08/29/2026
I want to wish a HUGE happy birthday to my incredible, steadfast and loyal husband, Tommy Sonnen. He is the salt of the earth and my north star. He weathered my addiction and unraveling during our first marriage that led to our divorce. He showed up again when I was sober and ready to try again.
That’s why, when I went vegan on his cattle ranch, it shook us to our core. He had always been my rock but veganism was taking things a step too far, even for him. He would have rather I had an affair — at least he would have understood that. But veganism? It was like I was an alien from another planet.
Tommy was a hunter who proudly displayed dead animals on his walls. He was a multi-generational cattle rancher carrying the baton of what he thought was an honorable field. And I came along and told him in no uncertain terms that he had everything backwards.
Man, he thought I was crazy and we fought bitterly for so long, both of us terrified this would lead to our second and final divorce. But there is this force that keeps us together even when times get really rough. It’s like it always had to be Tommy and me.
Tommy usually starts out thinking I’m crazy when I have a new idea but slowly he comes around in his own time. And eventually he did come around to veganism and the sanctuary, when he finally heard the logic and, importantly, realized the food was awesome!
Now, 11 years later, he is a proud animal advocate. He gets to work the land he loves AND love the animals he stewards.
We have such an amazing life together. The ONLY thing we want for Tommy’s birthday is new members to help us continue to steward the animal residents who share our home at Rowdy Girl Sanctuary.
It would also be incredibly helpful if folks who are already members could increase their membership.
Everything is more expensive these days and we are in a horrible drought in Texas, meaning we are going to have to buy more hay to supplement the withered grass. Your support is critical to our ability to thrive and keep spreading our story of cattle ranchers who went vegan.
Wish Tommy a happy birthday by becoming a member at https://buff.ly/KE3mtln if you can! 🔗 ❤️
