Friends,

In our ever-changing world, it’s fascinating to reflect on the dreams we held dear in our childhood. Many of us carried a deep passion for animals, envisioning a future where we could work alongside these magnificent creatures. Today, I want to share a personal story that resonates with this sentiment and has had a lasting impact on my own journey.

During my late teens, I had the incredible opportunity to work at The Popcorn Park Zoo. It was a place where I could nurture my love for animals and at the same time learn invaluable lessons about their well-being. Among the cherished memories I hold is the time spent with Sonny, the elephant, who left an indelible mark on my heart.

Yet, it was an unexpected encounter that truly transformed my perspective. A journalist arrived at the zoo one day, and to my astonishment, she had a baby calf nestled in the back of her car. She shared a story that touched my very core. She had visited a slaughterhouse for preparing an article and witnessed the birth of a baby calf, destined to become veal. Overwhelmed with compassion, she made the compassionate choice to rescue the calf from such a fate.

Ollie, as she lovingly named him, became a cherished member of our zoo family. I had the privilege of caring for him, nurturing him with bottles of milk, and watching him grow. Ollie possessed an extraordinary personality, filled with boundless energy and curiosity. Through this profound connection, my relationship with animals deepened, and it became clear that a shift in my own choices was necessary. That was the last time I consumed red meat, realizing the impact it had on these incredible beings.

The 90s were a different time, and concepts such as regenerative farming or gardening were unfamiliar to many of us. We were not yet aware of their crucial role in preserving our environment. However, our collective knowledge has expanded, and we now understand the profound connections between the soil, animals and our health.

In our feature article, “The Microbiome Connection: How Soil and Human Health Are Related,” we explore how it’s a key player in our fight against disease, and the soil microbiome, which enables plant growth, is fundamental to sustaining life on our planet. By nurturing these microbiomes, we not only support our own well-being, but also contribute to the health and vitality of all living organisms.

“Fighting Climate Change in the Garden: Regenerative Techniques for a Healthy Ecosystem,” continues on this journey. Whether you have a backyard, a community garden or even just a small apartment patio, these techniques offer opportunities to significantly improve local ecosystems. By embracing regenerative practices, we can restore the balance in our environment, recognizing the interconnectedness of all living systems.

We also address an essential topic in, “Gut Health for Kids: Clever Strategies for Picky Eaters,” green exercise, protecting pets from Lyme disease, the top 10 signs of dementia plus so much more.

As we navigate this ever-evolving world, let us carry the lessons from our childhood dreams and the transformative experiences that shape us. Together, we can make a difference by nurturing the delicate balance of nature, embracing regenerative practices and supporting the well-being of all living beings.

Thank you for joining us on this remarkable journey of exploration and discovery..

With gratitude,

Shae Marcus