Be the Change for Animals

4animals – Stories to Inspire

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:30:51 +0000

IN ISSUE #8

People 4animals	Animals 4people	Eye 4wildlife

What does comedian Steve Hofstetter, after growing up in fear of dogs, have to do with dog adoption? Everything. Steve has a whole new perspective on dogs now, and he wants the world to know about it.	Healing Heart Sanctuary in Southern Utah is an organization that shelters and rehabilitates injured or disabled animals. What’s more, in a wonderful and unique partnership, the animals also help children in need.	This last week of January is Kiss A Shark Week, and have we picked some adorable sharks for you! Meet the Great White with a killer smile, the Tasselled wobbegong, the Porbeagle, and the California horn shark.

Explore and indulge in the majesty of the animal kingdom before another month of animal advocacy begins… Enjoy!

People 4animals

Comedian Steve Hofstetter Loves Bea Arthur, His Dog

By Kim Clune

Comedian Steve Hofstetter has been on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, E! True Hollywood Story, Comics Unleashed, Comedy All-Stars, Quite Frankly, White Boyz in the Hood, Countdown and more. In his latest project, Steve co-stars alongside Bea Arthur (the dog) as a dog blogger. And, so you know, Steve’s new found dog love is no laughing matter … unless he’s laughing too.

File under Not Funny.

Steve has lived in fear of dogs most of his life. At 11 months old, he was chased and nearly bitten. From then on, he says, “I grew up scared of my neighbor’s Dobermans and German shepherds and various other breeds that commonly patrol junkyards and prisons in the movies.” At the age of 8, an off-leash dog took down Steve’s 12 year old bother and jump-kicked Steve in the head. “That’s right, I was jump-kicked by a dog,” he says. “Which is strange, since I don’t live in a cartoon.”

File under Funny, That.

Like a jump-kick to the heart, dog’s enemy turned advocate at the age of 31. Why? As Steve’s blog post, Am I becoming a dog person?, reveals, “But then I met Sara.” Sara, who is now Steve’s wife, is a NYC shelter volunteer with an affinity for pitbulls. He ends that sentence with, “And here I am, about to adopt a dog.”

After documenting several attempts at finding the right dog fit, the blog was renamed Adopting Bea Arthur. Thoughtful, sweet and funny posts revolve around Steve and Sara’s 6-year-old rescue beagle/dachshund mix, a golden gal named for the woman who notoriously makes Steve and Sarah laugh.

And finally, the Funny Stuff.

Living life on the road with an adjusting rescue dog, Steve, Sarah and Bea have been dealing with some bouts of separation anxiety. While that’s not the funny part, when Sara began working with Bea to overcome it, Steve wrote the following:

I am in my bedroom, hiding from my dog. I was having a snack, but Sara is training Bea to realize that us leaving the apartment is nothing to cry over. I have to be inaccessible while Sara leaves, comes back, leaves, comes back, etc.

So here I am, a grown man, eating grapes and hiding from my dog.

I asked Steve who in their family suffered most from time apart and Steve named Sara. She’s known for hovering over their webcam feed while she’s away. But Steve shares in this too, having written this about Bea from the road:

Everything makes me think of her. I see other dogs, and think Bea would love to sniff them. I see grass, and think Bea would love to poop on it. The guy next to us at the airport farted, and it actually reminded me of one of Bea’s smelly dog farts. Which hurt at first because I miss Bea, and hurt again because it smelled like a dog fart.

While taking his pet parent responsibility seriously, Steve has a funny view on how children and pets differ – and why he and Sara made the right choice not having kids:

While you don’t have to take your baby outside in the winter to poop, a dog is still easier because you never have to wipe its butt. Although I hear some owners do that, which I think is a bit overkill. The real advantage that babies have is they eventually become potty trained. But years from now, we’ll still be taking Bea outside to poop.

And he will because…

Bea’s his Funny Valentine.

Bottom line: Steve has fallen madly in love with his dog and isn’t afraid to say so:

I still can’t get over how cute she is when she does paw. Especially when she does it randomly, thinking it will mean she’ll get a treat. I find any human-like behavior that dogs do hilarious – but paw is the be-all end-all for me.

If Steve could give one piece of advice to somebody who might want a dog in their life, it would be:

Get one. I was the antithesis of a dog person before I met Sara, and now I am absolutely changed. Bea has opened doors for me I never knew existed. I’ve met new people, I’ve learned new things, and I feel more complete than I ever have before.

