Book cover of Allowed to Grow Old: Portraits of Elderly Animals from Farm Sanctuaries

Book description

There's nothing quite like a relationship with an aged pet-a dog or cat who has been at our side for years, forming an ineffable bond. Pampered pets, however, are a rarity among animals who have been domesticated. Farm animals, for example, are usually slaughtered before their first birthday. We never…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Allowed to Grow Old as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This beautiful photography book is deeply moving. Subtitled Portraits of Elderly Animals from Farm Sanctuaries, it was inspired by Leshko’s encounter with Petey, a 34-year-old Appaloosa horse. His aged body was the first of the photos for this collection; all are quietly magnificent. They drew me into contemplation of both the plight of farm animals and Leshko’s personal quest to accept aging; she hopes to face her own eventual decline “with the same grace and stoicism the animals have shown.” I’ve spent time volunteering at an animal sanctuary, and have a special connection to Ruby, a Standardbred mare…

Ever seen a really old farm animal? Most of us haven’t, and that’s because they’re “harvested” before they have a chance to grow old. The photos in this book poignantly capture the rare pigs, chickens, cows, and other animals allowed to live out their lives at sanctuaries. The dignity displayed in the images is truly profound.

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