A Call for Service

One of the things I like the most about President Obama (wow!) is his ability to inspire. I'm not just talking about a well written or brilliantly delivered speech. He makes me want to jump up and say "what can I do," "how can I serve," and I know he inspires this feeling in many. No matter your politics, I think this is critical - the call to service for all of us blessed to live a free life with everyday luxuries that are denied our fellow citizens in other lands. I'm thrilled to see a renewed spirit of service buzzing through society, online and off, young and old.

I've been feeling a little anxious about this over the last week. Service used to be a regular and permanent part of my life. All through middle school, high school and college I was committed to a variety of service oriented tasks - candy-striper, nursing home volunteer, youth group projects, animal shelters, food bank staffer, Headstart volunteer...I did them all. And I loved every minute.

I've let that slide in my "adult life." To be frank, I struggle to find time enough to do anything other than work during the week and my weekends are treasured blurs of errands, catching up and just trying to "be" outside of my career. I know it is all about balance, but I'm not sure I really believe in that concept any more. I'm not sure I believe you can have it all at the same time. I think you have to choose points of focus at different times in your life. And I'm struggling with making that ok in my mind (and not hearing it as just another excuse).

And then I stumble across stories like this and I simply cannot understand. And I want to try harder, make more of an effort, be better. For them...the abandoned. Animals, children, elderly, hungry...I just feel a need to make a connection, hold out a hand, empathize.

"To those who much has been given, MUCH will be expected." Be the change, Internet. Whatever your calling, stand up and serve. 2009 is my year to be better at this. I hope it will be yours too.

Spare a Minute, Make a Difference

This just in from Wayne at HSUS. Their trusty investigators have broken yet another investigation into the ongoing saga of the cruel puppymill industry - this one involving Petland.

You know my feelings on this issue, so thank you for allowing me this stage to highlight the latest offense.

There is simply no reason for this - not today - and we cannot stand for ongoing consumer deception about the origin of these furry friends. If you're so inclined, please take a moment and send an email to add your voice to the growing demand for justice.

We owe these animals nothing less. And it is certainly a start.

PS - let's encourage anyone planning to purchase a puppy as a holiday gift to 1) think twice and really evaluate whether that important choice is suited for a gift and 2) skip the pet store and instead visit a shelter where so many precious fur babies await forever homes.

It's A GOOD Feeling

Just a brief post today because I don't really have words to convey my feelings. I just feel...good, positive, inspired, happy.

It is a new day. I am just overjoyed at yesterday's victory for farm animals in California. I have hoped and prayed and encouraged and watched and posted and begged for months on this one and I'm just so proud of Americans for rising above propaganda and fear based marketing tactics to make the compassionate choice for all creatures. It gives me hope.

Last night was certainly one for the history books; no matter your politics, I hope you watched and participated and witnessed this front row view of change.

Happy hump day all - I'm looking out over yet another gorgeous, warm and sparkly fall day in Chicago.

And Then They Marched Home

I've been meaning to post about this for more than a week, but kept getting sidetracked. I've said before that I am an ardent supporter of a good variety of animal relief organizations and IFAW is one of my favorites. These people are just amazing; doesn't matter the species, doesn't matter the location (the more far flung the better apparently), and certainly doesn't matter the conditions it will require to get to an animal in need. They roll up their sleeves and they jump right in. I admire them. At times I envy them too. I think to go to work every day with that kind of passion is a true gift.

And it inspires me to find similar pieces of passion in my daily life. I've read a lot about the recent pack of penguins this group rehabbed, and in this instance they have clearly disproved the old saying that you can't go home again.

As I watch these adorable critters taste their new freedom and head home together, I can understand completely why the rescue team said it was worth it.

Happy Love Thursday everyone! May it be a day that reminds you of the passion of your home - wherever and with whomever that may be.

Those They Left Behind

Like many people, I have been carefully following the aftermath of Ike's destruction - admittedly through a different lense. The people who have lost their homes, their lives, their sense of hope are certainly in my thoughts and prayers, but my immediate thoughts in these situations usually go right for the animals.

They have no voice. They have no means by which to escape. They are 100% dependent on humans to make the choice to save their lives and include them in evacuation efforts...or not. Too many are left behind to suffer a cruel fate that must be so lonely and terrifying that tears fill my eyes even as I type this.

I do not understand what could EVER lead someone to leave their pets behind as they scramble to avoid the direct fury of Mother Nature. I'm not judging so much as just utterly confused and broken hearted. I believe that when you commit to an animal, it is a family member, period. You do not leave them behind, repaying their incomparable loyalty by forcing them to face the most unbending odds. Alone. Scared. Hungry. And all too often, they do not make it.

I have been riveted by my favorite animal organizations - all of whom I regularly contribute to. IFAW, Best Friends, HSUS...these fine people leave their homes, their families and safety behind to answer the call when our furry friends need them the most. Today, I am most grateful. I honor each and every rescue worker; they are true heroes. Take a look at a beautiful example of their love.