Animal Well-Being and Advocacy ~ Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.

"Human liberation will begin when we understand that our evolution and fulfilment are contingent on the recognition of animal rights and on a compassionate and responsible stewardship of nature." ~ Dr. Michael W. Fox (1937 - )

Speaking strictly for myself, I intensely dislike the words "activist" and "activism." I admittedly make no room for those two words in neither my vocabulary nor personal life. Those words bring instantly and vividly to my mind acts of violence against a person or group whose actions, opinions, and views differ from another (i.e., splashing paint on fur wearers, releasing show animals confined in cages during pet shows, destroying animal control offices, kill shelters, pet shops and pet mill property, etc.). Instead, I refer to myself as an animal advocate, doing all I physically and financially can for animal welfare (as in well-being) and advocacy.

Webster's Collegiate Dictionary explains that the word "welfare" originates from the French expression wel faren, literally meaning fare [to go] well. It defines welfare as the state of doing well, especially in respect to well-being; of, relating to, or concerned with well-being and especially with improvement of the well-being of the disadvantaged.

Webster states that the word "advocate" comes from the Latin word advocatus - ad: to summon + vocare: to call, especially with voice. Hence, the word "advocacy" is defined as the act or process of advocating: defend, plead, support, maintain.

Waging acts of violence, threatening and using vulgarisms and profanities, simply stated, only leads one to and against a brick wall, accomplishing nothing but anger and frustration for the wager. No one hears your voice, no matter how loud your outcry, but they sure as hell see your actions - actions of violence and anger. And yet so many animal activists wonder why they are labeled as "one of those crazy animal people" ...

I have a mission as an animal advocate. I can and will be a keyboard advocate - slapping out emails, snail mails, newsletters, and posters; writing my legislative representatives; making phone calls and sending faxes to other powers-that-be; signing petitions; and providing through my web site and organization accurate and informative animal news, alerts, and educational material. I care enough to do - to act - in an attempt to change the attitude toward animals in this country and abroad, and through my actions, I will continue to speak out for all animals, demanding the justice and rights all sentient beings deserve.

My Motto - Care, Change, DO

Do you?