Each year, over 70 billion animals are raised and killed for food worldwide—many without ever experiencing kindness, freedom, or even fresh air. Yet behind these staggering numbers are real stories—of rescue, healing, and hope.
That’s where the Better Life for Animals podcast comes in.
Hosted by animal advocate and children’s author Cheryl Moss, this inspiring new show is on a mission to shine a light on the unsung heroes giving animals a second chance—and to invite listeners into a growing movement of compassion.
A Rescue Dog Named Ruby Changed Everything
For Cheryl, the path to animal advocacy didn’t begin in a sanctuary or on a stage—it started with one small rescue dog named Ruby.
“I had always loved animals,” Cheryl says, “but growing up in the city, I never had one of my own. When we adopted Ruby, everything shifted. I realized she had emotions, desires, and a personality as real and vivid as any human. She became family—and that opened my heart.”
From there, something clicked. Cheryl began paying attention to stories she heard—like people sharing their lives with pet chickens—and started seeing animals as individuals with their own unique experiences. That awakening led to one life-changing realization: animals aren’t here for us—they’re here with us.
From Vegan to Vocal: Starting the Show
While Cheryl had already committed to a vegan lifestyle, the idea for the podcast came when she realized being vegan wasn’t the end of the journey—it was the beginning.
Only about 2% of the population identifies as vegan—a number far too small to create the widespread change animals need. Recognizing this, Cheryl knew she had to do more. She saw a clear opportunity to spotlight the sanctuaries and individuals doing extraordinary, often unseen, work to protect and care for animals.
The Better Life for Animals podcast was born from that commitment: a platform to elevate the stories of sanctuaries, rescue teams, and changemakers who are reshaping the future for animals—often without recognition or support.
Shining a Light on Sanctuaries
Sanctuaries play a vital role in giving animals a life worth living. But the work is hard—often 24/7—and frequently underfunded.
Housing just three horses can cost over $1,000 a month when you factor in veterinary care, feed, and fencing. And that’s assuming everything goes smoothly—sanctuary animals often come with medical needs and unexpected emergencies.
Most sanctuary founders begin their work with compassion, not capital, which is why they need more visibility, more support, and a strong community behind them.
Each episode of the Better Life for Animals podcast brings listeners closer to these safe havens—sharing not only the challenges, but also the joy, the breakthroughs, and the deep bonds between humans and animals.
How You Can Help
Whether you’re vegan, vegan-curious, or just someone who cares, there are many ways to support this movement:
- Subscribe & Share the Podcast – Every listen helps spread awareness.
- Visit Local Sanctuaries – Attend open houses and bring your family to learn.
- Volunteer – Extra hands are always needed.
- Donate – Even small contributions can go a long way.
- Support Creative Projects – Buy a book, sponsor a fence post, or give to campaigns that help sanctuaries thrive.
Cheryl is also committed to raising $100,000 for Mercy For Animals and uses her books—like Gabriel, Cluck, and Pickle the Pig—to educate and inspire young readers about kindness, factory farming, and the magic of sanctuaries.
A Heartfelt Invitation
Better Life for Animals is more than a podcast—it’s a community of caring. Each episode invites listeners to reconnect with their values, meet inspiring advocates, and discover simple ways to be part of the change.
If you’ve ever looked into the eyes of an animal and felt something stir, this show is for you. And if you’ve ever wondered how to make a difference, this is your invitation to start.
Episode Highlights
[00:00] Introduction
[02:30] How Ruby, Cheryl’s adopted dog, changed everything.
[04:45] Why the Better Life for Animals podcast?
[05:30] The reality of sanctuaries.
[07:00] The cost of running a sanctuary.
[08:30] The pandemic was a catalyst.
[10:00] Help us spread the word.
[12:50] Other ways to help.
[14:00] Moving forward with Better Life for Animals.
About Cheryl Moss
Cheryl Moss is the host of the Better Life for Animals podcast, where she shares uplifting stories from sanctuaries and highlights the work of vegan activists, ethical consumers, and animal welfare leaders. A passionate advocate for animal welfare, she is dedicated to ending factory farming and is working to raise $100,000 for Mercy For Animals to support underrepresented sanctuaries.
Beyond podcasting, Cheryl is a banking professional and an accomplished children’s author. A graduate of Main Street Vegan Academy, she promotes plant-based living through her books—Gabriel, Cluck, and Pickle the Pig—which inspire young readers to embrace kindness, sustainability, and compassion for animals.
When not advocating, she enjoys Pilates, show jumping, and spending time with her rescue dogs and grandchildren. Through her work, writing, and activism, Cheryl continues to inspire positive change for animals and the planet.
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