Find your Funny Valentine.

Steve, thank you for spending time with Be the Change for Animals. As we enter the month of February, maybe you’ll inspire somebody to find their funny valentine too.

For those of you reading, start you search at Petfinder.com. It’s a great way to find adoptable dogs near you that need you. It won’t take long before you realize that you need them too.

Animals 4people

Healing Heart Sanctuary

By Peggy Frezon

The frightened dog had been injured and abandoned. The little girl had autism. As she brushed the dog’s fur and cared for him, she began to heal too. Healing Heart Sanctuary in Southern Utah is an organization that shelters and rehabilitates injured or disabled animals. What’s more, in a wonderful and unique partnership, the animals also help children in need.

Healing Animals, Healing Children

One of Healing Heart Sanctuary’s most exciting programs involves children in the rehabilitation of the animals. Pets are proven to be good for our health, and injured animals often seem to have a special understanding and empathy for people in need. The animals come from many different sources from all over the country, including referrals from veterinarians and from the Best Friends Animal Society.

Helping Each Other

According to Healing Heart Sanctuary, “Helping some other being get back on its feet can be the biggest step to getting yourself out of your own way and back on your own feet.” The children help feed, clean, and brush the animals. They also help by encouraging the animals during therapy or sometimes, by actually administering the therapy themselves. The Sanctuary uses traditional therapies, water therapy, light therapy, massage, nutritional therapy and others.

Reaching Out

In order to reach even more people, Healing Heart Sanctuary is working on projects to get more animals out to children’s facilities, hospices and other places where they are needed. One project is the Mobile Animal Therapy Team. The MATT program utilizes rescue dogs in danger of being euthanized in local animal shelters and trains them to become therapy animals that will benefit society by visiting hospices and children’s facilities, until they find their forever homes. At-risk teens provide the basic training for these animals, and in turn receive a special therapy that only these pets can offer.

Healing Heart Sanctuary, while saving animals, also provides a wonderful service to children. The children learn “love, compassion, confidence, responsibility, and, most importantly, that just because you may be different doesn’t mean that you are of any less value.”

Eye 4wildLife

Eye 4Wildlife

by Kim Clune

This last week of January is Kiss A Shark Week, and have we picked some adorable sharks for you! Click each photo to learn interesting facts about these species, watch videos of them in motion, determine why they’re threatened, and how you can help them at ARKive.org.


The porbeagle, while shaped like a friendly porpoise, hunts like a beagle – thus the name, and why you shouldn’t let him/her lick your face even though this shark seldom, if ever, attacks humans. Just be sure to kiss that cute conical snout so you’ll avoid accidental contact with those blade-like teeth.	The mighty great white shark has a nasty reputation as a ferocious man-eater, something that sadly has been hugely exaggerated by the media. Let’s show this shark some love. I mean, who can resist the character of that smile, even if it is full of ragged, pointy, serrated teeth?

Ladies, if you’re into facial hair, the tasselled wobbegong has branching skin flaps that run continuously around the jaws, forming a lattice-like beard. I see a resemblance to George Clooney, don’t you? … in terms of the shark world with no reflection on the very handsome George Clooney, of course.	A sleek, dynamic predator, the California horn shark is not. This species moves slow and easy with narry a tooth in sight – at least to my eye. And wht a cute and curvy pucker! Who wouldn’t want to kiss this shark?

Be the Change for Animals

Tell Loews Universal Orlando to Keep TNR Program

Vicki Cook — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:30:36 +0000

Tell Loews Universal Orlando to Keep TNR Program

Photo: Ally Cat Allies

For the last five years, Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando Resort had unofficially allowed the operation of a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program to manage their feral cat population. The cats were trapped, spayed/neutered and vaccinated, and then returned to a managed colony on the resort’s grounds. But last week, Loews announced it would stop the program for liability reasons.

Riverfront Cats has asked animal lovers to contact both Loews Hotels and Universal Orlando Resort and request that the program be reinstated.

Act Now!

Here’s how you can help:

“Like” Riverfront Cats’ Facebook page and share with your friends and family.
Visit the Riverfront Cats website to learn more about the situation.
Contact Loews Hotels and Universal Orlando Resort and ask them to reinstate the TNR program.

