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Dear John,
When her cold, wet nose touched the back of my hand, I suddenly recalled a happy dog nuzzling me, inviting love and affection.
But that fond memory quickly faded as I took in my surroundings: a windowless building filled with endless rows of narrow metal pens.
On paper, I'm an employee of a factory farm. In truth, I am an undercover investigator exposing the shocking reality countless animals face—so we can share their stories with the world.
The pig who nudged me was doomed to a life of relentless suffering—enduring cycles of pregnancy, birth, and loss while spending most of her life confined to a space barely larger than her body.
Despite her constant agony, she will be a devoted mother, providing her babies with all the love and comfort she can in the cage she'll share with them. She will communicate so they always know the sound of her voice, and she will try to feel at ease as they rest beside her and nurse.
After two weeks their time together will be over, and her babies will be taken from her, and the cycle will begin again. And when her body can no longer profitably bear piglets, she will be sent to slaughter.
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