Veronica Dube, the founder of Earth Angel Sanctuaries, embarked on a transformative journey after completing her college education and briefly navigating the corporate world. Following a volunteer stint at animal sanctuaries in Spain, particularly in Galicia and Valencia, Veronica discovered her profound passion for animal welfare. Despite her dedication, she noticed a recurring challenge among these sanctuaries — financial struggles impeding their vital work.
Motivated by the pressing need to address this issue, Veronica founded Earth Angel Sanctuaries. Initially focused on raising awareness and funds for struggling sanctuaries, she successfully garnered approximately $5000 through her efforts. However, the challenges of monitoring fund utilization prompted her to reassess her strategy.
During her volunteer work at a sanctuary in her hometown, Atlanta, Veronica had a revelation. Recognizing the potential for a more impactful approach, she decided to establish her own sanctuary. This ambitious endeavor aimed to provide hands-on experience in efficiently managing both financial and operational aspects, building a network of expertise and support within the animal welfare community. Armed with newfound knowledge, Veronica envisioned returning to Earth Angel’s roots and making a tangible difference in the lives of sanctuaries globally.
Meatless Movement had the opportunity to chat with Veronica recently.
Tell us more about yourself, please
Join us in creating a sanctuary full of love, care, and compassion ❤️
The Earth Angel Sanctuaries Project
Hi, I’m Veronica, Founder of the Earth Angel Sanctuaries Project. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, I’ve spent the last few years immersing myself in animal welfare and planning to use my future sanctuary as a platform to educate our following on the benefits of plant-based living.
I’ve felt a strong connection and empathy for animals since childhood, attempting to go vegetarian multiple times for their sake. I didn’t consider a plant-based diet until high school when I watched Food Inc. in health class.
I bawled my eyes out in the back of the classroom, refused the cheeseburger offered for dinner, and marked my first meat-free strike. I officially transitioned to being vegetarian while volunteering at my first sanctuary in Spain.
Farm animal therapy is good for the soul 💚
The Earth Angel Sanctuaries Project
If you’re unfamiliar with Workaway.com, volunteers get a free place to stay, and your groceries are typically covered by the owner in exchange for work. The owner, a vegan, insisted on buying only vegan food. If you wanted something different, you had to go to town yourself—either order a taxi or walk a 3-hour round trip.
I saw it as a good opportunity to try a plant-based diet again, and I’ve been vegetarian ever since. Even though I started for the animals, the idea of eating meat has now become completely unappetizing to me.
How do you feel about being a vegan?
It’s heartbreaking to think of the millions raised and killed each year in inhumane conditions to end up on dinner plates
The Earth Angel Sanctuaries Project
It just feels right. I’ve wanted to work with animals and have an animal sanctuary my entire life, and it always felt wrong to eat meat. Even though it took me until I was 22 to officially make the switch, I’m incredibly happy I did.
After entering the sanctuary world, I’ve witnessed the mistreatment of animals and gained a deeper understanding of the horrors within the meat and dairy industries. I realize it won’t be easy, and I won’t be able to save them all, but my goal is to make the world a safer place for as many animals as I can.
How would you encourage someone who hasn’t embraced a vegan/vegetarian lifestyle to experience the flavors of meatless food?
It depends on the person, but I believe the first step is to help them cultivate empathy for animals. Educate them on an animal’s emotional intelligence and the physical and psychological pain they endure in dairy and meat factories. If that doesn’t work, I’d emphasize the health benefits of a plant-based diet and the hazards of overconsuming meat.
Even if I can’t get them to go vegetarian/vegan, I hope to convince them to reduce their meat consumption and choose more ethical sources for their own health and, of course, the well-being of animals.
What difficulties arise when searching for vegan or vegetarian food?
Thankfully, most restaurants I go to now have vegetarian options. If not, I usually grab a side or appetizer and make food at home. Though I rarely run into this problem, I know that as I transition to being fully vegan, I may face more difficulties, which means more home-cooked meals—and that’s fine by me.
There are so many good options, but these are my favorite go-to meals both delicious and nutrient-rich:
Breakfast:
High-protein granola, frozen blueberries, peanut butter, plant-based milk
Homemade guacamole bagels and hashbrowns
Lunch or Dinner:
Harvest salad: fresh kale, cucumber, avocado, croutons, pumpkin seeds, roasted beets and sweet potato, optional goat cheese
Bowls of any kind… Asian, Mediterranean, Mexican
Chickpea curry: red onion, tomato paste, coconut milk, chickpeas, curry, coriander, cumin, garam masala, salt, pepper
Veggie burritos: rice, black beans, red onion, sweet potato, mushrooms, lettuce, salsa, optional cheese and sour cream
Manifesting we get discovered & save all the animals in the world 🤞🤞🤞
The Earth Angel Sanctuaries Project
While the most common misconception is that you won’t get enough protein as a vegetarian, my least favorite is that becoming vegetarian ‘won’t actually make a difference.’ This is so incredibly false. It’s a domino effect. Reducing consumption reduces production, breeding, and unethical practices. YOU decide whether to contribute to their torture or spend a bit more on plant-based or ethically farmed options.
To someone who’s just beginning to go meatless, what is your advice?
It’s not always an easy transition, but it’s worth it, and it will make a difference. Even if you’ve failed a few times, you can always try again, and maybe this time it’ll stick!
I want to express my gratitude to the Meatless Movement for the opportunity to share my journey and insights.
If you share our passion for animal welfare and aspire to contribute to our mission, please consider following our social media channels and sharing our posts to raise awareness.
The Earth Angel Sanctuaries Project is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, and your support, whether through donations or spreading the word, plays a crucial role in our goal of establishing an advanced and ultra-efficient farm animal sanctuary.
Visit our website to learn more about our mission and discover how you can make a meaningful impact. Together, let’s create a safer and more compassionate world for animals.
Thank you for being a part of this movement.
The Earth Angel Sanctuaries Project
Disclaimer: All photos of me with animals are taken during my volunteer work at various sanctuaries. As the founder of an early-stage nonprofit, our mission is to establish our own sanctuary. These images showcase my dedication to animal welfare and our ongoing efforts to create an advanced farm animal sanctuary through the Earth Angel Sanctuaries Project.
all images courtesy of The Earth Angel Sanctuaries Project
This is a great project and founder. I will be supporting it as much as I can.