Here's how a chicken changed the course of my life.

I had recently moved, and I was strolling around my new neighborhood when the sound of a woman’s voice made me pause. “Come on, babies!” she hollered. To my surprise, I saw seven or eight chickens come running around the side of her house! One by one, they all hopped up on the porch and ran towards the woman.

Um, okay. I had to talk to her.

As we chatted—the chickens hopping up on the porch railing to watch us—I found myself drawn to one hen in particular. Her name was Ruby. “Go fetch,” the woman said, giggling as she tossed a pellet. Ruby ran over, picked up the pellet with her beak, and brought it back!

I watched, my mouth gaping, as Ruby snuggled into the woman’s lap and started making purring noises. The woman stroked Ruby gently while the little chicken closed her eyes, clearly loving the affection.

My mind was racing, full of questions. The chickens knew their individual names. They had best friends. They could do tricks! Just like humans, they had a range of emotions—sometimes playful, sometimes relaxed. They loved to “dust bathe,” happily rolling around on the ground to clean off their feathers. 

I realized, deep in my soul, that these special animals deserve kindness.

Back at home, I started doing research. I was horrified to learn what was considered “normal” in factory farms. Hens—just like sweet Ruby—were forced to spend their whole lives in tiny wire cages. They never got to dust bathe, play fetch, perch up on railings, or stretch out their wings.

What broke my heart the most was knowing they’d never feel the kindness, safety, and love that Ruby felt.

This World Kindness Day, will you give $10 monthly—and protect four hens like Ruby from cages each month?

MAKE A GIFT [[link removed]]

Recently, we calculated that it costs just $2.63 to spare one hen from a battery cage. To me, that’s a coffee. To her, it’s the difference between a life behind bars—and a life where she can finally stretch her wings.

In honor of World Kindness Day, will you consider protecting a hen (or three or four)? Even better, three generous donors are matching all gifts—so your donation will protect twice as many hens! It’s an act of kindness that can change a life.

I credit Ruby, the sweet hen I met, with changing my life in so many ways. I’ll always be grateful for the chance to meet her that day.

Happy World Kindness Day! Thank you for knowing that a kinder world is possible—and for helping to create it. 💗

Anne-Marie Renier
Development and Engagement Associate



Our website: [[link removed]]

Follow us on Facebook: [[link removed]]
Follow us on Instagram: [[link removed]]
Follow us on Twitter: [[link removed]]

Donate: [[link removed]]

We exist to end the abuse of animals raised for food. But we can’t do it without you. The Humane League is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization ranked "Best In America" by the Independent Charities of America and ranked one of the world's four most effective animal protection organizations by Animal Charity Evaluators. Our federal EIN number is 04-3817491.

Copyright © 2023 The Humane League, All rights reserved.

The Humane League | PO Box 10476 | Rockville, MD 20849

Manage your Subscriptions [[link removed]] or Unsubscribe All [[link removed]]