TESTIMONIALS
Each week we select a Proud Member at Rowdy Girl Sanctuary. These folks have demonstrated their commitment to farmed animals by supporting us financially as Rowdy Club members, by volunteering, by their activism and/or switching to a plant-based diet. These are just a few of our Proud Members. You will find more on our social media channels.
With every fiber of my being, I am clear about one thing: animals are not here for humans to exploit, torture, kill and eat. Nor are they here for entertainment or sport.
Supporting NGOs like Rowdy Girl Sanctuary can leverage the change we want to see in the world. As individuals, our activism has limits. However, collectively we can and are changing the world for farmed animals. Especially when we invest in nonprofits doing exceptional work.
Animal exploitation is the central issue of our time.
It is the root cause of deadly disease, antibiotic resistance, pandemics, food scarcity, global warming, air and water pollution, rainforest devastation, even war.
Why do I support Rowdy Girl with a monthly donation? Because of Tommy and Renee. I had the privilege of spending several days at the sanctuary getting to know their animals and watching these two in action. They are the real deal. They walk the talk. And they are 100% committed to the well-being of each and every animal that they’ve welcomed to Rowdy Girl.
Their story is extraordinary. I love that it’s being told outside of the vegan silo and is reaching mainstream audiences via the documentary and stories in widely-read publications like VOGUE.
Joining Rowdy Girl Sanctuary has been a transformative experience for me. It’s not just about being a member; it’s about falling head over heels for their mission and the incredible work they do. From their compassionate animal rescues to their powerful advocacy as former cattle ranchers, they offer hope and inspiration to anyone looking to escape the grip of animal agriculture.
I found Rowdy Girl very early in my vegan journey. I was so inspired that former cattle ranchers in Texas were advocating for animal and environmental justice. And here I thought I was having a hard time simply because I couldn’t find any vegan friends near me lol I thought well if cattle ranchers in Texas can do it, then I have no excuses! To see Renee and Tommy’s journey has been incredible. They’re so open and willing to talk about all the ups and downs which is so important when embarking on such a soul changing journey like veganism. They are truly frontline warriors in this battle for our health, our planet, and every single species we share the Earth with. They deserve everything we can give them for deciding to put themselves behind such an honorable, but not very glamorous job. It’s difficult to become part of a movement that you know is facing uphill battles on every front, but when it’s what you feel deep down in your heart, nothing can stop you. And that’s what I see in Renee and Tommy; every year they just keep doing more and more without any end in sight! Truly inspirations for so many of us!
I was deeply moved with the story of Renee King Sonnen and the sanctuary she founded when I first heard it from our common friend Linda Middlesworth. I decided to become a member to take part in this unique story. Sanctuaries are such transformative places, and Rowdy Girl is exactly that kind of place. The work Renee and her team are doing has the potential to transform many lives, non-human and human alike, and I believe that having committed members as part of the Rowdy Girl Sanctuary is very vital to this work.
I have yet to visit the sanctuary, but that is not an impediment to becoming a member. I encourage everyone to consider becoming a member. It is a privilege unlike any other. It has been such a pleasure to get to know Renee personally–who is, incidentally, very approachable and responsive. I cannot wait to see how this part of my family, Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, grows to touch more lives. I want to be part of this journey, and I really hope others choose to do the same.
We love and appreciate Tommy and Renee. They have a heart to help and save animals.. I had my rescue calf, Martin, transported there. He lived safely and peacefully at Rowdy Girl until his passing. Renee and Tommy also help other ranchers transition from their cruel industry to a cruelty free profession. They live to save animals. They live to help others save animals. It is a full-time commitment, 24/7, 365. I highly recommend your support to continue their mission.
I grew up in Iowa around all of the animals being raised for our food system, and as a lifelong vegetarian, (and vegan for over 20 years now) I always knew a part of my life’s mission was helping to end this archaic practice and horrendous suffering. I am very grateful now to be working in the plant-based food industry helping to shift the food system towards a vegan future.
From the first time I heard about Renee’s story, I was incredibly inspired by the level of compassion, strength, & sheer determination that it took for her to transform her life from being a cattle rancher’s wife into an outspoken vegan running an animal sanctuary. I was moved deeply by the connection Renee had to all of her animals and the love and kindness that these animals were shown.
Supporting Rowdy Girl is important to me because it is helping to provide the opportunity for people to experience these animals as someone – not something – and to get to know their unique personalities and interact in a different way then they may have ever been able to before.
Sadly, so many children grow up just seeing only parts of these gentle, conscious beings on a plate, and have no level of understanding or awareness about the gruesome truth behind our current food system and animal agriculture. Sanctuaries like Rowdy Girl are changing this reality and making it possible for humans to form the connection with these animals as the loving & intelligent beings they are, which has a ripple effect in their lives & dietary choices.
Renee is a true trailblazer and changemaker that I am honored to call a friend, and Rowdy Girl Sanctuary holds a very dear place in my heart. I cannot wait to go meet and hug the whole herd in person soon!
I have been vegan for 18 years and became a member of the Rowdy Girl Herd because they have proven something few could: a Texas cattle rancher and his wife could convert to a vegan oasis in the heart of cattle country.
