Easter. Although not everyone celebrates it, for the millions that do, many feel that Easter is their New Year.  Their fresh start. Their refresh, reboot, renew.

For many, Easter is the time to set new goals, make new resolutions, make a fresh start.

If you celebrated Easter today, and this included quality time with family and friends – maybe that was enough for you.

But. BUT. If you’re searching for something more, something bigger than you, something else, and you haven’t quite found it yet, try giving of yourself.

Make this Easter your New Year of donating yourself for animals.

To donate literally means to give.

Think about that.

It doesn’t matter that your checkbook balance will not allow you to send money on behalf of an animal in need.   It’s a shame that so many feel that the only way they are TRULY making a difference is to send money, because they are closing the door on other opportunities to help and support.

Here’s a simple and surefire way to donate:  You can give of yourself.
Every person has something of themselves that they can give to make a difference in the life of an animal in need.

Of course, excuses are easy to come by if you don’t want to donate, period. So whether or not you have the money to write that check then becomes moot.  But, oh, how wonderful if you WANT to donate but you just can’t financially. Because that opens up so many other imaginative and creative ways to give of yourself instead.

If you’re reading this Blog, chances are you are familiar with our website and all the ways we encourage people to save or better the life of an animal in need.  Poke around our site, and you’ll come across some good ideas to be a great supporter of animals, no matter what your resources are.

It doesn’t take any science at all to dream up ways you can donate yourself to help out and support. All it takes is a willing YOU.

What will you do this Easter season, and every day, to save or better a life? Do it, talk about it, lead by example, and encourage others to JUST DO SOMETHING.

Make today YOUR best New Year ever.  Start today, start tomorrow. Just start.

Every effort, every giving of yourself, helps to make a difference in the lives of an animal in need; and they NEED all the help they can get.

Be a champion for those that can’t speak for, or defend themselves…donate yourself – today.

Did you know?

• There are roughly 7 million stray dogs and cats in the U.S. at any given time.
• Many people will not take in a stray dog or cat, especially during mild weather, because they feel strays can fend for themselves if it’s nice out.
• There are many people who will not even call to report an injured animal in the mild weather for the same reason.

When talking about stray (homeless, ownerless) animals, the majority of people take this to mean dogs and cats.  But common stray animals are not the only animals to be negatively impacted by their circumstance.  ANY animal (including wild animals and birds) can have a difficult time, depending on their environment and their health.

Never turn your back on any animal in distress or in danger. The type of animal and the situation should always be taken into thoughtful consideration before you make the decision to aide that animal yourself.  Even a stray dog or cat can be a possible risk to you if that animal is ill or becomes frightened when trying to approach it.  Not sure? Call your local authority.

Animals are waking up and coming out of hibernation.

You know YOU feel when your alarm clock goes off? You stumble out of bed, half awake, and try to begin your day still foggy and sleepy. THAT’s how it is for many wild animals in Spring.  Being aware of animals at ANY time of year is important – but like everything else, there are ebbs and flows to wildlife also. Spring is one of the times of year where we see more animals hit by cars than usual. Animals are waking up, roaming up, starting to forage for food and ready their homes for mating and breeding season. Their alarm clocks have gone off, and they are up and running.

It’s a good time of year to practice caution when driving, and ask others to do the same.

If you DO see an animal that has been hit be a car, PLEASE STOP.
Here are some things you can do to help.

Spring weather can still be cold.

The days may be longer, the sun may shine a little more, the snow is melting and buds are appearing all over the place.  But that doesn’t mean that the ground is thawed, the mud has dried and the nights are warmer.  At this time of year, the ground is still very cold even though we are starting to see the grass, and that includes mud that warms up during the day, but re-freezes at night. And remember, we still can get snow in the Spring!

