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Some families are ‘adopting’ turkeys for Thanksgiving instead of eating them
Associated Press ^ | November 25, 2025 | Hallie Golden, Thomas Peipert

Posted on 11/26/2025 7:55:26 AM PST by Angelino97

“Gus” the turkey has been spending Thanksgiving week much differently than millions of other unlucky gobblers across the U.S.

As he trots in a sprawling animal sanctuary on the Colorado plains, he is stopped every few steps by staff who pet him, hug him or even give him a peck on his red face. Gus has been there since 2023 after being pardoned by the governor.

“What do you think? Do you want to do snuggles today?” Lanette Cook, education and engagement manager at the Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary in Erie, says to Gus.

Gus is among a growing number of turkeys that are being “adopted” instead of being covered in gravy and eaten at Thanksgiving dinner tables.

An increasing number of farm animal sanctuaries across the country have started promoting this alternative version of Thanksgiving in which families “adopt” turkeys and donate money to their lifelong care. In return, they receive photos, certificates and sometimes even one-on-one visits with the birds.

The goal: Spare a few of the tens of millions of turkeys slaughtered this time of year, many of which are raised in what animal rights advocates say are inhumane conditions in factory farms.

At Luvin Arms, a $25 donation comes with a certificate, photo and either a virtual or in-person visit, explained Kelly Nix, its executive director. Since launching the program in 2022, the sanctuary, located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Denver, has seen the number of sponsorships double every year. And this year they’re on track to reach their goal of $18,000, she said.

(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: thanksgiving; turkeys

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1 posted on 11/26/2025 7:55:26 AM PST by Angelino97
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To: Angelino97

I’m sorry (not) but this article was too stupid for me to read!


2 posted on 11/26/2025 7:56:54 AM PST by old school
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To: Angelino97

We adopted one.

It’s dead, though..........


3 posted on 11/26/2025 7:57:01 AM PST by Red Badger (Homeless veterans camp in the streets while illegals are put up in 5 Star hotels....................)
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To: Angelino97

Eat ‘em!! Eat ‘em all!!


4 posted on 11/26/2025 7:57:43 AM PST by johnnygeneric (Could we...again?)
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To: Angelino97

I’m convinced they just make this s___ up.


5 posted on 11/26/2025 7:58:06 AM PST by dfwgator ("I am Charlie Kirk!")
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To: Red Badger

6 posted on 11/26/2025 7:58:18 AM PST by Magnum44 (...against all enemies, foreign and domestic... )
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To: Angelino97

Come to my neighborhood- we’ve got turkeys wandering all over the place....i saw four of them hanging around the other day on my run...

About 10 years ago one got separated from its pack and meandered around for weeks...you would hear cars coming to a screeching halt to avoid hitting this thing as it aimlessly meandered about in the middle of the road, impersonating joe biden...


7 posted on 11/26/2025 7:58:39 AM PST by God luvs America
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To: old school

Yes, really stupid. If these idiots want to adopt a turkey, there are plenty in DC.


8 posted on 11/26/2025 7:58:39 AM PST by jimtorr
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To: dfwgator

On a more serious note, heritage breeds are often adopted for breeding by families. And they can make money for each one they breed, and a few are kept each year for breeding stock. They become too old for food and are allowed to live a natural life.


9 posted on 11/26/2025 7:59:29 AM PST by WhiteHatBobby0701
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To: Red Badger

10 posted on 11/26/2025 8:00:02 AM PST by Magnum44 (...against all enemies, foreign and domestic... )
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To: Angelino97

The article appears to come from interviews of fellow inmates at some loony bin.


11 posted on 11/26/2025 8:01:15 AM PST by Carl Vehse
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To: Angelino97

Turkeys, especially domestic ones, have short lifespans. If the coyotes don’t get them, other causes will.


12 posted on 11/26/2025 8:01:36 AM PST by kaktuskid
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To: Angelino97

I keep waiting for the leftists to demand animals get the right to vote.

There is no outer limit to their insanity.


13 posted on 11/26/2025 8:01:45 AM PST by cgbg (The master is nice only when the dog behaves as expected.)
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To: Angelino97

14 posted on 11/26/2025 8:02:18 AM PST by Magnum44 (...against all enemies, foreign and domestic... )
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To: Magnum44

😁................


15 posted on 11/26/2025 8:03:04 AM PST by Red Badger (Homeless veterans camp in the streets while illegals are put up in 5 Star hotels....................)
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To: dfwgator

16 posted on 11/26/2025 8:03:50 AM PST by Magnum44 (...against all enemies, foreign and domestic... )
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To: Angelino97

“What do you think? Do you want to do snuggles today?” Lanette Cook, education and engagement manager at the Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary in Erie, says to Gus. Lanette, I’d just rather eat Gus.


17 posted on 11/26/2025 8:04:39 AM PST by kawhill (What is it you want of me? I can't hear you. )
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To: Angelino97

Farm animals live a idyllic life. All they know is growing into young adulthood. No fear of predators, nor of drought. No sickness (since the sick are culled) and no old age (since they are removed from the herd or flock and slaughtered prior to old age).

When Logan Bull and Jessica Cow try to escape, we’ll know that the vegans have informed them of what’s going on.


18 posted on 11/26/2025 8:05:08 AM PST by Redmen4ever
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To: Angelino97

We had a white tom turkey as a pet. He thought he was a herding turkey. You shoulda seen him zig zag the pasture to move the calves over the hill to be with the cows.
One time I found him with his waddle gone , open wound neck. I took him to the vet who couldn’t believe I wanted him treated. He said if he survives the anesthesia he’d probably make it Picked him up later that evening. He rode in the front seat. Healed up very well. Passed away a few years later during an ice storm. Wouldn’t leave the cows to come in the barn. 😔 a solid chunk of ice


19 posted on 11/26/2025 8:09:25 AM PST by griswold3 (Truth, Beauty and Goodness)
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To: Angelino97

They’re crapping and farting...Save our earth....Some things need .....


20 posted on 11/26/2025 8:10:35 AM PST by Sacajaweau
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