Why It Matters

Photo: Ally Cat Allies

Known for its slogan “Loews Loves Pets”, the once pet-friendly hotel and animal lovers are at war. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort, located at Universal Orlando Resort, are at the center of this battle.

For years, Lowes employees followed the proven practice of TNR and reduced a large colony of feral cats down to a manageable number. Then suddenly, Loews management announced that all cats were to be removed and a pest control company was contracted to trap the cats.

TNR programs are the proven best practice to reduce the number of feral cats in a given area. This practice is advocated by hundreds of animal welfare groups across the country, including the ASPCA and Humane Society of the United States.

Disneyland Resort has had a successful TNR program for the past 25 years. Disneyland has set an example as a corporate giant, embracing the cats as an integral part of the park’s everyday operations. Disneyland’s TNR program proves that large, high-profile organizations and feral cat colonies can not only peacefully share the same property, but also strike up a mutually beneficial relationship that improves conditions for both parties.

Contact Loews Hotels and Universal Orlando Resort and ask them to reinstate their TNR program – the only proven solution for managing feral cat populations. Other contact information is available Riverfront Cats.

***

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Be the Change for Animals

Going Dark in Protest of SOPA and PIPA

Kim Clune — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:28:51 +0000

Going Dark in Protest of SOPA and PIPA

On January 18th, 2012 the internet is going on strike to stop two web censorship bills in Congress: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA).

Leading websites including Wikipedia, Reddit, Mozilla, WordPress, and BoingBoing will go dark tomorrow in protest, and we join them. Whether you have a website or simply like to read them, you’ll want to take part.

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?

Two laws, hastily proposed in the name of protecting copyright holders, will more likely enable censorship by US corporations and the U.S. government, undermining the First and Fourth Amendments of the United States Constitution.

HOW THIS COULD EFFECT YOU

Consider that YouTube video you just shared of an adoptable animal. If that video – made by somebody else – infringes on copyright by using a song without permission, under these laws, not only can YouTube be sued for hosting it, you could be sued for reposting it. (Thanks to Pamela Webster for the example.) And there’s more…

WordPress.org makes this among other important points:

In the U.S. our legal system maintains that the burden of proof is on the accuser, and that people are innocent until proven guilty. This tenet seems to be on the chopping block when it comes to the web if these bills pass, as companies could shut down sites based on accusation alone.

If you think this attack on free speech stops at the border, it doesn’t. According to ”Black Wednesday: In Protest of SOPA, Darken the Web” by Michael Geist, law professor and writer for Huffington Post Canada:

IP addresses are allocated by regional organizations, not national ones. The allocation entity located in the U.S. is called the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN). Its territory includes the U.S., Canada, and 20 Caribbean nations.

That’s right. U.S. law will deeply affect international governments and individuals. Non-U.S. citizens and entities must speak up too.

For ways to make your voice heard from all corners of the world, visit Stop American Censorship and join the fight.

The potential for abuse of power through digital networks – upon which we as citizens now depend for nearly everything, including our politics – is one of the most insidious threats to democracy in the Internet age … This is no time for politicians and industry lobbyists in Washington to be devising new Internet censorship mechanisms, adding new opportunities for abuse of corporate and government power over online speech.” - Rebecca MacKinnon (New York Times)

Self-hosted WordPress Users: There’s a handy little plugin that will black your site out for the day while embedding the video above and adding a form to write your representative thanks to Chris on Github.

Be the Change for Animals

JANUARY 15: Blog the Change for Animals

admin — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:49:33 +0000

JANUARY 15: Blog the Change for Animals

Not just for bloggers…
Be, Blog and Read the Change for Animals!

Come together to support people helping animals in need each 15th of January, April, July and October. Bloggers, write about a cause near and dear to your heart. Readers, share your comments and ideas in answer to these questions and more!

What have you done to Be the Change for Animals?
Who do you know who acts tirelessly on animals’ behalf?
What favorite cause has a special need right now?

TO BLOG THE CHANGE

1.) Grab the badge.
Paste the code from BtC4animals.com‘s sidebar to your blog’s sidebar. This lets folks know you’re taking part and how they can too.

