Max Mooved On And He Was Delicious

As we approach Father’s Day I think back about my dad who passed away in 2008 and what I remember most was how much he loved farming. He had hay fever, asthma and allergies so the grains, hay and cattle he loved were killing him! Still I couldn’t imagine him doing anything else. One year we bought a bunch of steers and raised them up all summer and then sold them off for a profit—all except Max. Max was a white faced big black steer and a real bruiser. He was also super friendly and we used to ride on him as he made his way to the hay and feed trough. I guess we sorta saw Max as a pet but of course he wasn’t. Max was destined for dinner! I remember when that happened. I was about to take a bit out of a burger when it was revealed the burger was Max! I’m sure I left the table and cried. How could we eat Max? I may have missed a meal or two after that

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but the realities of the food chain and the purpose of the farmer’s job soon won the day. Turns out Max was mighty tasty.

Women’s Health magazine reported on a survey that found having a strong bond with a childhood pet makes you more likely to become a vegetarian. A survey of 273 people about their childhood pets found that those who were highly attached to their pet were more likely to avoid eating meat than less passionate pet owners.

The study also revealed that those who were empathetic towards animals were more likely to try and forget that their meat is part of an actual animal, and were less likely to dwell on how the animal was treated. Researchers say the empathy may come from the fact that many viewed their childhood pets as trusted confidantes, or because the pet was the first living thing they nurtured.

My brother and sister were a little scarred by the thought of marvelous Max as a ravishing roast…but when Mom did the cooking, we got passed it fast!