In the U.S., the mere idea of eating dogs is so provocative, it is at best unbelievable and at worst horrifying. But most of us think nothing of eating other animals. This unsettling paradox was the inspiration for Elwood’s Organic Dog Meat, a satirical project I created to challenge how we view our food choices. What started as a thought experiment turned into a viral phenomenon, sparking outrage, reflection, and even death threats. Here is the story behind it.
My Early Connection With Animals
Growing up in a rural area, I was surrounded by animals and nature. By the time I was six, I was fishing with my family. By twelve, I had completed a hunter’s safety course and held my first deer tag. Yet, despite my upbringing, I always had a deep love for animals. I rescued birds from cats and even saved worms from puddles.
When it came time for my first hunting trip, I froze. Looking at the deer through my scope, I couldn’t pull the trigger. She was beautiful, her breath visible in the crisp morning air. I let the moment pass, never to hunt again. My dream of working with animals remained strong, but I struggled to find a path that aligned with my values.
Reconciling My Love for Animals and Eating Meat
Like most people, I ate meat without questioning it. It was normal. My family’s freezer was stocked with it, and everyone I knew did the same. I found solace in the work of Temple Grandin, an advocate for humane animal treatment in slaughterhouses. Her philosophy of reducing animal suffering resonated with me, making me feel better about my food choices.
It wasn’t until I traveled abroad that I began questioning the ethics of eating animals. Seeing live goats and chickens outside restaurants and eating meals that didn’t disguise the animal disturbed me. One night, I ate rabbit legs prepared like chicken wings. The experience unsettled me, forcing me to confront the reality of my food choices.
Breaking the Western Taboo
During my travels, I tried dog meat for the first time. To my surprise, it tasted like any other meat. What shocked me more was the lack of emotional reaction I had. This experience was a turning point. If eating dogs felt no different than eating cows or chickens, why was one acceptable and the other taboo?
Soon after, I went vegetarian. I joked that I had “eaten all the animals” and was done. Later, I transitioned to veganism after learning about the realities of the dairy and egg industries. I realized that even “free-range” and “humane” labels couldn’t justify the suffering involved.
The Birth of Elwood’s Organic Dog Meat
In 2021, I launched Elwood’s Organic Dog Meat, a satirical project that mimics the language and imagery of humane farms. Our materials showcase dogs frolicking in idyllic settings, much like advertisements for organic chicken or beef. The twist? We raise dogs for meat.
The website is deliberately ambiguous, with its satirical nature revealed only partway down the homepage. Many people never read far enough to understand the joke. The reactions range from confusion to outrage. Some people genuinely believe it’s real and send death threats, while others engage with the satire and start questioning their own food choices.
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The Power of Satire to Challenge Norms
The goal of Elwood’s is not to vilify farmers or meat eaters but to hold up a mirror to our cultural contradictions. Why is it horrifying to eat dogs but acceptable to eat pigs or cows? Both are intelligent, emotional beings capable of forming connections with humans. The project forces people to confront the mental gymnastics we perform to justify eating some animals while loving others.
As one visitor to our site put it, “I was angry at first, but then I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Why is it different?” This moment of realization is the essence of Elwood’s mission.
Navigating Outrage and Support
The backlash has been intense. I’ve received countless hate emails, voicemails, and even death threats. Some accuse me of being heartless, while others make xenophobic comments, associating dog meat with certain cultures. Ironically, some people place fake orders for dog meat to “expose” me, not realizing they’ve fallen into the satire’s trap.
Despite the negativity, there’s also been overwhelming support. Many people share our materials, host mock “dog meat” tastings, and use Elwood’s to start meaningful conversations. Activists in eight countries have even created their own local versions of the project.
A Viral Moment of Reflection
Within a month of its launch, Elwood’s went viral, reaching millions of people. The project has sparked debates and prompted introspection. For some, it’s an uncomfortable wake-up call; for others, it’s a catalyst for change. As one commenter noted, “It made me see that I was holding onto beliefs that didn’t make sense.”
Even political discussions have highlighted the cultural divide around eating animals. Recent claims about immigrants eating dogs and cats in Ohio revealed the deep-seated xenophobia and hypocrisy in our attitudes toward food. These moments underscore the need for projects like Elwood’s to challenge societal norms.
Beyond Satire: Imagining a Kinder World
The ultimate goal of Elwood’s is to inspire compassion and critical thinking. By reframing the conversation, we hope to reduce the cognitive dissonance that allows people to love dogs while eating other animals. As our website states, “There may not be a right way to do the wrong thing.”
Imagine a world where no animal has to suffer for our food. It’s not just a dream; it’s a possibility. Through kindness and awareness, we can make choices that align with our values and create a more compassionate future for all beings.
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