2.) Tell others too!
Post this to Facebook and Twitter:

JANUARY 15: BE, BLOG AND READ THE CHANGE FOR ANIMALS! – Get the badge & spread the word! http://bit.ly/pO7dZp #BtC4A

3.) Post your blog entry on January 15.
Support your favorite cause, shelter, foster or friend.
Need more ideas? Revisit previous causes on BtC4animals.com.
Many can still use your help.

No matter what cause you choose:

Make a fresh commitment to act on behalf of animals
Inspire others to do the same
Spread the word

4.) Add your link on BtC4animals.com.
On January 15 at 12:01 AM EST, a link list will appear below. Add your blog’s name and post URL – not your main domain – so others can find and support your cause.

5.) Share the good will.
Read listings throughout the day and offer help or encouragement where you can. Remember, a kind word can make a difference! Share your favorite posts on your favorite social network (Twitter hashtag #BtC4A).

Extra credit:
Click “Get the Code” at the end of the list and paste it at the bottom of your blog post. While not required, this places the list on your site too, generating traffic to and from your page for the sake of the animals your post supports.

Thanks everybody and we’ll see you there!
Kim C, Amy, Maggie, Vicki, Peggy,
Kim T, Shauna, Mary and Mel

Be the Change for Animals

Help Pets in the Classroom Reach More Students

Vicki Cook — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:27:45 +0000

Help Pets in the Classroom Reach More Students

Boy Petting Snake, Photo by James Emery

Children benefit from exposure to pets in the classroom in ways that help shape their lives for years to come. Founded by the Pet Care Trust, the goal of Pets in the Classroom is to establish healthy child-pet relationships at an early age by supporting responsible pet care in elementary and middle school classrooms. By providing grants to teachers, the Pets in the Classroom program hopes to reach 1 million students in 30,000 classrooms across North America.

Act Now!

Here’s how you can help:

“Like” the Pets in the Classroom Facebook page and share with your friends and family.
Visit the Pets in the Classroom website to learn more about this program.
Share the information with your employer, civic organization, or any other group you think may be interested in sponsoring a classroom.

Why It Matters

Established by the Pet Care Trust in 2009, Pets in the Classroom provides grants to pre-kindergarten through eighth grade teachers to purchase or adopt a classroom pet and required equipment or to support existing classroom pets. Four types of grants are available: 1 – rebate grants in the amount of $100 (for small animals or birds) or $150 for reptiles or fish; 2 – sustaining grants of $50 for existing classroom pets; 3 – Petco grants (coupons for the purchase of the animal, habitat and supplies at Petco stores) and 4 – PetSmart grants (coupons for the purchase of the animal, habitat and supplies at PetSmart stores).

In its first full year of operation, the program awarded 2,060 grants to teachers. Having received over 7,000 requests in its first two years of operation, the Pets in the Classroom program more than tripled its number of requests in the second year. With an average classroom size of 30 students, the Trust has brought a pet into the lives of 210,000 students.

While the 7,000 grants are making a great impact, the organization is still a long way from its goal of reaching 1 million children in 30,000 classrooms across North America. The Pet Care Trust is looking for companies or individuals who are willing to sponsor classrooms. A donation of only $150 will help reach 30 students with a program that is instrumental in teaching students responsible, long-term pet care at an early age.

For more information on the Pet Care Trust and the Pets in the Classroom grant program, visit www.PetsintheClassroom.org.

***

BtC4animals.com never asks you to spend a cent, just a few minutes of your time.
It’s the greatest gift you can give.

Receive new weekly causes via RSS or email.
Submit your animal cause today!
Spread the word. Share this link!

Be the Change for Animals

Virtually Adopt a Pet through Sharingpet.com

Kim Clune — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:30:15 +0000

Virtually Adopt a Pet through Sharingpet.com

Every year, 5 million US pets are euthanized simply for being homeless. Sharingpet.com aims to reduce that number by 1 million in 12 months!

Share a real homeless pet’s needs in minutes, and raise real funds without spending a dime (unless you’re so inclined). How? Through Virtual Adoption using social media!

ACT NOW!

Register at Sharingpet.com and choose one of thousands of homeless pets to share across your social networks (Twitter hashtag: #save1mMORE).

Host a widget featuring your chosen pet’s virtual adoption needs on your blog, website or Facebook page to raise real funds until your pet finds a forever home.

