Melissa Sanger

Melissa Sanger

Melissa shares her life with three beautiful daughters, three dogs, and two cats. She is a licensed veterinary technician and worked at The Humane Society of Livingston County for 18 years, advocating for animals and those who care for them. After graduating from Wayne State University in Detroit with a degree in English, Melissa joined PETA as a staff writer. She spends her free time learning about natural ways to protect honeybees, driving around town in her Jeep, and creating new vegan recipes.

Are Ant Farms Cruel and What Do Children Really Learn From Them?
ant carrying an object
Humane Home
Are Ant Farms Cruel and What Do Children Really Learn From Them?

Sold as science kits, ant farms may be hiding something. But are ant farms cruel? Let’s find out!

Are There Reasons Not to Buy a Belgian Malinois?
Belgian Shepherd dog Malinois lying on guardian's bed
Animal Companions
Are There Reasons Not to Buy a Belgian Malinois?

In a world where millions of adoptable dogs need a family, there is no excuse for anyone to buy dogs. But are there reasons not to buy a Belgian Malinois specifically?

© iStock.com/Eudyptula
Are Capybara Cafés Ethical? Here’s What You Need to Know
capybara
Entertainment
Are Capybara Cafés Ethical? Here’s What You Need to Know

You may have seen capybara cafés in advertisements or on social media. Do these experiences hurt animals?

© iStock.com/JohannesCompaan
Is it Legal to Chain Dogs 24/7? What to Do if a Dog Is Left Outside 
UnKnown dog chained outside
Animal Companions
Is it Legal to Chain Dogs 24/7? What to Do if a Dog Is Left Outside 

Is there a chained dog in your neighborhood? Here’s what to do if a dog is left outside.

Tick Season Help for Dogs: What Every Guardian Needs to Know
Close-up view of tick on human finger against dog lying in grass.
Animal Companions
Tick Season Help for Dogs: What Every Guardian Needs to Know

Tick season help for dogs starts here, with everything you need to know to protect your canine companion from these tiny backyard bloodsuckers.

How to Recognize and Manage Dog Joint Problems
elderly dog lying in dog bed
Animal Companions
How to Recognize and Manage Dog Joint Problems

Weight, genetics, and even diet can cause dog joint problems. Find out what you can do to help keep your dog’s joints healthy before problems arise.

© iStock.com/Anna_Belova
Why Is My Cat So Itchy? Here’s What You Need to Know
Orange and white cat grooming
Animal Companions
Why Is My Cat So Itchy? Here’s What You Need to Know

Are you asking, “Why is my cat so itchy?” Learn what experts say about possible causes and what you can do to help relieve your cat’s itch.

Do Vegans Get Better Sleep? Explore the Link Between Being Vegan and Insomnia
Young woman sleeping
Personal Care & Fashion
Do Vegans Get Better Sleep? Explore the Link Between Being Vegan and Insomnia

Learn what science says about the relationship between going vegan and insomnia and what dietary changes might improve sleep quality.

© iStock.com/FreshSplash
Is Perfume Vegan? What “Fragrance” Labels Aren’t Telling You
Three Pacifica perfume bottles
Personal Care & Fashion
Is Perfume Vegan? What “Fragrance” Labels Aren’t Telling You

Before you spritz, ask yourself: Is perfume vegan? Some perfumes contain animal-derived ingredients you’d never expect. Let’s break down what those mysterious “fragrance” labels might be hiding.

Recipes for the Best Foods to Grill for Vegetarians and Vegans
What to grill for vegetarians and vegans
Food
Recipes for the Best Foods to Grill for Vegetarians and Vegans

Wondering what to grill for vegetarians and vegans? Think outside the bun! From “meaty” mushroom steaks and more, here are some great vegan grilling recipes to try.

© iStock.com/kabVisio
Learn What to Do With Fish You Can’t Care for
Orange and white goldfish with blue background
Animal Companions
Learn What to Do With Fish You Can’t Care for

Learn what to do, and what not to do, with fish you can’t care for.

Is Umami Vegan and Are There Vegan Umami Sources?
shiitake mushrooms
Food
Is Umami Vegan and Are There Vegan Umami Sources?

Is umami vegan? Learn the science behind the savory flavor you crave and discover how we can use vegan umami sources to please our palates.

© iStock.com/FotografiaBasica
Are Marshmallows Vegan? Here’s the Best Vegan Marshmallows
vegan marshmallows
Food
Are Marshmallows Vegan? Here’s the Best Vegan Marshmallows

Did you know that the first marshmallows were made from plants? Discover how animal bones ended up in marshmallows and how you can find vegan marshmallows.

© Chicago Vegan Foods
How to Plan a Vegan Grad Party in 6 Simple Steps
Young women at graduation party
Humane Home
How to Plan a Vegan Grad Party in 6 Simple Steps

Here’s how to plan a vegan grad party that’s as kind and colorful as your favorite future world-changer.

© iStock.com/martinedoucet
My Vegan Restaurant Etiquette Dilemma (and Why I Didn’t Complain)
vegan friends having dinner at a restaurant
Food
My Vegan Restaurant Etiquette Dilemma (and Why I Didn’t Complain)

Does a little cheese test your values? Discover a personal take on vegan restaurant etiquette that might change how you dine out.

© iStock.com/Carlo Prearo
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