Be Kind to Animals Week ~ Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.

Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.
Be Kind to Animals Week

A Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization
All donations are tax deductible
Copyright © 1997 - 2008

Be Kind to Animals Week

The American Humane Association created Be Kind to Animals Week in 1915 to celebrate the unique bond between humans and animals. Every year during the first full week of May, animal shelters and rescues throughout the country hold special events during this special week to raise awareness about Being Kind to Animals, and to teach people about the amazing role animals play in our lives. Be Kind to Animals Week is a great time to promote our nation’s animal welfare organizations and humane education, and to encourage everyone to get involved to make a difference for animals.

Humane education is the term for any curriculum that teaches society to care for the animals in their homes and communities. The goal of humane education is to create a culture of empathy and caring by stimulating one's moral development and sense of responsibility. The end goal of humane education is to create a more compassionate and responsible society.

Humane education introduces people to the emotions of animals and links this knowledge to a wider understanding of environmental issues and ecosystems. It is about fostering kindness, respect and empathy for both human and nonhuman animals.

Humane education teaches people how to accept and fulfill their responsibility to companion animals. It teaches people to understand the consequences of irresponsible behavior and finally, humane education encourages the value of all living things.

In honor of Be Kind to Animals Week, Pawprints and Purrs, Inc. wants all families to spend more time appreciating their companion animals. In addition, here are a few suggestions for ways to show kindness to animals during this special week and throughout the year:

Speak out for animals. Get active in local animal welfare policies and legislation. Also register on the American Humane Association or the ASPCA websites to receive timely Action Alerts about issues affecting animals. You’ll be able to make a difference for animals with just the click of your mouse.
Report animal abuse. While acts of violence against animals are tragic in their own right, they are also a red flag for other violent behavior, including domestic abuse and violent crime. Don't attempt to remove a pet from a potentially abusive or neglectful environment yourself. Not only is this illegal, but you haven't stopped the owner from getting another pet to abuse or helped turn him into a caring, responsible guardian.
Appreciate wildlife. Leave room in your yard for habitats. Plant trees and shrubs to give birds a welcome place to hang out. Set up a bird feeder and birdbath during winter when food and water are scarce. Or, create a hummingbird or butterfly habitat to attract these winged creatures to your yard. Make a bird or bat house.
Share kindness. Teach the people in your life especially children about the importance of being kind to animals and responsibilities.
Make a donation to your local animal shelter. A donation can be any number of contributions, from your time or money, to needed items like pet food or laundry detergent and bleach for the dozens of loads of laundry that have to be washed each day. Know that animal shelters have administrative duties just like other businesses. Often, they'll appreciate donated items like copy paper, computer supplies or even postage stamps. Call first and see what's on their wish list.
Adopt a pet from a shelter or breed placement group. Approximately 8 million to 12 million animals enter our nation’s shelters every year, and more than half of these pets will have to be euthanized because of a lack of homes. Shelters and rescues nationwide are filled with companion animals just waiting to be adopted. Under one roof, you'll find wonderful dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, and even small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters - all in need of good homes. If someone you know is looking for a new pet, refer them to a local shelter. Local shelters and rescues are the best places to find companion animals no matter what type you’re looking for. Keep in mind that 25% of pets in shelters is purebred.
Help solve the tragedy of euthanasia of adoptable animals by not contributing to the problem. If you have pets, make sure they are spayed or neutered. Pets should be microchipped and should always wear a collar with an ID tag, so they can be returned home quickly if they are ever lost.

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