There is not a day that goes by when the animals are not in my heart. I know my contributions may pay for feed, vet bills, fundraising, or shelter for the relatively few animals who are saved from a trillion-dollar industry that relies on human demand and complacency for its continued success. Rowdy Girl shows if they can do it, anybody can.
Growing up I asked a lot of questions and was told this is just the way it is. I was led to believe a lifetime of animal consumption was not only ok, but also expected of me. As I began to question this way of thinking, I realized I couldn’t look at another one of my companion animals and differentiate them from my sandwich filling. However, it took a young man yelling “you better not eat meat” at a circus protest that demanded I make the change. I am forever grateful to this stranger for the gut punch his words delivered that day.
My monthly contribution does not fund the entire sanctuary, but if we all pull together and donate a little, the animals get a lot. Be kind. Be vegan.
Animals are special to me, and connecting with them is so important and reminds us of who we are and what we can be as a species. I hope one day humans are known for taking care of animals and treating everyone and every animal kindly.
Sanctuaries don’t profit from animals. Animal agriculture industry does. Sanctuaries thrive solely because of the kindness of human beings who choose to volunteer their time and money to save and care for animals. Not only does donating to sanctuaries like Rowdy Girl help the animals there, it shows each and every person who is influenced by the sanctuary, both from their online presence and for those who are lucky enough to visit, the joy and importance of protecting animals; and it inspires people to make kinder choices in every aspect of their life.
As someone who has been vegan for nearly nine years, I can say for certain that sanctuaries like Rowdy Girl help people to see animals as not separate from us, but as just another form of conscious, sentient beings that have emotions, feelings, friends, and family, just like us. We have so much more to gain from treating animals with the respect they deserve than from exploiting them.
Renee is a no-bullsh!t, no-holds-barred badass! An Exec. Director of a sanctuary, a trailblazer in farm transition, and a fierce animal rights activist who shows up and puts herself on the front line of spreading our message around the world? Yes, Yes, and YES.
My husband and I went vegan together eight years ago when we realized our ego was standing in the way of living a more ethical life. Why were we so resistant to a movement with the sole intention of not oppressing or exploiting others?
“The plain fact is, it is not just society that needs changing. The struggle for animal rights is also a struggle with self. What we are trying to do is transform the ‘moral zombie’ society would like us to be, into the morally advanced being we are capable of becoming. All liberation movements have this common theme.” – Tom Regan
We’re here now and we’re never going back. It changed our lives in ways we could never imagine. Veganism is justice. I’m a member because Rowdy Girl Sanctuary not only fights for justice, but offers sanctuary to those who found it.
When I first heard about Renee and Tommy’s visionary farm animal sanctuary in the heart of Texas! I couldn’t believe the sheer gutsiness of their stand in the land of cattle ranches. I still can’t and yet it’s happening, so it must be a miracle of love, passion, commitment, and pure feistiness. I always thought of wild animals, like elephants, as endangered but Rowdy Girl reminds me, every day, of “ordinary” farm animals slaughtered every day in the name of steak. Renee and Tommy and their wonderful crew provide cows and geese and goats and (name your farm animal) with a name, care, and a chance at a happy existence.
Rowdy Girl reminds me and the world of how people can change, how people can change the lives of animals and how people can embrace a cruelty free vegan lifestyle. But Renee and Tommy can’t do this alone; they need our help. That’s why I support Rowdy Girl’s amazing courage, resilience, and love for all farm animals as well as those lucky enough to find their way to the sanctuary, spend and end their lives there. Hope you join me.
Hey there! I’m Carla Guerra Alvarado, and I’m proud to support Rowdy Girl Sanctuary. When I was a vegetarian, I became aware of the cruelty in animal agriculture and felt driven to do more. Becoming vegan was a natural next step, but it wasn’t enough. I wanted to make a tangible difference.
Then I discovered Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, and Renee’s story resonated deeply with me. Coming from a family of cattle ranchers, she made a courageous change, transforming her life and creating a haven for animals. Her story gave me hope that anyone can choose compassion, no matter their background.
I’m inspired by the positive change that Rowdy Girl Sanctuary brings to the world, and I’m proud to support their work. I want to help them continue to be a force for good, promoting compassion and creating a better future for all beings.
I became a member of Rowdy Girl Sanctuary after an unforgettable encounter with its founder, Renee King-Sonnen, in Nepal. We became friends while we were guests at the Himalayan Vegan Festival. I was struck by Renee’s shining personality, remarkable courage and unwavering commitment to veganism. Her story resonated deeply with me; she had transformed her husband’s cattle ranch in Texas into a sanctuary, dedicated to rescuing farm animals and advocating for veganism.
Renee’s dedication is palpable. Despite the challenges and resistance, she remained steadfast in her mission to create a haven for animals and promote veganism as a sustainable and ethical choice. Her passion and determination are inspiring and they’re like fuel for me in my own writing and activism.
Joining Rowdy Girl Sanctuary was the natural next step. I wanted to be part of Renee’s and Tommy’s project and of a community sharing my commitment and convictions. The sanctuary’s efforts to rescue animals from slaughter and provide them with a safe, loving home are a testament to the power of ethics and activism.
I encourage others to join Rowdy Girl Sanctuary and support its mission. By becoming a member, you can help expand its reach and impact, ensuring more animals are saved and more people are educated about being vegan and all its benefits. Together, we can make a difference, one animal and one person at a time.