 2008 08:55 PM
No bashing here toward Lorri. I'm reading Greg Baur's book 'Farm Sanctuary' and have nothing but respect and admiration for their sanity, and consistent and TRUE love of ALL animals. Bless them.
Posted by: wildflower | June 19, 2008 11:17 PM
For those of us who don't get FX, thanks for posting the QA.
Posted by: lynda downie | June 20, 2008 12:27 AM
What a great show! I have been a big fan of 30 days and this was the BEST show ever (except the Nazi rant). I think Animal Acres renamed Sugar to something else. I guess it has something to do with donations. Big donors get to name animals.
Posted by: patty | June 20, 2008 12:48 PM
I am a previous volunteer and supporter of Animal Acres and want to clarify a few things that have been posted...
Animal Acres is run solely by volunteers and donors. They are usually short-handed and always in need of money to fund the care of the animals that are rescued like Sugar. They do not have a person sitting at a desk ready to respond to all of the emails that a tv show might produce.
That being said...Lorri HAS devoted all of her life to helping animals, and should be acknowledged for that, but she lacks the skills of dealing with people. That is the reason why they are usually short-handed. They have lost a lot of great volunteers due to her lack of respect for the very people who support her. It's very sad, because Animal Acres could be so much more than it is, if someone else was running it.
BTW: I love the show 30 Days and watch all of the episodes. I thought this show was done just as well as all the others. I applaud George for being open-minded enough to get out of his comfort zone and make real difference in his life, as well as, all those who watched his experience.
Posted by: marie | June 20, 2008 05:04 PM
hunters suck!
Posted by: anoumous | June 20, 2008 11:49 PM
After watching the episode, I went out and bought soy milk! I am definitely cutting down on the dairy after seeing the horrors that happen to cows for their milk.
Posted by: Babs | June 21, 2008 01:27 AM
Wow Marie did you put all your thought into that comment. It's closed minded thinking like that whic keeps people from understanding others. What if George had gone on this amazing journey with a closed mind like that? We as people need to stop being so closed minded in our lives and open up to understand and RESPECT others in this world. Blanket statements like that are not going to help anything in this world improve.
Posted by: Jim | June 21, 2008 01:24 PM
I just watched the episode and shed some tears. I'm not sure why exactly... I think there was a very good representation of the journey one goes on to become more informed, and I could relate to it, and it can be painful! So, maybe that's where the tears came from. One thing though, I don't know, if at this juncture in our history as a species, and at this juncture in history, if we have the time to take one person at a time, spend 30 days with him/her, to illuminate him/her to the current crisis that is happening on the planet in terms of our treatment of animals. Somehow we need to speed things up or else we all face extinction!
Posted by: Julie Kirkpatrick | June 22, 2008 03:11 AM
I missed the first 35 minutes...does anyone know when this broadcast will be shown on TV again? Is PETA going to make available a DVD of this show??
Posted by: craig from Nevada | June 23, 2008 12:44 AM
Just wondering why my comment did not get posted. I am a voice of your opposition but my opinion is valid.
Posted by: Ben Folker | June 23, 2008 02:47 AM
I joined PETA after seeing 30 Days. Thank you PETA for doing something on a grand level that I can only address with money and my lifestyle.
Posted by: Layla | June 23, 2008 08:43 AM
I just watched "30 Days" this weekend...what lovely people, the Karpels and I was moved watching George soften as he was able to see, touch and bond with the animals. I hope they will be friends forever, George, the Karpels and the animals.
I would love to see a follow-up to see if George's daily life has changed since this experience. Does he share what he has learned with others in North Carolina?
I bet he thinks twice now about everything that has to do with animals.
Posted by: Molly Maher | June 23, 2008 01:17 PM
Jim, I'm not at all sure what your comment is referring to???
"It's closed minded thinking like that whic keeps people from understanding others."
I only had a positive comment about George, his journey and how it affected those who watched it...
Please explain...Thanks.
Posted by: marie | June 23, 2008 08:58 PM
I loved this show! I am a vegan and an animal rights supporter, and the show brought tears to my eyes when I observed the animal suffering, and when George had his epiphany rescuing and nursing the baby calf back to health. I also learned more valuable information about factory farming that I was not aware of. It was very educational and strengthens my belief in veganism. It was fantastic!
Posted by: Elena | June 24, 2008 01:24 PM
I learned alot from this episode of 30 days. I have changed my views as well. I will still keep on eating meat, i don't eat red meat, i haven't eat that in about 10 years. but i do not think it is right to test on animals or treat them so bad. I vow to boycott kfc, iams, proctor and gamble. i'm still doing research on others. George had guts, not many people could do that. I cried watching this episode. And I'm spreading the word about the ways animals are treated. Animals should be treated so much better. My cats are rescues and it breaks my heart thinking about what could of happened to them if i didn't save them. George did a great job and has helped me change my ways as well. Thanks George, PETA and all the people at 30 days.
Posted by: Jessica | June 24, 2008 04:59 PM
Tamara, way to be a bitch about a freakin sanctuary.
Posted by: Chrissy | July 19, 2008 04:55 AM
george! thank you for participating in an adventure like this. i found you to be more open-minded than some on the animals side.
this whole issue is filled with emotion. no one is going to respond to someone telling them they 'take back their handshake' because you are a hunter. get real. grow up.
i have been living vegetarian for 2 years now. but i too am moved to give up dairy and eggs.
i am not a hunter, but i have to say i have way more respect for hunters than a factory farm owner. deer are free. they live outside, run, play, mate, live. FF animals are nothing but dollar signs. it's about how the owners of those farms can make more money but cramming more animals in to smaller spaces. force an animal who is vegetarian to eat the ground flesh of downed animals. pump them full of antibiotics and hormones so they grow so fast their legs cannot support them so they are forced to lay in their own feces. and then they sell this to the consumer. yum yum.
i think animal rights activists should spend far more energy getting laws passed to protect animals forced to live in these conditions and back off the hunters. (big game hunters...totaly different story!)
i pulled the following off of the humane society (HSUS) factory farming report.
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Each year in the United States, 10 billion land animals are raised and killed for meat, eggs, and milk.(1,2) Statistically, farm animals comprise 98 percent of all animals in the country with whom we interact directly,(3) and that staggering percentage does not even include the estimated 10 billion aquatic animals killed for human consumption. Indeed, the numbers of animals killed by trappers and hunters; in classrooms, research laboratories, and animal shelters; and on fur farms; and those animals raised as companions or used for entertainment by circuses and zoos, collectively make up only 2 percent of the animals in some established relationship with humans.(4)
again george, thank you for playing and i too would love to have a follow-up on you.
Posted by: karrie | July 25, 2008 08:50 PM
Marie is right. Lorri has chased away LOTS of great people and would not have a problem with help if she did not. She does not belong anywhere around the volunteers. I am friends with the people that donated the money for AA to buy the land they are on and she chased them off too. She gives Animal Rights a bad name and it is troubling that more people don't know that! Otherwise, this was a beautiful episode.
Posted by: anon | April 19, 2009 11:21 PM