• Even well meaning pet owners may not realize they should not simply put their animal outside for prolonged periods of time during Spring (especially in the early mornings and night time).  This is especially true for new pet owners who may not yet be well educated on environmental pet care and for elderly pet owners who may forget from time to time the importance of routinely checking on their pets once they are outside.
• Take the time to speak up if you see a domestic animal staying outside for too long.
  It matters to that animal.
• Domestic pets that are in-door animals, should be limited in the amount of time spent outside in the cold and damp.
• If it’s still cold enough for you to wear a jacket, then chances are your pet needs one also.
• Humans have boots; animals have paws.  Although the bottom of your pet’s paws may feel rough, they are sensitive to hot and cold.  Cold can burn, ice can tear and scrape, snow can numb, salt and residual ice-melting chemicals can do damage (and make you pet sick if s/he licks their paws after they come indoors) and frostbite is still possible in the early Spring.  Most domestic animals dislike “booties”, so simply pay attention to the amount of time your pet is walking on the snow, ice and cold pavement, and take the time to gently wipe off cold and wet paws after being outdoors.
• Is it a cold, wet day? Any soft, clean absorbent towel is great for drying off your pet after outdoor time.  A cold wet pet is a miserable, shivering pet.  Be sure to routinely wash any toweling used to dry your pet.

PESTICIDE SEASON starts in Spring, and for many, continues on until late Fall.  Before you make the decision to treat with pesticides, think about your pets, wildlife (babies in the Spring and Fall), and our environment.  If you do decide to treat YOUR lawn, be conscious of where your pets routinely go outside, and the little critters that you know roam on your property.  Let your lawn guys know you have a pet that goes outside, and if you know of certain areas that critters enjoy, mention that, also. Ask them to leave an area untreated so your pet and other critters can enjoy your yard without easily coming into contact with lawn treatments, which can cause internal and external issues just by licking or touching pesticides.

• Before treating your lawn, before they arrive, remove water sources and ground feeding stations.  Pesticide poisoning HURTS.
• Try to keep your pet off treated lawns for the first 24-hours.
• Do not put out any food or water to entice other critters to your yard for 24-hours.
• Have an “out” plan in place if you treat your entire lawn, so your pet can still get out for exercise and relief.
• Be aware of neighbors who treat their lawns – stay away!
• Wipe off paws any time your pet walks on treated ground.
• Never let your pet lie or roll on treated ground.
• As a courtesy to other pet owners, leave your lawn treatment signs up at least two days to make others aware.

Spring springs activity in animals!

Spring is the time when mating rituals begin, many animals give birth, and wild animals wake up from hibernation to roam about looking for food and new homes for their young.  There is A LOT of animal activity in the spring.

Wild Animals

• More wild animals will be killed or injured by cars as they become more mobile.  Warmer weather means more animals roaming about. This is a good time to talk about what to do if you see ANY injured animal.
  • Again, click HERE for helpful information on what you can do.
• Come across any baby birds or animals? Leave them alone unless it’s clear they are abandoned or in distress. Not sure? Call your local rescue or wildlife rehabilitators to find out what you may need to do.
• If you have a dog that loves to chase, make sure wild animals (think squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, and their babies) are protected as best as you can, before you let your dog out.

Outdoor Dogs

• Yard debris covered up by snow should be cleared up to prevent animals and domestic pets from stepping on potential objects that can inflict injury by stepping on them or eating them. This includes picking up animal droppings that have accumulated in the yard over the winter.
• Some dog owners do not use flea medicine in the winter.  If you are one of those dog owners, it’s time to start!
• If your dog is an outside dog, clean out the doghouse, wash the bedding, clean up the area around the doghouse, and clean out the water bowl.  Routinely check doghouses and bedding for spiders and other bugs that love to nest inside them.

Birds

• If you clean out your birdhouses or nest boxes and leave them open in the Fall, now is the time to close them back up so birds can begin to nest.
• If you wean off from feeding the birds from the winter, do it gradually.  It’s still difficult to find food in the Spring, especially for the birds who have gotten used to eating from your feeding stations all winter.  The warmer is gets, the less seed you can put out.
• Clean up your feeding stations and feeders so they are ready for next year.  Uneaten, left out seed and food items from the winter will spoil and mold in the warmer weather.
• Clean out bird baths that have stayed out over the winter. Always offer fresh, clean water.
• Do you like to feed the ducks? A bag of corn works better than bread.

