Be the change you wish to see in the world - Gandhi Hello everyone! The quote posted above is exactly why I got started in this "business" of helping animals. I simply didn't like what I saw going on around me. Though I was already volunteering with another fine organization, I just didn't feel any real impact was being made to affect a change in lives of the pets we were supposed to be helping. I believed 1000% in the original mission but as it often goes, the train somehow got off track and nothing was really being accomplished. I wanted more. Much, much more. You see, I had this vision... Yes, I was pretty green back then and knew nothing of how to run my own organization. But I watched and listened intently to the others around me who been at this for many years. My peers knew so much, sometimes too much, and they occasionally seemed jaded in their quest to help. I later learned about something called Compassion Fatigue. An all too real condition with a fancy name that meant Burnt Out. But I pressed on and I visited many adoption facilities and shelters, read book after book on how to form a nonprofit, and spent way too much time online in my quest to educate myself on how to get it right, and how to make a difference in the lives of these precious animals with so sad eyes. I felt very fortunate to begin my journey in California. Though I spent most of my life in Ohio, the Midwest attitudes are much different than those in the west. Cats are considered nothing more than wild animals with no rights. For those that are lucky enough to end up in a shelter, there is no 3 day holding period and they can be euthanized upon arrival. No questions asked. Kittens are routinely dumped in the country or drowned by their the owners who simply do not believe in spay or neuter and would never spend "good money" on an animal. Dogs fair a bit better and vets offices see about 80% more canines than felines. But, it's not unusual to see a dog going down the highway at 70mph untethered in the back of a pickup truck. Stories show up all too frequently in the paper about animal abuse: chained dogs with embedded collars, malnourished horses, cats decapitated or set on fire, not to mention the daily road-kill of family pets on the side of the road. I feel blessed I learned compassion in a state that places value on animals, even when it's to the chagrin of the owners with Mandatory Spay/Neuter laws. Some one has to speak up. Our motto at C&C is to be A Voice For Those Who Can Not Speak. If not us, then who? Why me? Because I can! There is so much we can do to help animals. I applaud organizations with a single mission, such as adoption. These folks are on the front lines to save lives of homeless pets. Many go direct to the source, the local shelter, and get the unwanted or red listed pets, put them in a more adoptable situation, one that includes a real home (albeit temporary) not a cage, lots of love and attention, high quality food, toys, and guidance for behavioral issues. But there are other ways to help: emergency veterinary care for at-risk pets of seniors and disabled owners. This type of help will often help save the life of a beloved companion of an elderly person or sick child where the alternative is euthanasia or relinquishment to a shelter. Don't these folks suffer or struggle enough in life only to lose their beloved pet due to unforeseen circumstances and strapped finances? Donate food, toys, blankets, bowls, litter, collars, tags, bleach, mops, soap, laundry detergent, paper towels, pens, paper, envelopes, postage stamps, or larger items like smocks, computers, refrigerators, washers and dryers or a used van for transport. Gift certificates to pet stores, office supply stores, and groceries are a big help, too. Trust me, these people know how to shop thrifty and can stretch a dollar further than most! Your time. Your time is more valuable than money. Even if you can only give 2 hours a week. That can go a LONG way towards saving a pet. Whether it be greeting adopters, cleaning cages, mopping floors, stuffing envelopes, making phone calls, taking photos, fundraising or baking cookies or making crafts, it all helps. Helping animals isn't just limited to homeless pets. Maybe it's wildlife that touches your heart. Maybe you want to help with search and rescue, lost and found or be part of disaster relief efforts. C&C always stresses the importance of being prepared for an emergency. We also have a respiratory mask program that we are very proud of bring to fruition. Donated to local fire departments, these masks have the potential to save your pet, my pet, ones in shelters, pet stores, vet clinics, zoos, anywhere an animal might be where they can be in distress from fire, tornado, earthquake, car accident, chemical spill or terrorist attack. Maybe you don't want to be hands-on or perhaps your allergic to certain pets. That's ok, too! I'm terribly allergic to rabbits and within minutes I can't breathe from an asthma attack. But that doesn't stop me from advocating a better life for them by promoting spay & neuter or donating money. You can help design a website, pass out flyers, or become an activist by urging lawmakers at the city, county or state level all the way to Washington to do the right thing. Look at the many areas the Humane Society of the United States affects change: preventing downer cows from entering our food supply, stopping the slaughter of wild horses, raiding puppy mills and rescuing stranded animals after Hurricane Katrina. YOU have the power to help, too. Let YOUR voice be heard; by pen or by vote. I love Catnip & Carrots. We are Ohana (family). This is truly a labor of love and I am so incredibly proud of each of our volunteers and supporters and how they have always stood up and walked directly to the plate and made a difference in their own way. It's almost unrealistic (but true!) that we have not felt growing pains or had differences of opinion and we continue to be steadfast in our desire to make a difference and remain open to change and new ideas. I try to be a good leader and believe in doing what feels right and what is most comfortable for you. This is a place where age, sex, race, orientation, religion or physical ability does not matter - only your heart. The animals don't care about those things. (me, either.) They just want to snuggle and purr, or romp in the grass, or nudge your hand for a loving touch. They ask for so little and give so very much in return... In closing, please remember this one thing:
Helping one animal won't change the world, but it will certainly change the world for that one animal. Now that truly gives me meaning and I want desperately to be that change. How will you spay it forward? As always, my door is always open to your comments or suggestions or if you simply want to talk, vent your frustrations or need a little help. Feel free to contact me at: mail@catnipandcarrots.org. Peace and much love, 
Susan Wise
President, Catnip & Carrots Animal Bunch |
