Thanks for writing back.
Our change to a vegan diet was originally for reasons of compassion, like yours. It was then that we also came the realize/recognize the Biblical significance, and health benefits of such a change.
We also like apple juice on cereal. You should try it.
We agree with you about protein. Even romaine lettuce has 48% protein.
Genesis 1:29-31, shows God's creation intent for us to eat only a plant
based diet. In connection with this you may be interested in reading one of
our commentaries:
http://www.all-creatures.org/discuss/living.html
Your understanding of God's relationship to animals is correct. In
Genesis 1 and 2 we also see that God created all the animals and humans as
living souls (Hebrew neh-fesh khah-yaw). In Revelation we are also told that
there are myriads upon myriads of animals. See:
http://www.all-creatures.org/discuss/rev4.6-9-flh.html
We are sorry to hear about the loss of your companion animal, and well understand how you feel, as we've been there several times ourselves.
We hope this helps, and look forward to hearing from you again.
In the Love of the Lord,
Frank and Mary