And remember, for the SPRING, or ANY time of year:

• Always SPEAK UP.
  • Keep your eyes and ears open.  If you become aware of a situation where ANY animal is in distress or danger, DO SOMETHING about it.
  • Call local authorities and WAIT until someone comes to the animal’s aide.
  • You may be the ONLY witness and/or the ONLY one to help that animal in that situation.
  • Don’t be nervous or worried if you have to report an act of animal abuse or neglect.
    YOU are their voice.
  • If you are not sure about what you think you see, call for help anyway. You might be saving a life.
• Provide shelter.
  • If bringing the animal inside your home is not an option, help him/her survive the damp and cold Spring weather by providing shelter such as a sturdy cardboard box lined with a good amount of clean, dry straw (straw is the main insulator that rescuers use when helping out strays or domestic outdoor animals who stay outside).
    • Straw provides a soft but effective barrier against the cold and damp, keeps warmth in (if you pile it in a good amount), is pliable enough so animals can burrow and surround themselves with it, and does not mold quickly.
    • Don’t bother with towels and blankets as these will get wet in a storm and stay damp.
  • Enticing the animal into your garage will also work.  
    • Ensure proper bedding for warmth and comfort, as garages usually are not heated.
    • Make sure that harmful products normally stored in the garage are completely out of the way.
    • Cars should never be running in the garage at any time if there is an animal in there!

• Are you already providing shelter to a stray?
  • Time to change the straw or bedding!  
  • Just like a human, animals can develop sores and sensitive skins from dirty, unwashed bedding.
  • Replace straw and/or  wash bedding!  
  • A stray’s life can be pretty miserable. Don’t add to it by overlooking this simple necessity.

• Provide food and water.
  • Did you know that many pet owners think that melted snow is a great substitute for water? Not true! Melted snow is left-over snow, which is dirty and unclean for a number of reasons.
  • Always ensure that there is a daily supply of fresh, clean water easily available.  
  • Providing stray animals with fresh, clean food and water can help them survive better because they will need to use less energy to scrounge up their dinner.
  • A well-fed, well hydrated animal is also better prepared to fight off illness and infection.
  • Steer clear of canned food as it is more likely to freeze when the temperatures drop and spoil when the temperature warms.

Remember, if you do take in a stray animal:

• Make sure your first stop is with a licensed veterinarian who can assess the animal for diseases and make sure that it is immunized and safe to be around your children or other pets.
• If you don’t want to bring the stray to a shelter, reach out to your local rescue groups to see if someone can take him/her.

What are your Spring tips? Share it with us, and we’ll pass it around! All efforts matter for ANY time of year, when it comes to helping out our animals.

It’s time to think differently about conservation

The past 18 months have been remarkable. As most would know, I campaigned my local MP to create a global first. Australia announced in March 2015 that it would ban the importation of lion trophies and body parts…well before the death of Cecil.  France has recently done the same.

How this came about is because I believed and trusted my guidance. Scientists will scoff, trophy hunters will tell you I’m crazy, politicians will say I’m not a normal activist and they’re right, I don’t fit any particular mould.

I’ve always deeply loved and spoken up for nature and animals. Even as a little girl while on a family holiday off the Western Australian coast, my father and his friend decided to ride the turtles:  I wept and told them that they were “interfering with nature”. I was born with an innate sense of justice and I’ve been fierce in that.

A spiritual traveller, questing for deeper meaning and purpose, but never dreaming I’d find myself working on wildlife issues, assisting the Australian Government.

What ignited my heart and a love for Africa was attending a workshop at Global White Lion Protection Trust in Timbavati, South Africa. Hosted by Linda Tucker, the Trust founder, and Andrew Harvey, author and Sacred Activist teacher. The first morning out we surprised the Royal Pride, the founding family of white lions of this project, they sat bolt upright and engaged. I was absolutely overwhelmed by the immense beauty and presence of these magnificent white lions. I’d never seen or imagined anything like it. But what was pivotal was that one of the young males locked eyes with me and I was pierced through, my heart broken wide open.

Back at camp Linda talked about the threats facing Africa’s lions and specifically white lions as they are targeted by trophy hunters, obviously because of their stunning beauty and high trophy value. She also described the horrors of canned hunting which I’d never heard of and to say that I was white with rage is to put it lightly.  In my disgust and despair Andrew Harvey looked at me and said something like this; “now that you’ve been brought to your knees by your righteous indignation, your rage, your disbelief and sorrow, I want you to take that heartbreak and turn it into passionate action fuelled and informed by your heart”.