Buy things you would anyway at Sharingpet’s Buy and Give Shop - from pet supplies, flights, hotel stays, and much, much more. Your chosen Non-Profit will be the recipient of 2/3 of Sharingpet’s proceeds. Ask your friends to do the same.

Join the Sharingpet network as an animal related non-profit and list your adoptable pets!

Why It Matters

According to Sharingpet, current statistics show that 3 million US pets were saved in 2011. Sharingpet’s goal is to save one million more in the next 10 months.

How will they do it? By providing non-profit animal and welfare related organizations with an alternative financing source. At the same time, they’ll empower people like you who love animals to change their world with resources easily accessed via the Internet and social networks.

As a virtual adopter, you can provide for your real pet by:

donating time on social media sharing your virtual pet’s needs
donating through purchases you would ordinarily make
soliciting the help of friends to donate directly and spread the word

Having launched on October 21st, 2011, Sharingpet.com has 10 months to achieve their goal. They can’t do it alone. Support and share their adoptiON movement today! Learn more at Sharingpet.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter.

***

BtC4animals.com never asks you to spend a cent, just a few minutes of your time.
It’s the greatest gift you can give.

Receive new weekly causes via RSS or email.
Submit your animal cause today!
Spread the word. Share this link!

Be the Change for Animals

4animals – Stories to Inspire

admin — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:15:24 +0000

4animals – Stories to Inspire

IN ISSUE #7

People 4animals	Animals 4people	Eye 4wildlife

From the Director: A special thank you to our community and volunteer team for your unwavering commitment to animals in need, this year and always.	An inspirational message of symbiotic caring: Taking good care of our animal friends offers health benefits for our our body, soul and mind.	A holiday greeting to you from the New England crayfish, New Zealand fur seal, New Zealand storm petrel, and the New Holland mouse.

Explore and indulge in the majesty of the animal kingdom before another month of animal advocacy begins… Enjoy!

People 4animals

Thank YOU for Being the Change for Animals

By Kim Clune

People 4animals highlights one special person each month who makes a significant difference for animals in need. This month, we ask that you look in the mirror. That’s right. Today, we celebrate you.

I dedicate this feature to you, our committed community and volunteer staff. You have impacted the lives of many animals in such significant ways – by sharing stories to raise awareness, taking action, beginning and joining in conversations that both educate and inspire. You’ve alerted us to important causes, blogged the change, volunteered your time, and lent your passionate hearts and voices to endangered animals who cannot speak for themselves.

There is no end to what we can do together.
Cheers to upcoming events in 2012!

Animals 4people

How Pets Can Help Us Have a Happy, Healthy New Year

by Peggy Frezon

With the holiday rush over, it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming year, and New Year’s Resolutions. Two worthy resolutions are taking good care of our animal friends, and taking good care of our bodies. Good thing the two fit together like your hands in those new gloves you got for Christmas!

Most of us who share our home with cats and dogs don’t need any convincing that pets are good for our health. But it’s also a proven fact that in general, people who have pets are healthier and live longer than non-pet people. A recent article by Katherine Scott, DVM, DACVM, on Web MD, shared some medical explanations and scientific studies that support ways pets benefit our health.

Pets are Good for our Hearts

Research has shown the long-term benefits of owning a cat include protection for your heart. Over the 20 years of one study, people who never owned a cat were 40% more likely to die of a heart attack than those who had. Another study showed that dog owners had a significantly better survival rate one year after a heart attack. Overall, pet owners have a lower risk of dying from any cardiac disease, including heart failure.

Pets can help lower our blood pressure

In one study of 240 married couples, pet owners had lower blood pressures and lower heart rates than people who did not own a pet. Another study showed that children with hypertension lowered their blood pressure while petting their dog.

Pets elevate our Mood

Our bodies actually goes through physical changes when patting a cat or dog, or watching fish swim in a tank. The level of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, is lowered. And the production of serotonin, a chemical associated with well-being, is increased.

Pets Help Reduce Allergies

Studies show that children who grow up in a home with a dog or cat they are less likely to develop allergies. In addition, they have higher levels of certain immune system chemicals indicate a stronger immune system activation, which will help keep them healthy as they get older.

An article in Arthritis Today advises cat owners to watch how many times your cat stretches a day, and when you see her stretch, take a cue and stretch too! This helps morning stiffness and evening stress, and is especially beneficial for people suffering with arthritis.

Watch this video to see how one woman knows just how helpful a cat can be in her daily yoga routine!

