Editor’s Note – Winter 2009
It is hard for me to believe that this year is ending and that we are entering into 2010. As I look back over the last decade, I think about the progress made in animal welfare. The public is more knowledgeable about the abusive practices that exist involving animals and animal protection issues. I have great hope that animal welfare will continue to evolve in the next ten years. As I also reflect on this past year amid these tough economic times one true certainty remains and that it is the season of giving.
The thing about giving is that you get so much back. We share this sentiment throughout this issue of Dog’s Life by featuring stories about giving. On the Yap page, we feature four stories of businesses and organizations that are giving back to animals. By collecting pet food, transporting animals or creating new programs to promote adoption and commitment to animals, it is all in the spirit of giving support. The Laws 4 Paws column discusses the Wounded Warrior K-9 Corps Act. It will establish a program to award grants to nonprofit organizations to implement programs that pair assistance dogs with eligible veterans and soldiers suffering from a number of physical and mental issues.
Giving back to the community is a way to deepen the meaning of the holidays and it does not take much to lend a hand. On the How to Help page we offer up the top 10 list of ways you can help dogs. Shelters and rescues are always in need of many basic supplies that we take for granted. Therefore, we have compiled a wish list of the most needed items so you can donate if you have extras or want to purchase some on their behalf.
In our cover story, “To Serve & Protect,” we profile Annemarie Lucas from the ASPCA’s humane law enforcement agency. She is an animal cop featured on the TV series Animal Precinct and we are very excited to share her story and passion for animals. Her commitment to rescuing animals and fighting animal cruelty is inspiring. It is not what she set out to do with her life but it has turned out to be what she is meant to do and she could not be happier. We hope that this story encourages you to find a way to give your special talents to helping animals.
Lastly, I would like to say a special thank you to the all of the workers and volunteers at the shelters and rescues. They give so much of themselves to help homeless animals and do it all just for the pleasure of seeing animals find their perfect family. Winston Churchill has a great quote that sums it up for me: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
In the case of animals, we save a life by what we give. Have a great holidays.
Yvonne B. Mejia
Founder/Editor
