The Kharisma Magazine The Kharisma Magazine (Full) Premiere Issue

198 { P R E M I E R I S S U E 2 0 1 8 } K H A R I S M A M A G A Z I N E HOW THOUSANDS OF RESCUED DOGS ARE BEING GIVEN A S E C O N D C H A N C E AT L I F E ONE MAN. ONE MOVE ME NT. Share a bit about Th e Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation. Why is rescuing dogs from the horrific Asian Dog Meat Trade important to you and your foundation? The Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation: It is not just a foundation - it is everything that I am, who I want my children to grow up to be, and the hope I see in their future. The Asian Dog Meat Trade has become the focus of our foundation. While a dog is no more different or special then per say a chicken or a pig. I believe what makes this trade more horrific then the factory farming industry in our own country, is that they are stealing people’s pets, which, to some, are their family members. What we do as an organization, I believe it is unique in comparison to other movements. The power in what we do, it lies in the sacrifice we choose to make. Going undercover into slaughterhouses, in an effort to bear witness so other people can see the truth. While our media is difficult to follow, while the movement we represent is hard for most people bear, it is the truth that brings justice to the animals. If no one sees it, it makes it not real. What was the journey that led you to open The Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation? I do not think anyone ever says they are going to start a foundation. I think in time, that you grow to become it. Like most people, I had a hard time finding myself. I believe it is the struggles that we bear, the lessons we learn, that teach us how to be better. INTE RVIE W WI T H MA RC CHING Our foundation, we focus on cruelty and abuse situations. And we use the suffering that we see in the world, and the individual souls that survive it as the centerpiece upon which we teach compassion and inspire others to be more human. G I V I N G B A C K More then that, in Asia they believe if you torture the dog first, that it makes the meat more tender or adds a special health benefit to those whom eat it. Imagine if someone stole your dog that you considered your child, not only killed it for food, but tortured it first. This is why we are so devoted to raising awareness in regards to the dog meat trade, and pushing for legislative change within these countries. In your Petstaurant , you use dietary changes, herbs, and homeopathy to cure ailments and help animals suffering from diseases. Why do believe this type of approach is beneficial to animals? I believe in balance. In my profession, I work with the health issues of both people and animals. When it comes to humans, doctors and practitioners are evolving to understand that medication is not the answer to everything. When it comes to animals, veterinarians seem to be living in the dark ages. Much of what they do involves suppressing symptoms so you cannot see the issue. In time, the suppression no longer works, and animals owners become frustrated trying to find answers. At the Petstaurant, we focus on trying to find the root of the 199

The Kharisma Magazine The Kharisma Magazine (Full) Premiere Issue | Page 198