Dr. Martin Luther King inspired many to spread peace an unity among all. He asked us to see beyond color and see the person. Today, I ask you to see beyond species and see living creatures. Many of us are raised to believe that animals are not significant because they are not as "evolved" as humans. (I beg to differ.) Some view animals as subservient to the human race; here to simply protect us from intruders or supply us with food. Despite our beliefs, we can't ignore that like us, animals are living, breathing creatures.
Animals feel pain like we do. They are cold in freezing temperatures and suffer from extreme heat. They can die from neglect. Animals can't tell us when they are suffering. They depend on us to take care of and defend them. We must be their voice and army. We must educate and inform those who don't know better. If education doesn't improve animal welfare, we take action and rescue.
Developing friendships and partnerships with local animal welfare organizations is necessary to rescue animals. Friendship develops into trust and partnerships. It also gives us an open platform for communication. Imagine having a partnership with every animal welfare organization in your town. It's an army ready to take action.
So, we need to put our differences and opinions aside and remember why we care. We see animals for what they are - living creatures who deserve humane treatment. By working together we will create a humane world for animals. Abuse and cruelty won't be tolerated and humanity will be required. Let's honor Dr. King by being compassionate towards ALL living creatures.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Spread the love...honey ;)
Many animal advocates are faced with businesses profiting from the gruesome reality of animal cruelty, such as: pet stores, steak houses, and fashion retailers. We think a business is too big and our opinion won't matter. As a person who works for one of these businesses I can tell you it matters. (Please be assured, I'm playing a part in making businesses more ethical. But I need to eat my tofu...and feed my 5 furry children ;)
Due to the current economic climate, businesses are heavily investing in public relations. Heartfelt stories and community involvement are making a buck these days. The ugly truth of inflicting inhumane cruelty upon living creatures, however, does not make a buck. What we as animal activists can do is educate. We need to inform ourselves and our community about animal welfare. We need to focus on the solution to the problem. The ladeedadeeda, old mcdonald had a farm, pretty picture.
While we know the ideal is not always attainable, the idea of it is aspirational and enough motivation for many. I think many people would agree that separating good from bad provides boundaries. Staying on the good side makes us feel better as humans, it gives us a reason for our actions. As animal activists, we need to focus on the positive of a humane lifestyle. We need to inspire businesses to make ethical decisions by example. I, like many animal activists, feel fulfilled by living a humane lifestyle - thinking of the welfare of all living creatures.
I ask that you, the animal welfare community, focus on the positive. Embrace and love your passion. Rally the troops and make a humane statement through letters, multi-media, and demonstrations. Create a humane, aspirational movement that people are climbing over walls to join. Remember, you attract more bees with honey...honey ;)
Due to the current economic climate, businesses are heavily investing in public relations. Heartfelt stories and community involvement are making a buck these days. The ugly truth of inflicting inhumane cruelty upon living creatures, however, does not make a buck. What we as animal activists can do is educate. We need to inform ourselves and our community about animal welfare. We need to focus on the solution to the problem. The ladeedadeeda, old mcdonald had a farm, pretty picture.
While we know the ideal is not always attainable, the idea of it is aspirational and enough motivation for many. I think many people would agree that separating good from bad provides boundaries. Staying on the good side makes us feel better as humans, it gives us a reason for our actions. As animal activists, we need to focus on the positive of a humane lifestyle. We need to inspire businesses to make ethical decisions by example. I, like many animal activists, feel fulfilled by living a humane lifestyle - thinking of the welfare of all living creatures.
I ask that you, the animal welfare community, focus on the positive. Embrace and love your passion. Rally the troops and make a humane statement through letters, multi-media, and demonstrations. Create a humane, aspirational movement that people are climbing over walls to join. Remember, you attract more bees with honey...honey ;)
Sunday, January 3, 2010
New year, new priorities
As we make our new year's resolutions and evaluate what's important to us, we can't forget our animals. As elections grow near in 2010, we need to choose the issues to vote on. Yes, issues. Before you choose your candidate, choose your issues and rank them on importance to you. Vote for the candidate who votes yes on your issues and let them know why you voted for them. It's that simple.
In North Carolina and most states, animal welfare legislation is often the most controversial. You would think animal cruelty would be an easy yes vote. However, there is a more powerful opposition who rallies at the capital, swaying the vote of legislators. In 2009, animals had 1 paid lobbyist in Raleigh working against an opposition of over 30 people. Animal advocates must strengthen their voice to pass important legislation, such as puppy mill bills.
Along with voting for candidates supporting your issues, it's important to donate. Legislators are people like you who care about the community. They need funding to support their campaigns. It does not matter how small the amount is, it adds up. The stronger their campaign is, the stronger your voice is.
So, I ask all animal advocates to vote for animal friendly candidates, regardless of the political party. Farmers vote for agriculturally friendly candidates, NRA members vote for gun friendly candidates. Lets make 2010 the year for animal friendly candidates!
In North Carolina and most states, animal welfare legislation is often the most controversial. You would think animal cruelty would be an easy yes vote. However, there is a more powerful opposition who rallies at the capital, swaying the vote of legislators. In 2009, animals had 1 paid lobbyist in Raleigh working against an opposition of over 30 people. Animal advocates must strengthen their voice to pass important legislation, such as puppy mill bills.
Along with voting for candidates supporting your issues, it's important to donate. Legislators are people like you who care about the community. They need funding to support their campaigns. It does not matter how small the amount is, it adds up. The stronger their campaign is, the stronger your voice is.
So, I ask all animal advocates to vote for animal friendly candidates, regardless of the political party. Farmers vote for agriculturally friendly candidates, NRA members vote for gun friendly candidates. Lets make 2010 the year for animal friendly candidates!
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