So if you want to increase your health benefits and lower your stress level this new year, just spend a little extra time together with your pet. And if you don’t have an animal companion, this may be the perfect time to adopt one. Check out your local shelter or rescue group. Just the right cat or dog may be there waiting for you. You’ll get healthier, they’ll get a wonderful new home…what a perfect way to start 2012!

Eye 4wildLife

Eye 4Wildlife

by Kim Clune

In honor of the New Year, and the renewal of our commitment to animals everywhere, we introduce to you animals with the word new in their name. Thanks to ARKive.org for documenting this beautiful animals.


This New England crayfish rejoices for animal lovers everywhere!	This New Zealand fur seal relishes in the depths you’ll go to protect his hide and habitat.

The New Zealand storm petrel knows you’ve weathered many a storm on its behalf.	This New Holland mouse appreciates that you love all creatures, great and small.

Be the Change for Animals

Enter Your Pet for 2012 Holiday Cards to Benefit the American Humane Association

Kim Thomas — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:30:12 +0000

Enter Your Pet for 2012 Holiday Cards to Benefit the American Humane Association

Your pet could be a 2012 star of holiday greeting cards to benefit the American Humane Association! Give your pet the celebrity status they deserve, while helping to end cruelty to animals.

Managed by the Holiday Card Center, proceeds from purchases of American Humane Association holiday cards provide the organization with needed funds for its many programs. Just imagine your pet on these holiday cards!

Act Now!

Submit a favorite digital photo of your pet to Pet Pix. If chosen, you’ll receive 100 free cards featuring your photo during the first season the photo is used, along with free personalization(if the photo is used on a holiday card), and free shipping (total value up to $120).

Share this opportunity with your friends.

Why It Matters

The American Humane Association works hard on behalf of animals. Supporting the rescue and care of pets in disasters and emergency situations, responsible pet care, humane treatment of farm animals, protection of animals in film production, as well as ending the abuse and mistreatment of animals, are some of AHA’s primary causes. By assisting the AHA you, too, will be the change for these animals.

You know how much of a star your pet is – here’s a chance to share their aww-someness with the world. What better gift could you give rescue pets (and yourself) this holiday season?!

Be the Change for Animals

4th Annual National Children’s Pet Poetry Contest

Vicki Cook — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:30:09 +0000

4th Annual National Children’s Pet Poetry Contest

Calling all creative kids! American Pet Products Association (APPA) is accepting poems for its 4th Annual Pets Add Life Children’s Poetry Contest. Students in third through eighth grades are invited to write a unique poem about their pets.

ACT NOW!

Students are invited to write a unique poem about their pets and then post it on-line at www.petsaddlife.org.
Poems may also be submitted by mail to: Pets Add Life, 661 Sierra Rose Dr., Reno, NV 89511.
Deadline for submissions is January 31, 2012 at 5:00pm EST.

Why It Matters

from PetsAddLife.org

Not only will you not have to hear, “I’m so bored” during this holiday break, but one student from each grade level (6 total) nationwide will win a $250 gift certificate for pet products, and a “by-line” in a nationally circulated publication. In addition, the six winning students’ classrooms will each receive a $1,000 scholarship to spend on pet related education.

“The last three years have not only been successful, but fun,” said APPA President Bob Vetere. “We are overwhelmed, year after year, by the number and creativity of poems we receive from kids across the country. This is a great opportunity to get and keep kids excited about pets in a fun and educational way.”

“In past years, winning poems have featured pets from hamsters and birds to dogs, kittens and fish,” Vetere said. “And, it has been wonderful to receive updates from our winning teachers who have spent the scholarship dollars on classroom field trips to the zoo, a classroom pet and supplies, and educational materials regarding pet and animal wellness.”

To learn more about the Pets Add Life Children’s Poetry Contest, read previous winning poems, upload your submission, or download a printed submission form, visit www.petsaddlife.org.

Be the Change for Animals

Unleashed: Changing One Girl, One Dog, and One Community at a Time

Vicki Cook — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:30:16 +0000

Unleashed: Changing One Girl, One Dog, and One Community at a Time

Unleashed is an after-school program that transforms the lives of middle school girls by involving them in all aspects of puppy rescue. At this pivotal time in their lives, girls learn to

advocate for others; think critically about a complex social problem; and gain confidence in their ability to lead change. The mission of the Unleashed program is to unleash the power and potential in girls, empowering them to be social change agents, using animal rescue as their leadership laboratory.

