Must one work for an animal organization, shelter or rescue or belong (“pay”) to a large animal welfare organization such as HSUS or the ASPCA to make a difference in the lives of animals?
Does one have to give money to make a difference? Are you the recipient of mass emails or text messages by these large animal organizations that perpetually ask you for money at the drop of a hat?
During the Oscars broadcast, a commercial paid for by HumaneWatch.org, made an attempt to discredit the HSUS by stating they use deceptive fundraising practices by having people believe they (HSUS) primarily support local shelters, which they don’t.
The next day I received a mass email from the HSUS revealing their distress over the ad and in return asked for money to fight puppy mills. While I can understand their stance, I find their message disconcerting. What did puppy mills have to do with this ad?
Other organizations use similar tactics, much like tv evangelists, to plead for your money. I could say more, but I digress. You get the point.
Can one person make a difference? The answer is simply, yes!
The truth is that your local shelters and rescues are hurting financially and do need money in this sluggish economy, but you don’t have to allow the lack of financial resources to hinder you from helping animals.
I was at an area business that I visit frequently when I saw a handwritten ad taped to the front desk telling of kittens that need homes. Me being me, I had to ask to see if they were free and/or if someone was breeding. Either way, the thought of more kittens in the world is disturbing when millions of dogs and cats are killed each year in shelters across America.
I was stunned when I was told these kittens were the products of feral cats. A woman took it upon herself to take these kittens and find them homes. This is the perfect time to find a home for a litter of kittens born to a feral cat. This person continues to perform this act of kindness to help animals without belonging to any organization. She is making a difference. I did tell my friend that it’s important for the parents to be spayed and neutered. This good samaritan understands this component but has a difficult time catching the adult feral cats. This is where a group could be of assistance to her.
So what can you do to make a difference in the lives of animals?
Adopt your next pet!!! Don’t buy from a pet store. Almost all puppies found in pet stores were born in puppy mills. Think about the puppies’ parents next time you’re in a pet store.
Educate friends and family about the wonderful animals that can be found at an animal shelter.
Get involved in legislative issues pertaining to animals. Talk to your legislators and be a voice for the animals.
Donate items from your home to your local shelter or rescue.
Hold a fundraiser for your local humane society or rescue.
Volunteer. Shelters and rescues will be so happy for your help.
Write letters to the editor about important animal issues.
Spay and neuter your pet and tell others to do the same!
Share photos of animals needing homes on Facebook.
The list can go on and on. The idea is that you don’t always need to give your money to help the animals.
One person can make a huge difference. All it takes is initiative, inspiration and action.
I admire those who think outside the box. While some may scoff at their actions, one only has to see what they’ve accomplished.
It took one person to take a dog that survived the harrowing gas chamber by not placing him back into the horrific chamber to die. Instead, his life was spared.
Daniel is now the poster child for SB 1329- banning the use of gas chambers in shelters in PA; otherwise known as Daniel’s Law. Had it not been for that worker, there would be no Daniel’s Law.
Your work and efforts may not result in a new law but whatever you decide, know you’re making a difference and it matters to the animals!