I returned to Australia, sharing what I knew about the plight of Africa’s lions, signing petitions and the like. But it wasn’t until December 2012 (and many know the significance of that date) when I was again at the Global White Lion Trust for a gathering of people from around the world, including Pippa Hankinson, her history in conservation, specifically lions,  led her to produce the recently released film on canned hunting, Blood Lions. We left Timbavati knowing we had to do more and get very serious about it.

On these early trips it became blatantly obvious that Africa, and more specifically her wildlife, is under siege as wildlife is intensely commodified. I needed to contribute, I needed to do something!

I’ve attended workshops with people like Anna Breytenbach (interspecies communication), Jon Young (deep nature connection), Alwyn Myberg (bird language) and one thing is for sure, we better well start listening (deeply) to nature if we’re to stop the race to extinction.

Should conservation be the responsibility of conservationists only and if so, why are so many species facing extinction? Is it the responsibility of scientists, activists, ecologists or governments?  Whilst all are absolutely necessary and I am so very grateful to those that work in these incredibly confronting and challenging fields, I accomplished something that, even in the week leading up to the announcement, was declared impossible.

I have a background in design and a few years back attended a government led workshop where designers were engaged by big business. Creatives see what others don’t – musicians, poets, writers, artists, mystics, philosophers…we view the world differently. Bring those eyes into an organisation or a problem and hey, opportunities, possibilities, ideas are uncovered which are often overlooked because everyone is busy getting the day to day done.

I’m testament that the old rules of engagement don’t necessarily apply. We need creative partnerships – to think outside the usual constructs and safe zones if we’re to manifest radical, passionate action which cuts through old limitations and just maybe, create a bit of magic. We don’t have time for further reporting or consultation – it’s been done to death and we’re losing our wildlife because of human bureaucratic process.

I navigated the work with the Federal Government as it presented – no training or experience in strategy, conservation or policy and certainly no attachment to outcome, just being courageous and being prepared to learn along the way.  I know I was guided once I  completely committed to the process and I was blessed to have Ian Michler (internationally respected conservationist and investigative journalist) and Pippa Hankinson mentor me.

A great initiative that is currently brewing is listing lions as a World Heritage Species – it’s brilliant and necessary. But of course, we are in this predicament because we haven’t been able to stay connected to nature; we have forgotten that intrinsically we are part of the web of life.

Wildlife belongs to the planet, not to any government, individual, organisation, corporate or group – animals have a right to exist, on their ancestral or endemic homelands as part of their specific ecosystems and the greater ecology. Commoditizing wildlife will be our undoing.

Moving species to other countries to save them, to live in captivity is not conservation, it’s desperation, In certain instances its a bid to use an old paradigm to mask lucrative wildlife trade. We’re on dangerous ground when we continue to mess with the natural order of things. It’s time to drop our arrogance and allow nature to inform us and we must return to our rightful place as guardians not gods.

We are racing extinction and the truth is, if the animals go so do we.  What I ask myself everyday is what am I going to do about it – we all having something unique and practical to contribute.

I don’t know how to save the world. I don’t have the answers or THE answer. I hold no secret knowledge as to how to fix the mistakes of generations past and present. I only know that without compassion and respect for all of Earth’s inhabitants, none of us will survive, nor will we deserve to.

– Donalea Patman

Having travelled throughout her life the most defining and memorable moments have always involved animals. A passionate advocate for sentient beings, she has always held a deep love of nature.

A lifetime interest and study of personal development and spirituality lead to her involvement in Sacred Activism. Donalea launched For the Love of Wildlife to create a professional platform to campaign the plight of animals in Africa, Australia and New Zealand, raising awareness of the destructive forces annihilating the natural world. 

Connect to For The Love of Wildlife on Facebook and Twitter; E-mail them at fortheloveofwildlife@gmail.com for more information.

 

THERE IS HOPE

I grew up in the African bush and had a very privileged childhood traveling through Africa – being exposed to her diverse and beautiful wildlife. Only recently I realised that the last 7 years of my life had been spent in the ‘big city’ – pursing the things that Society dictates. I went through an incredibly emotional and spiritual journey when I was thrust back into the African bush with a group of wildlife conservationists. They moved me beyond words. The central message: “there is hope.”

