First I have to say thank you to everyone who either picked up a copy or subscribed online to the first issue of Dog’s Life. The response from dog owners and the animal welfare community has been so positive and overwhelming. I could not have been more pleased and felt more pressure to put out a second issue to live up to everyone’s expectations–but I think we’ve done it.

While I support many organizations involved with animal welfare, I have to admit that I do have some favorites. Our feature story in this issue, “Breaking the Chains That Bind,” profiles one of those favorites: Dogs Deserve Better. The founder, Tammy Grimes, has dedicated her life to the sole purpose of freeing dogs from life at the end of a chain. It is a hard job, but she’s a determined woman. Unfortunately, Grimes’ own freedom is now at risk because she chose to take matters into her own hands and save the life of a dying dog. It is an amazing story that I hope will move, shock and inspire you to take action in your community if you see a tethered dog.

Dog’s Life was established on the principle of promoting adoption from shelters and rescues. So when all the controversy surrounding Ellen DeGeneres and her adopted dog Iggy was going on I was concerned about how this would affect the rescue community. Everyone has an opinion and I certainly have mine, but the purpose of this magazine is to serve as an educational resource for current and potential dog owners. So in keeping with the mission of Dog’s Life, I’ve found an article, “Top 35 Tips for Rescue and Shelter Adopters,” that will be very helpful for people who are considering adoption. It is an insightful and comprehensive list of what every potential adopter should know before making the commitment of adoption because ultimately, the goal is to stop the cycle of abandonment and find “forever” homes for animals.

We hope that you will feel more prepared to start your search for the new member of the your family once you’ve read the tips. And this is the time of the year to do it with the help of the Iams Home for the Holidays adoption campaign. Over 2,700 shelters and rescues worldwide are working together to help families bring pets home for the holidays. But make sure that the adoption is a family decision and not a “surprise” gift, because more often than not, those same surprises wind up in the shelter six months later.

Lastly, during this busy time of year, I’d like to ask that you keep in mind all the animals waiting for help, as well as the volunteers and workers in shelters and rescues who work tirelessly all year long. Since the holiday season fosters generosity, this would be a good time to help them all out by donating cash or goods. The animals will appreciate anything you can give to start 2008 out right.

Make a resolution this New Year to join us in making a difference in a dog’s life.