CAROLS BY BARNLIGHT AT EDGAR'S MISSION
By Claudette Vaughan

While it may have been cold, wet and windy outside, nothing could dampen the warm glow emanating from a tiny manger in Willowmavin on Saturday.  Gentle lambs chewed on sweet smelling hay as pigs happily grunted approval, while over the barn doors stretched the necks of beautiful horses - welcoming pats aplenty, as people came from near and far to join the good folk of Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary in Carols by Barnlight. We spoke with Pam Ahern, owner of Edgar’s Mission, friend and a great advocate for all animals.

What is the one most outstanding feature you would like others to know about farmed animals?

If people took the time to meet these animals and learn about what their lives are really like they would realise that they are sentient creatures, not unlike their beloved pets and that labelling them farm animals does not diminish their capacity to suffer as a result of the choices they make in their life.
 
What's involved with Carols by Barnlight?

Bringing people from all walks of life together to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, peace and goodwill to all creatures.

Our Carols by Barnlight evening was just wonderful.  We had a little manager up the front with three of this years rescued orphaned lambs, although this was reduced to two when Leroy, in this wisdom, decided two's company and he jumped out.  Taking several Wheatbix to lure him back.  The horses looked over their barn doors with curious amusement as their human friends made strange noises and dear Edgar grunted approval each time he heard my voice.  Edgar's contribution was totally unplanned but was so brilliant as it showed the visitors how given the chance pigs can form strong bonds with human, much like their dogs at home.  They were also very interested to learn that Edgar knew his name, looooooooooooooves tummy rubs and even going for walks, all qualities possessed by their pets.
 
What role do you think no-kill sanctuaries play in the modern day animal rights movement?

Everything, they reinforce the notion that each and every life is important and they also underlie the fundamental "contract" we entered into thousands of years ago when humans first domesticated animals -we are responsible for everything we have tamed.

Who is Edgar?

Is the first pig I rescue some five years ago, he oinked his way into my heart and changed my life for ever.  He is the most dashing, debonair, handsome, charming, charismatic, fun loving, witty, intelligent and adorable creature I have every met.  Now what are the odds that out of all the pigs in the world I would get this one, I tell visitors to the farm.  But you know something, Edgar is really no different from every other pig except that he is now leading the life that all pigs deserve and in doing so he is a wonderful ambassador for all “farmed” animals. When I tell people about Edgar, they cannot help but identify with the love of a human for their pet, and in doing so begin to think about what pigs are really like rather than only thinking of what remains of them when their lives have ended –pork, ham and bacon.

Tell us about some of your other ambassadors.

Gosh I have over 150, each and everyone works in their own special way to show people that each and every one has their own personality, likes and dislikes, and how do they do this-simply by acting naturally.  People are amazed that I can identify and name all my sheep, well I say to you they are but sheep but to me they are “Leroy”, “Sammy”, “Redesdale”, “Melbourne”, “Mummy”, “Connie”, “Calvin” etc and if you take the time and get to know them you can start to see the differences in them.  Just like the friends we meet.

What did Edgar's Mission do for World Animal Day this year?

As always we celebrate the day with an open day here at the farm, this year was amazing we had over 800 animal lovers come and visit and I am sure many left with lots of new thoughts racing through their head.  One cannot come to Edgar’s Mission without having some sort of education experience even if it is only realising that “farmed” animals have emotions.

Why are you vegan?

Edgar Alan Pig and all his buddies.

How did you yourself become involved in animal rights Pam?

The movement married the two things that are most important to me a love of animals and a sense of justice.

What are your education programs consist of?

Encouraging critical thought, by not telling people what to do or not do, But getting them to decide if their actions marry up with their ethical believes.  I think it is pretty fair to say that our society cares deeply about animal welfare, yet very few people actually realise that the choices they make in their life are not really that good for animals.

How many people do you meet that don't know the first thing about saved factory farmed animals?

Most of the people who visit the farm comment, “Oh I never thought about that before” for me that is just music to my ears.  A thought process has started, I don’t know where it will end but it has started and they have started it, that is great.  You can tell people what to do or not do, but unless the change is driven by them it will not last or they will not have the commitment to live it.

If someone what's to help animals what do you tell them?

Don’t eat them.

How are you funded?

Donations, grants and Pam’s fast dwindling life savings.

Edgar’s Mission can be found at:  http://www.edgarsmission.org.au

Edgar’s Mission has a Best Buddies program on their website where you can sponsor an animal very reasonably for a year.
http://www.edgarsmission.org.au/BestBuddy.htm