Africa is the mother and birthplace to so many amazing animals – the wise and wrinkly elephant, the cheetah with markings resembling tears, the beautiful African Painted Wolf, the iconic rhino being maliciously poached for its horn…

It’s so easy to lose hope when one hears about the poaching crisis; the death of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe; and the unbelievable number of species that are now extinct, which we will never see again! It’s natural to feel powerless and to have the attitude of “enjoy it while it lasts”…

But being among conservationists who speak so passionately about their work, and who work tirelessly to fight for our endangered animals, makes one realise that there is hope, and fuels you with the much-needed desire to JUST DO SOMETHING.

There are some incredibly inspiring things being done by a small few in Africa, and it moves you to the very core to see them in action. Even just being among wild animals is so fantastically good for the soul. It makes you want to do something and makes you question the purpose of life. Moreover, it makes you realise that there is much that you can do to help!

My own life changed in recent months after such an experience. I have been involved with a conservation organisation in South Africa called Wildlife ACT, who are at the forefront of endangered African species conservation. Their members are some of the most inspiring people I have ever met, and they need all the help they can get. They have taught me the difference between real wildlife conservation and the equally real industry that exploits the human desire to help by offering highly unethical conservation practices. Everyone has the desire to pet a lion cub, to ride and elephant and to swim with dolphins, but so few understand how this is actually so damaging and harmful to the animals involved.

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My goal of just doing something has boiled down to the importance of educating people about what is going on, so that they may make informed, ethical decisions when it comes to helping our defenseless animals. And I can’t stress enough the importance of getting involved and witnessing it first-hand, and by doing so, feel the urge to help spread such knowledge. I have always loved animals. Nothing gives my life more purpose than fighting to save them. And I don’t blame those who believe they are doing good under false pretences. Knowledge is power, and I hope this at least encourages you to just do something by actively educating yourself through research.  I am still learning too; but please don’t hesitate to get in touch (galen@wildlifeact.com). I will dedicate all the time I have to inspire and motivate you as much as I have been in the past few months. There is hope. It is my goal to show you that.

– Galen Schultz

Galen was lucky enough to have been born in Zululand, South Africa to parents who love to travel. Waking up in a different country was a major part of his childhood. From an early age Galen has been fascinated with nature and feels an amazing sense of connection when immersed in it. His love for animals will never die and he has recently dedicated himself towards saving endangered African species from extinction – by rallying support and spreading knowledge and awareness about African conservation.

“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin” ~ William Shakespeare

It’s bound to happen. You’re out there. You’re speaking up and speaking out. You’re supporting, encouraging, pleading, helping, networking, educating, raising funds and volunteering. You’re spending time, energy, breaks, and vacation. You’re advocating. You’re making a difference. You’re saving lives.

And sometimes you find yourself being noticed for all the WRONG things.

I make it a point NOT to share my personal life on social media. Although I am very social, when I committed to being an advocate for animals in need and created just-do-something.org, I chose to stop using social media for anything but that. I wanted to be known on social media as someone with a very specific course – and that did not include talking about myself, or sharing my life’s updates.

It’s not that I wanted to give off an air of mystery. Or that I didn’t think others would not be interested in my life personally. Rather, I wanted to make a distinct mark on social media and keep the focus off me. Being an animal advocate IS a very personal thing, but, it’s not about me.

With that said, it can sometimes be difficult to be impersonal on social media, especially when others use social media platforms to make things very personal – sometimes intrusive.

Some continue to reach out to me all of our social media sites NOT for the good works I am attempting in Animal Support and Advocacy, but instead to see if they can have a “match made in heaven”, or to criticize something that we shared or posted, or, or, or.

It’s not that I’m hardened to this type of interaction – I’m not. People can be horrible, whether it’s on social media or in person. But honestly, what does it take to get through to some of these people that I’m not interested in a romantic relationship or in arguing over the everyday minutia that isn’t going to matter once the conversation on your Facebook page ends.  Or, the ones who just come right out and state that my efforts are not going to make a difference because, because, because.

I am too busy tearing my hair out over the dog in the next town over that is freezing and hungry, even though local Animal Control says their owners are within the limits of the law.

