A Profound Ability to Love and Be Loved

"Immortality is to live your life doing good things, and leaving your mark behind." Brandon Lee

This open letter of appreciation is to John Netzel. In 2013, he founded Peaceful Fields Sanctuary in Winchester, Virginia with the goal of "blending Jewish ideals of repairing the world and avoiding animal cruelty with the vegan concern for the rights of farmed animals." He has helped save 125 animals and is often called in after local and state law enforcement officials have conducted raids. Many of the animals experienced emotional or physical trauma, especially the kapparot survivors – the chickens used in this ritual are swung over their heads to symbolically transfer sins, often injuring the animal in the process. Netzel has a degree in microbiology and worked as a facilities manager for office buildings before he became an animal rescuer.

"Only when we have become nonviolent towards all life will we have learned to live well with others." Cesar Chavez

Dear John,

One of the questions that I often ponder is “What makes certain people have the strength of character to not only live to their beliefs, but to commit their lives – sometimes going against the grain of society - to make change?” When I look at my global heroes like Jane Goodall, Lek Chaliert, and Gene Baur, I marvel at their dedication. And to be honest, I am slightly envious that they can someday end their lives with the thought that they made a real, significant difference – not only to the animals and environment, but to all the people that their work motivated and encouraged.

Even though we’ve met in person only briefly, I have followed your work for several years. I believe that you, on a local level, have much in common with my heroes. As a model of action and inspiration, you are doing great things for the betterment of our planet.

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the brutality of today's world. As I watch the news or scroll through social media feeds, it can seem as if hatred far surpasses love and compassion. But in a time filled with much darkness, a bright light of hope gleams on your Virginia farm sanctuary. Peaceful Fields is a community of staff and volunteers where the people – and animals – radiate nothing but kindness.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mahatma Gandhi

"Our task must be to free ourselves... by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty." Albert Einstein

Through your efforts rescuing and caring for mistreated farm animals – and the work of your staff and volunteers – many animals have been saved. At Peaceful Fields, it's evident that all are treated with kindness and respect and provided with a safe, happy, and healthy forever home.

During the height of the pandemic, I signed up for your virtual events. Through these and your regular social media posts, I was introduced to the farm’s residents and learned about their background stories. Even though most of their narratives are heartbreaking to comprehend, I commend you for taking action and educating people like me. By being a role model and sharing your knowledge and the experiences of these creatures, true change can happen.

Education is the movement from darkness to light. Allan Bloom

In the winter of 2021, I finally had the opportunity to visit Peaceful Fields in person. It was heartening to witness the animals living the way they should and to meet you and your welcoming staff.

Even though the residents at Peaceful Fields Sanctuary have seen the foulest parts of humanity, they exhibit a profound ability to love and be loved, even after the incalculable cruelty and trauma they experienced.

"Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight." Albert Schweitzer

"Until we have the courage to recognize cruelty for what it is, whether its victim is human or animal, we cannot expect things to be much better in this world." Rachel Carson

While I feel that I born with an extra dose of empathy and compassion – especially for animals - it’s through people like you that I have the knowledge, the tools, the encouragement, and the inspiration to do my own work for the earth and its creatures.

I appreciate you, my hometown hero. Instead of blindly ignoring the truth of what’s on your dinner plate, you are vegan. Whereas some work simply for personal gain, you toil every day - in any weather - in service of those in your care. While others turn a blind eye to the worst of humanity, you meet it with heart and hands open to help. Although you must have moments where it seems like too much, you persevere.

With deep gratitude, I thank you.

Jennifer Christiansen

"The love of all living creatures is the noble attribute of man." Charles Darwin