“Be Kind to All Kinds:” A Minneapolis mural celebrating compassion for animals
Hi there, animal lover! If you’re seeing this, that means you stopped to appreciate the “Be Kind to all Kinds” mural at Vegan East. This web page is your digital companion to the artwork.
This is the first large-scale animal rights mural in Minnesota. It offers an invitation to expand your circle of care to all animals. The mural is a reminder that, when you see an animal, you are beholding a unique individual with thoughts and feelings. Every animal in this mural – and every animal you encounter – has a life that matters to them.
Wally
The pig in this mural represents Wally, a celebrity pig and resident at SoulSpace Farm Sanctuary in New Richmond, WI, about 45 minutes from where you now stand. In March of 2017, nine-month-old Wally was riding in a truck traveling 70 miles per hour toward a meat processing plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Just three miles from his destination, he nudged persistently at the latch on the back of the trailer until it gave way, then jumped onto highway I-90. Somehow, Wally survived the fall with only road rash and a sprained leg. His leap of faith led to a brighter future: a loving forever home at SoulSpace, where he quickly became affectionate, sociable, and one of the sanctuary’s most beloved residents. Wally’s remarkable escape made international news, inspired a documentary, and was celebrated each year as his “Jumpiversary” until his passing in 2026. While most pigs in the food industry are slaughtered at just six months old, Wally was able to enjoy a life full of love for nearly a decade. Wally’s story reminds us that animals are not ours. They are individuals with lives, feelings, and a will to live.
Stanton
The cow in this mural represents Stanton, a well-loved resident steer at a sanctuary in upstate New York, known for the distinctive heart-shaped marking on his forehead. As a young calf, Stanton was found barely clinging to life in a filthy barn where nine calves had drowned in the muck. He was discovered resting his head on the body of a calf who had already died. Separated from his mother soon after birth, Stanton had grown dangerously ill without the protective nourishment of her milk. Thankfully, rescuers brought him to Farm Sanctuary, where he made a full recovery. Jackie, another rescued cow who had suffered similar neglect, began nursing Stanton and took him in as her own. Once timid and fragile, Stanton has blossomed into a joyful, affectionate steer who loves greeting human visitors by licking their legs. Stanton’s story is a reminder that even after tremendous suffering, love and compassion can help an animal heal and flourish.
Nora
The cat in this mural represents Nora, a rescued gray tabby who became a global internet sensation for her love of music. Nora was rescued from the streets of Camden, New Jersey, and adopted by Philadelphia-based musicians Betsy Alexander and Burnell Yow. After adjusting to her new home, Nora began spending time at the family’s piano. Soon, her humans noticed her playing notes on her own. In 2007, videos of Nora performing her own improvisational music went viral, earning her appearances in magazines and on TV. Nora’s story reminds us that every animal is an individual, with their own unique personality, talents, and capacity to surprise us. When we give animals the chance to flourish, we may discover something extraordinary.
Sadie
The dog in this mural represents Sadie, whose remarkable story came full circle after 12 years. In January 2014, Sadie was wandering alone through a snowstorm in Boulder, Colorado, when Aaron Foster found her outside an office building. He brought her inside, warmed her up, and eventually fostered her. But Aaron would soon be traveling for a year, so he found her what he believed would be a loving home. Twelve years later, Aaron received an unexpected call from an animal shelter in Las Vegas. The caller stated that an elderly dog had been found wandering alone and was registered to him by her microchip. It was Sadie. Aaron immediately traveled to Las Vegas to find the dog he had once rescued. Aaron decided to give her a forever home, and soon she preferred to never leave his side. Sadie’s story reminds us that, despite difficult circumstances, dogs can show incredible resilience and an extraordinary capacity for loving and trusting people.
Meet the artist
Xena Goldman (she/her) is a muralist, painter, illustrator, and educator.
She graduated with a BA in Art from the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) and worked for 10 years in education (ESL, art, workforce development, middle-school math) before switching to becoming a full-time freelance artist.
She grew up in the the greater Chicago area (Ojibwa, Odawa and Potawatomi land), and currently lives in Minneapolis, MN (Dakota land). In no particular order, she identifies as female, white, queer, Jewish, neurodivergent, silly, and a forever learner.
Your Turn…
Submit a photo that features your furry friend and the mural and we’ll add it to the collection below:
