I was out shopping the other day with my best bud when we decided to stop and get a bite to eat. She’s not veg, but she knows my feelings about using animals for food. When she was looking over the menu, she asked, “Do you mind if I order the chicken wings?” There was a time when I would have lied and said, “Me? No!”—just to be polite. But this time, I decided to tell the truth, and I responded, “Actually, I do mind. Let me tell you why.” After I explained that chickens are raised by the tens of thousands in filthy, reeking sheds and that they are often scalded to death in feather-removal tanks, she agreed that the bean burrito sounded a lot more appetizing than greasy bird parts!

How about you? Have you had a close encounter with a close friend (or even a distant relative), in which you plucked up your courage and spoke up for animals? Don’t clam up now—tell me about it! As soon as I’ve read your letter, I’ll pass it along to our Merchandise Department and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win one of our cool new Lance Armstrong-inspired wristbands. Ours are PETA blue and can do your talking for you, especially when your mouth is full of veggie burger! Send me an e-mail at GrrrMag@peta.org.

Patricia Trostle

Editor