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Be Kind to Animals Week®
May 4 to 10, 2008

The Humane Exchange
Marie Belew Wheatley?s Blog

Can One Week Make a Difference?
Posted on May 1, 2008, by Marie Belew Wheatley


Be Kind to Animals Week® -- an American Humane tradition since 1915 -- begins on May 4. As this landmark week approaches, I?m struck by the fact that such a long legacy is as relevant today as it was 93 years ago. This is the case not only because the message of treating animals with kindness is timeless, but also because we have so much work left to do to create a more humane world.


Sebastian was severely malnourished before his rescue.

American Humane?s Second Chance Fund® stories epitomize the cruelty and negligence we?re facing as well as the progress that can be made with compassionate action. Through this fund, we provide grants to local animal shelters across the country that need assistance covering the medical costs associated with rehabilitating abused or neglected animals. Many people assume that shelters can care for every pet that crosses their thresholds. Sadly, this isn?t always the case. Shelters usually operate on shoestring budgets, and expensive surgeries and care can be out of reach, no matter how deserving the animals may be.

This is where American Humane comes in. For example, we recently extended a Second Chance Fund grant to Pickens Animal Rescue in Jasper, Ga., which needed our financial assistance to rehabilitate a severely neglected and malnourished dog named Sebastian and ready him for adoption. He had been living in filth with 35 other dogs -- some paralyzed, some ?walking skeletons,? some afflicted with infections. Fortunately, the dogs? deplorable condition drew attention, and a group of volunteers relocated them to safety. As soon as the rescuers arrived, Sebastian began wagging his tail, recognizing that these were people he could trust.



With proper care, Sebastian?s sunny personality has surfaced.

We recently learned from Pickens Animal Rescue that Sebastian and several of his friends, with help from American Humane?s Second Chance Fund, have found their forever homes. I?m heartened whenever I hear a happy ending like this one. I know that for every Sebastian there are thousands of other animals in need, but I firmly believe each rescue counts.

Similarly, I think that one week truly can make a difference in our ongoing fight to protect animals -- because it?s not about being kind to animals just seven days out of every year, it?s about reminding people to be kind to animals every day. So please help us spread awareness in your community of Be Kind to Animals Week and its important message. You can also be an advocate for animals year-round by following these simple tips.


Click below for details and to ask a question of post a comment:
http://www.americanhu...


This is not an open forum, but Marie and American Humane welcome all comments and points of view. We will post selected comments that are considerate and thought-provoking.

How Can I Be Kind to Animals?

Here are some simple things you can do during Be Kind to Animals week and throughout the year to show kindness to animals:

Speak out for animals. Get active in local animal welfare policies and legislation. Also, register with us to receive timely Action Alerts about issues affecting animals. You?ll be able to make a difference for animals with just the click of your mouse.

Report animal abuse. While acts of violence against animals are tragic in their own right, they are also a red flag for other violent behavior, including domestic abuse and violent crime.

Appreciate wildlife. Create an inviting space in your yard and garden for butterflies, hummingbirds and other creatures.

Share kindness. Teach the people in your life, especially children, about the importance of being kind to animals.

Make a donation to your local animal shelter. A donation can be your time, money, or needed items like pet food or laundry detergent. Call them first and see what they need.

Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue organization. Approximately 8 to 12 million animals enter our nation?s shelters every year, and more than half of these pets will have to be euthanized because of a lack of homes. Local shelters are the best place to find companion animals, even purebreds -- one out of every four dogs in a shelter is a purebred.

Help solve the tragedy of euthanasia of adoptable animals by not contributing to the problem. If you have pets, make sure they are spayed or neutered. Pets should be microchipped and should always wear a collar with an ID tag, so they can be reunited with you quickly if they are ever lost.

Be a responsible pet guardian. Keep a collar with an ID tag on your pet, in case he or she gets lost, and take your pet to the veterinarian every year for vaccinations and a health check.

Ceasar Millan's Helpful Hints on how to be kind to Animals:
http://www.cesarmilla...

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Cesar Millan, Inc. encourages you to take part in Be Kind to Animals Week from May 4 to 10. Be a part of the positive change happening in your community.


Here are just a few ideas on how you can help:

Spay or neuter your dog!

Volunteer at your local rescue group or shelters.

Donate money, worn blankets, or your dog's old toys.

Walk dogs at your local shelter.

Teach dog safety at a local school.

Foster a dog.

Organize fundraising events for a local shelter.

Help a dog cause you believe in.

Speak up if you witness animal abuse or neglect.

Volunteer to educate the public.

Become a certified member of a disaster animal response team.

Live in the moment. Let it be known that you are interested in helping, and see what opportunities come your way!