Regularly, I find stray dogs roaming the streets, see chained dogs, dogs lacking proper shelter, attention and care, and pass by stores selling lives to anyone who walks through the door when lives are already being taken from those who can't find a home. I see television shows where ASPCA officers spend a good part of their day and lives rescuing animals from humans and know many people who work tirelessly at rescuing homeless and abused animals. We have brought these animals into our world through selective breeding and domestication and yet so many of us treat them so poorly. As responsible and caring individuals, it is up to us to care for these animals whose only guardian angels are humans. We have the ability to help those in need.

Companion animals, if they share our homes, require shelter, proper nutrition, social interaction, mental stimulation, regular medical care and above all, love. Without even one of these, animals become depressed, neurotic, develop behavior issues and sickness.

Across the world, companion animals are mistreated, neglected and uncared for by those who initially took them in. If we see someone in our neighborhood who appears to be neglecting the needs of their companion animal, it is up to us to help that animal. Whether it be a visit to their home, an anonymous letter with educational literature or a call to the ASPCA. If we see a stray animal roaming the streets, it is up to us to help get that animal to safety, whether by our own means or by animal rescue agencies. If we see wildlife in trouble or danger, it is up to us to report it to the proper wildlife rescue agencies. If we see an animal holed up in a locked car on a hot day, it is up to us to see that the animal makes it through and that their guardian is informed of the dangers of such practices. There is always someone to help us in our mission to help animals. Rescue organizations, no-kill shelters, wildlife rescue, ASPCA agencies and emergency animal hospitals are only a phone call away.