Stewardship

There have been a lot of items in the news lately about animal abuse and neglect, both locally and internationally. I'm not going to rehash any of it here because, well, it sickens me. It sickens me physically to see and hear the disgusting and cruel things humans are doing to animals, just because they can. It sickens me emotionally to think that these people (if you can call them that) are capable of doing things that churn my stomach just to hear about.

As humans, we are fortunate enough to be in a position where we can act as stewards for animals (and the environment as a whole). We can protect them from the useless, pointless, cruel pranks we see in the news by seeing ourselves as part of the same natural world the animals exist in. We can teach our kids how to be kind to animals as well as each other. We can support causes and politicians that support the protection and humane treatment of animals. We can simply be an example.

On April 10, you can show your support of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals by wearing orange for ASPCA Day. If you don't have orange clothing, you can do what I'm going to do and buy a t-shirt from the store to show support in public and donate to the cause. Use the code ADAY08 to get 10% off.

Anyway, I'm not trying to be too preachy or "bleeding heart" because I know that puts a lot of people off to causes like this. I'm just trying to point out how easy it is for humans to be kind...or at least not cruel...to animals. It SHOULD pull at your heart or make you a little queasy to hear about cruelty - we are not meant to be solitary creatures looking out only for ourselves. We get along best as a community when we look out for others, especially those who can't defend themselves as easily.

Update
I forgot to mention another animal-related deal. I was notified by email that if you spend more than $25 at the Animal Rescue Site store TODAY, "you'll automatically vaccinate a homeless companion animal--at no extra cost to you! That's in addition to the bowls of food you fund with every item."

Other helpful purchase options:
Protect 10 Shelter Dogs with Vaccinations
Protect 10 Shelter Cats with Vaccinations