Get Involved!

When I was in India, I saw so many dogs and cats (and cows) living on the streets and except for the cows, who were for the most part well-fed and looked after, no one takes care of the dogs or cats. They don't usually keep them for pets. And so most of them are in horrible condition, with mangy fur, most starving, many with open wounds, limping or dragging limbs. I saw things there that made me want to cry, really. The worst I saw was at a temple in Goa, where a small group of emaciated puppies, just large little heads and protruding bones - as they teetered on weak limbs, wandering aimlessly. They looked so hungry it just broke my heart. And of course those animals that survive for any length of time aren't neutered, so the cycle begins again, with more being born every day to live and die in these abject conditions.

In third world countries, money, food, and resources are needed to take care of people. Anyone who has been to Mexico, knows what I'm talking about. We've all seen those strays wandering about. I really want to encourage everyone to get involved. We can help here and abroad, because there are abandoned and unwanted pets everywhere. And only by the grace of those people willing to donate their time, energy and money can we lessen the suffering of creatures unable to take care of themselves. Because they are living in our world. So they are our responsibility.

Being a firm believer in getting involved in ways that draw on our own personal interests, I've created a list of various organizations, both here and abroad, that deal with shelters, animal care and animal rights. Because even if you believe in helping animals, simply wanting to help may too broad in scope to nudge you into action. Hopefully you'll find something that sparks your interest and something that speaks to you personally, and we'll all be better off for it. I hate suffering. It sucks.

VSPCA is a home for dogs, cats, turtles, monkeys, cows, birds, etc. The number of animals that are treated and rescued is increasing every year ever since the shelter was founded.

United Animal Nations is a national non-profit animal advocacy organization whose mission is to protect animals in danger or need and to focus global attention on their plight to create a more humane world.

Rolling Dog Ranch creates a sanctuary for disabled pets.

Companion Animal Welfare Council conducts and publishes independent research and studies studies into the welfare, care, and treatment of companion animals and their role within society.

Wild Life Rescue Center rehabilitates injured wildlife back to nature.

Care for the Wild is an international wildlife charity dedicated to protecting animals from cruelty and exploitation. Includes fact sheets, news, information about current projects, and an online shop.

Tails of Hope helps assisted living candidates and the terminally ill place their pets through foster care and adoption.

United Pegasus provides a haven for doomed horses.

Born Free is an international wildlife charity working to prevent cruelty and alleviate suffering. News, educational materials, photos, FAQ, and information about ways for individuals to become involved.

Green People is a portal for animal sanctuaries state by state. A great resource if you're looking for a way to get involved with animals locally.

The Trust is one of the top animal rescue and re-homing charities in England, and runs rescue and re-homing centers across the country.

The Animal Welfare Institute has sought to reduce the sum total of pain and fear inflicted on animals by people. In the organization’s early years the emphasis was on the desperate needs of animals used for experimentation. In the decades that followed they expanded the scope of their work to address many other areas of animal suffering.

Animals Without Frontiers is an international animal and nature organization. News, petitions, campaigns, and an Internet based animal identification system.

Humane Society and Animal Welfare Ring offers links to animal shelters, humane societies, rescue and animal welfare organizations.