I am too busy trying to fit Animal Welfare conference calls and meetings around my full-time job schedule.

I am too busy figuring out how every day I can fit more time in the hours that I have to continue to find ways to make a difference for animals in need.

I. am. too. busy.

Do I think that I am more important than the next person trying to make a difference? No.

But I DO feel that it’s NOT okay for someone to push their way into someone else’s circles for their own agenda.

Want to learn about Animal Welfare? Want to hear what it takes to be an Animal Advocate? Want help getting started? Need a resource to help save an animal’s life?

I AM YOUR PERSON.

Want a date? Want to complain about the way your office mate chews gum too loudly? Want to put others down for making an effort?

STOP RIGHT THERE.

Look at my social medial accounts. Read my profiles. See what we are posting and sharing through just-do-something.org. THAT is what I am all about on social media. THAT is what is important, so important, to me.

Want to follow, connect or share? Then make sure, when it’s our social media platforms you are checking out, that you are following, connecting and sharing for the SAME reasons I am.

• To make a difference.
• To save or better the lives of animals in need.
• To encourage and support others to speak on and speak out on behalf of animals in need.
• To educate and inspire others to JUST DO SOMETHING.

THAT is what I am all about on and outside of social media.

There are many people out there who also experience the same kinds of social media issues. Most of them will deal with the nonsense that comes with being connected to well, everyone, and continue on with their own endeavors. But some will cave under the pressure and stress that comes with being known on social media, and change their style do avoid future problems or give up.

If you believe in what you are doing, then, no matter what the roadblock, persevere.

No matter what comes my way, I will persevere.

I am an animal advocate. I. Will. Not. Be. Stopped.

I don’t have a name. I am only one of those that no one cares about. One of those who belong to everyone and no one. One of those who never see a collar, leash or a fence, one of those who are never left home alone waiting for the owners to come from work. People say we are free, but this freedom comes with a high price. Our lives are tough and our freedom stories almost always end up tragically and too soon, either we get hit by a car or we fall asleep forever due to disease, exhaustion and hunger. I am one of those rare few that even gets this far.

I am 8 months old…

This is the beginning of a story I have written years back and won a first prize at a local short story competition. It is a story about my first rescue, a German Shepherd mix that way back in 2003 I brought home with me from my vacation in Sicily. I was 19 years old at the time and that was the first time I realized I could no longer just look away hoping there would be someone else to help her. There was nobody else. I was her only chance of life.

She has been with me through good and bad for the past 12 years. She has traveled half of Europe with me and while traveling through Bosnia, Serbia, Albania, Greece, Macedonia and seeing the horror there that I admit I had to look away countless times. Not for the lack of caring though but for fear of losing my own sanity. I wanted to do more than just save one life so 5 years back I rescued another German Shepherd mix from a local shelter. Still though, is this enough? Can I go to Greece on my annual vacation for the next 20, 30 years and just look away? I thought so, until about 6 months ago Beban came along and changed my life forever…

I was going through a local magazine when I stumbled upon a picture of a 4 months old puppy from Balkans. The photo was small, yet you could see something horrible has happened to him, his skin was missing on many parts of his body and his terrified eyes spoke volumes. I went on to read his story and was horrified. He was tied up by 4 drunk men, beaten by them, then they cut off all his fur and poured acid on him. His small body and all 4 paws were severely burned with acid and there was little chance for him to survive, let alone walk again.

I logged into Facebook for the first time in my life to find contacts on how to help him. After that it just went downhill for me. One link led to another and I found stories of dogs hanged by 11 year old kids, dogs dragged behind cars, dogs killed or mutilated with fire crackers, beaten to death, starved to death, dogs frozen to death. What have I been doing for the past 15 years? Where were my eyes during all those travels through western balkans? How in the world can I go on living seeing those horrible pictures, reading those horrible stories?

I fell into some sort of depression and no matter how hard I tried I didn’t see a way out. I felt disgusted with humans, with life, with myself and everyone around me. I have had my share of problems to deal with before but for the first time in my life I thought it’s all just meaningless. I really didn’t want to live anymore. Not with such pain and desperation I felt. It was the feeling of being completely powerless that was killing me. That fear of losing my own sanity proved to be right on the spot. I have lost it, it took me 3 weeks of crying, self hatred and solitude to be at a stage where I didn’t burst into tears every 2 hours. I went to seek help and understanding with rescuers who all had similar experiences and knew what I was going through. If it wouldn’t be for them I really am not sure where I would be at this time.

