Did you hear the one about the pig and the blizzard? No, for real: a Maryland family rescued a piglet from the recent blizzard. I offer some thoughts on their heroism and what it means for the rest of us.

In other news, this week, Bob Evans and White Castle both announced they’re switching to 100{ae720e0b436026f867bfa0c31185c2252a138f27e85f5f152ec5acc1c10a8cc9} cage-free eggs.   Wondering about all this progress against battery cages? Civil Eats explains this week the cage-free revolution rocking the egg industry.

Finally, I don’t know who you’re rooting for in the Super Bowl, but did you know Cam Newton’s a semi-vegetarian?

Paul Shapiro
Vice President, Farm Animal Protection
The Humane Society of the United States

Follow at twitter.com/pshapiro

P.S. Video of the week: Ever wondered what happens when you put a pig, cow, dog, and cat together?

Positive Tails is an amazing organization dedicated to saving animals by getting them the medical attention they need, even when a family can’t afford what could be very expensive vet bills. Now it’s your turn to help Positive Tails, and all you have to do is go to a party! Well, buy a ticket and go to a party. The party is February 11th, from 7pm to 10pm at 501 Union street in Brooklyn. And it’s gonna be CRAY! Because let me tell you, Positive Tails knows how to throw a party! Last year’s event was THE BEST, I was chowing down on ALL the Vegan Treats!:

Vegan Treats will be serving desserts again this year as will Jay Astafa! There’s also an open bar, a DJ, and raffle prizes! I don’t think you guys can understand how much I like raffle prizes. It’s like way too much. So YOU KNOW I’ll be there! Plus, this year the event is in Carroll Gardens in Brooklyn–so easy to get to! 

Hope you can come! I can’t wait! Let’s save all the anipals!!!!

Hello, my pals! Time to look inside last month’s Vegan Cuts Beauty Box!

Let’s see, this month had a bunch of exciting stuff. I’m super excited about the Acure cell stimulating facial mask–I love a good cell stimulating facial mask! And there was a cray toothpaste from Auromere–Ayurvedic! I’ve never heard of Ayurvedic toothpaste so that is neat. 

There was a fight over the Crazy Rumors cinnamon bun lip balm among my coworkers. I didn’t intervene, sometimes you just gotta let them fight it out. The Concrete Minerals eyeshadow was also a popular item. 

There was also a pretty blush from Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques and an awesome “makeup dissolving facial cleanser” from Demes Natural Products. 

All in all, a good month in beauty finds!

I got this for free but if you want to try it, the box subscription is $19.95 a month, shipping included (for US addresses. International is more).

Another week, and more progress for farm animals!

Smithfield—the world’s largest pork producer— reported this week that 81.8 percent of the sows in its pig facilities are now in group housing, rather than being confined in gestation crates, and that the company will reach 100 percent group housing by 2017.

As well, Wendy’s, Quiznos and Barilla all announced timelines for reaching 100{ae720e0b436026f867bfa0c31185c2252a138f27e85f5f152ec5acc1c10a8cc9} cage-free eggs.

Finally, Foodservice Director—the industry’s trade publication—said its #1 “top menu story” for 2015 was plant-based food becoming mainstream at foodservice operations.

May the coming year bring even more progress for farm animals!

Paul Shapiro
Vice President, Farm Animal Protection
The Humane Society of the United States
Follow at twitter.com/pshapiro

P.S. Video of the week: Teddy the pig peeling a banana!

Happy holidays!

As the final grains of sand pour through 2015’s hourglass, the week wouldn’t feel complete without more positive retailer announcements for chickens: Nestle, the world’s largest food manufacturer, announced it would end its use of eggs from caged hens, as did Carnival Cruises and Arby’s.

All this progress led the Chicago Tribune to write this week about the egg business and declare “a monumental shift in the industry.”

Finally, want to learn more about HSUS’s fight for farm animals? NBA superstar John Salley has a new video all about it!:

Paul Shapiro
Vice President, Farm Animal Protection
The Humane Society of the United States
Follow at twitter.com/pshapiro

P.S. Video of the week: If you think dogs can’t play pool, Pibbles is here to prove you wrong.

P.P.S. Cartoon of the week: Some thoughts on holiday gift-giving…