Four Questions

The Animals' Advocate

Debra Berger and her mixed-breed rescues, Lucy and Ethel

Atlanta native Debra Berger has "freelanced" as an animal advocate for more than 20 years. She has become involved with the Humane Society of the United States in the past few years to help make the world a better place for animals through legal, media and educational channels. Berger answers Julep's Four Questions.

1. What book, movie, television show or other medium would you like to share and why?

Diet for a New America by John Robbins (heir to the Baskin-Robbins empire) was the most influential book that I ever read. Robbins clearly illustrated the connection between animal-based diets, human disease and the environment. The book exposes the horrors of factory farming and the far-reaching consequences of Ê"modern" agriculture. What I really appreciate about the book is that Robbins' well-researched facts are presented in a way that is both rational and compassionate. He demonstrates concern for the human victims (slaughterhouse workers and people who develop diseases from meat-centered diets), the animal victims and our planet.

2. If you could have brunch with on e biblical or historical Jewish figure, who would it be and why?

Abraham, Moses, Miriam, Ruth or Noah. Each of these biblical figures left everything familiar to them to go toward their destiny, based on faith alone. I would like to hear how they mustered such courage. It would be nice if Ayn Rand (yes, she is Jewish) could join us, too. If her conversation is half as brilliant as her writing, brunch would be fascinating.

3. What is your favorite Jewish food and why?

Pumpernickel bagels and Israeli salads. Why? They are delicious!

4. Nu? (So?)

Pets bring so much unconditional love into our lives, and they deserve to be treated with compassion and respect. They are not objects or possessions. They are living beings with the capacity to feel a wide range of emotions. In my opinion, a major cause of animal suffering is breeding pets to a point of overpopulation and poor health. Many people feel that purebred animals are superior, but this is not necessarily true. Purebred animals often suffer from health issues that are caused by our desire for certain physical characteristics, which are not always in the best interest of the animal (i.e. hairless cats, and bulldogs with such large heads that they must be delivered by C-section) This is not the forum to go into detail, but you can go to many sources to read about this issue.