Birthday Wish

It is my birthday wish today and in the near future, that there will be no more animal cruelty in the world. My cat gave me a big kiss – can’t get better than this!

Filed under: friends , be kind

Help Animals This Summer

I’ve gathered 10 items from various sources with suggestions on how you can help the animal causes this month. They are all easy to do and some will feel really rewarding. Small steps – big leap for animals!

1. Write to corporations and governments that practice or support puppy mills (including your local pet shop selling puppies), factory farming, and other abuse you feel passionate about.

2. Learn to cook a fabulous vegan or vegetarian meal, and share the recipes with your friends! Get recipes here

3. Meet people like you anywhere like online communities, who advocate for animals – share ideas and debate. Go to Causecast.org and learn more, or social sites like Humane Society Network.

4. Volunteer at your local animal shelter or the ASCPA, in New York City/Brooklyn, a great one that needs a lot of help is BARC Shelter in the Dumbo district. You will help walk dogs around the park, bring a friend.

5. Scout out 3 animal welfare organizations that fit your cause, and donate $25, $50 or whatever you feel comfortable with to each organization. You would be surprised how much good a little money can do. My favorites are Defenders of Wildlife, Humane Society of the United States, International Fund For Animals. Local shelthers like the Northshore Animal League is no-kill, and Bide-a-Wee in NYC as well as BARC in Brooklyn.

6. Start a blog about animals, whether it’s just about the pure love of your favorite animal, breed. Or get even more active with a welfare blog. Make taking pictures this summer fun by starting a photo blog of the dogs and cats you see in your neighborhood.

7. Go to a local dog park, and enjoy a nice summer day. Appreciate the simplicities of life.

8. Attend a show at Cirque Du Soleil, a non-animal circus. They are amazing and far more entertaining than watching elephants get whipped into a standing position. See their show listings and schedule here.

9. Adopt a cat or dog at your local shelter. If you can, adopt one from a kill-shelter, as you can save lives, especially an adult who has a lesser chance of getting a loving home, or a cat with one eye who suffered abuse. They deserve your love. Go to Petfinder.com and browse the thousands of animals.

10. Decide on an animal welfare topic most close to your heart, and make a simple flyer (don’t forget to include instructions on what they can do to make a difference) and pass it out at a farmer’s market, dog park, supermarkets, etc. This one takes a little bit of guts – I’ve done it once on the subject of Veal Cows – you will get positive encouragement from people, or some people just don’t care, but that’s how you start something important!

And finally, have fun!

Filed under: Take Action, circus, dogs and cats, farm animals, friends, humane organizations , animal shelters, animals in need, summer activities, Take Action, what to do this summer

Causecast.org

I want to introduce you to Causecast.org – “a one stop philanthropy shop” by TechCrunch, is a platform where media, philanthropy, social networking, entertainment and education converge to serve a greater purpose.”

Whatever your cause, including animal welfare, you can get the most up-to-date information and facts from this site. Learn how you can participate, express your point of views, take action, raise money and network for the greater good of the world.

Filed under: Take Action, humane organizations , philanthropy, community, causecast.org

China’s Dog Slaughter Aftermath Prompts Changes

From Reuters

After more than 36,000 dogs were slaughtered for fear of the rabies epidemic in China, a positive change may emerge. Now even the Chinese civilians are beginning to protest to such barbaric cruelty. The Chinese government and officials begin to debate and try to put in new laws to protect animals – a first, believe it or not, as China remains one of very few industrialized nations without such laws.  Unfortunately, they may not reach this goal until 2010, which means many more animals, including cats, will continue to be killed for unnecessary fear and reasons. However, this is a step in the right direction. See full article here and watch the video (not too graphic) from Reuters.

If you can, write to the Chinese government to express your outrage and urge them to adopt changes. Thank you!

Filed under: animal cruelty, dogs and cats, international issues , animal rights, China dog killing, Chinese government, rabies