Act Now!

We need to make public aware that we should be training our next generation to solve complex issues – and that they are capable of doing so. Here’s how you can help:

Like the Unleashed NY Facebook page, and share the page with your friends.

Why It Matters

The Unleashed program works with middle school girls at a time in their lives when they are struggling with their identity and often experience low self-esteem. This is a stage when girls feel powerless, which can lead to self-destructive behavior, such as eating disorders, inappropriate risk taking, defiance and bullying. Yet, when it comes to afterschool programs, most of them focus on elementary and high school students. Middle school girls are often the forgotten kids. The Unleashed program focuses on this specific age group at a time when developing self-esteem is critical.

In the Unleashed program, girls get involved directly in an issue they feel passionate about the welfare and rescue of puppies. Over the course of the 12 week program, the girls learn about the societal issues around animal welfare and rescue. They learn to work together as a group for a common purpose and to respect, listen to, and engage with one another. As they gradually take ownership of the program, they develop leadership skills and confidence in their own abilities to advocate for others. They experience what it means to be powerful, often for the first time in their lives, and ultimately discover that their power can make a difference.

You can help unleash the power and potential of developing young women by increasing public awareness of the Unleashed program!

***

BtC4animals.com never asks you to spend a cent, just a few minutes of your time.
It’s the greatest gift you can give.

Receive new weekly causes via RSS or email.
Submit your animal cause today!
Spread the word. Share this link!

Be the Change for Animals

Be the Change for Animals

4animals – Stories to Inspire

People 4animals

Comedian Steve Hofstetter Loves Bea Arthur, His Dog

Animals 4people

Healing Heart Sanctuary

Eye 4wildLife

Eye 4Wildlife

Tell Loews Universal Orlando to Keep TNR Program

Act Now!

Why It Matters

BtC4animals.com never asks you to spend a cent, just a few minutes of your time. It’s the greatest gift you can give.

Receive new weekly causes via RSS or email. Submit your animal cause today! Spread the word. Share this link!

Going Dark in Protest of SOPA and PIPA

JANUARY 15: Blog the Change for Animals

Help Pets in the Classroom Reach More Students

Act Now!

Why It Matters

BtC4animals.com never asks you to spend a cent, just a few minutes of your time. It’s the greatest gift you can give.

Receive new weekly causes via RSS or email. Submit your animal cause today! Spread the word. Share this link!

Virtually Adopt a Pet through Sharingpet.com

ACT NOW!

Why It Matters

BtC4animals.com never asks you to spend a cent, just a few minutes of your time. It’s the greatest gift you can give.

Receive new weekly causes via RSS or email. Submit your animal cause today! Spread the word. Share this link!

4animals – Stories to Inspire

People 4animals

Thank YOU for Being the Change for Animals

Animals 4people

How Pets Can Help Us Have a Happy, Healthy New Year

Pets Help Reduce Allergies

Eye 4wildLife

Eye 4Wildlife

Enter Your Pet for 2012 Holiday Cards to Benefit the American Humane Association

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Why It Matters

4th Annual National Children’s Pet Poetry Contest

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Why It Matters

Unleashed: Changing One Girl, One Dog, and One Community at a Time

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Why It Matters

BtC4animals.com never asks you to spend a cent, just a few minutes of your time. It’s the greatest gift you can give.

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BtC4animals.com never asks you to spend a cent, just a few minutes of your time.
It’s the greatest gift you can give.

Receive new weekly causes via RSS or email.
Submit your animal cause today!
Spread the word. Share this link!

BtC4animals.com never asks you to spend a cent, just a few minutes of your time.
It’s the greatest gift you can give.

Receive new weekly causes via RSS or email.
Submit your animal cause today!
Spread the word. Share this link!

BtC4animals.com never asks you to spend a cent, just a few minutes of your time.
It’s the greatest gift you can give.

Receive new weekly causes via RSS or email.
Submit your animal cause today!
Spread the word. Share this link!

BtC4animals.com never asks you to spend a cent, just a few minutes of your time.
It’s the greatest gift you can give.

Receive new weekly causes via RSS or email.
Submit your animal cause today!
Spread the word. Share this link!