Since then I have read hundreds of sad and happy stories. I still cry, I still suffer. And I always will. But what doesn’t kill you truly does make you stronger. Despite occasional tears and depression and more or less constant pain and compassion I feel for all these poor abandoned dog souls…I am okay and I now know I will never turn away again for as long as I live.

I have educated myself regarding the situations in Balkans and dedicated my time to help a small but devoted group of local volunteers in Bosnia. To one of them I would trust with my life so I have no doubt my help and effort goes to the right person. This is my humble attempt to try and change something. I may not save the world but if I save a life of one dog that is the world to him.

What is our mission? Although it is proving to be difficult, we are trying to get to the bottom of the problem and focus on spay/neuter projects which in the long run is the only thing that can help resolve the terrible situation with stray dogs in Bosnia. I try to travel there English translation in Comments. We do however struggle with donations. Sometimes it’s hard to even get 25€ / month that we need to pay the rent for the land. Please do visit their Facebook page, have a look at our work and invite friends.

If someone wants to help me and them or you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact me via my Facebook page, or my Twitter Account.

I saved the best for last. Remember Beban, the puppy with acid burns? He recovered completely and is happily adopted in my hometown. It is stories like this that despite all the horror keep me going.

– Ada Valencic
  Dedicated to helping the strays of Bosnia with the help of donations and local volunteers

So many people lament over being “alone” or “without” on Valentine’s Day.  Being alone does stink sometimes, and being alone on a special day reserved specifically for love, families, and couples can make for a bad day if a person lets it get that far.

If a person is finds him/herself alone on Valentine’s Day; it’s a temporary solo. Maybe your friends or family ARE busy on Valentine’s Day, but the next day, it will be business as usual – you will go back to your normal routine, with the free will to do as you please within your limits and that devastating feeling you had on Valentine’s Day because you were by yourself seems a little less devastating.

And maybe, being alone this Valentine’s Day will motivate you to make some life changes so that perhaps next Valentine’s Day you won’t feel or be so alone.

Take a moment to think about what might at the source of someone feeling so down over being alone on Valentine’s Day. And then take those thoughts a little farther, and think about what it means for a homeless animal or an animal in need to be alone, in general.

For these animals, THEY are alone. They are homeless, they are neglected, they are cold, they are hungry, they are scared, they are anxious, they are – without. COMPLETELY alone and COMPLETELY without.

And those animals in shelters? The majority of them sadly, have a shelf-life. And, being fed and sleeping in a cage is no replacement for a permanent home with a loving family. They are alone.

So, why should you think about them on Valentine’s Day? Because you can JUST DO SOMETHING, that’s why.

Here are some quick things YOU can do to be a Valentine to an animal in need:

• Volunteer your time at a local shelter; even if you are not able to physically walk a shelter dog, you can sit with them, talk to them, touch them, read to them, and/or play with them.
• Many animal interest sites offer options to Be A Valentine on-line for animals. This can mean anything from sponsoring an animal in need, purchasing on-line where proceeds go to animals in need, and/or sending someone an on-line Valentine’s Day Card that heightens awareness of an animal in need or an organization that helps animals.
• Offer to pet sit with someone who is unable to get out often, but has the opportunity to do so on Valentine’s Day.
• Walk over to that neighbor’s 24/7 chained dog and pay attention to him/her.
• Go on-line and help make a difference – all day on Valentine’s Day – by crosspointing, networking and sharing for animals in need.

Animals obviously do not feel MORE alone on holidays. But they DO feel.  Like you, they are very aware of their surroundings, their discomfort, their isolation, and their loneliness.

Yep, being alone for whatever reason, sucks. Whether you are two-legged or four-legged, no-one wants to be or feel alone.

Will doing something to help make a difference to a four-legged lonely soul make YOU feel less alone on Valentine’s Day?  Maybe.  It’s beats sitting around and feeling bad. And in the process, YOU are helping to make a difference in an animal’s life.

Sharing and giving of yourself, no matter what the reason, is the BEST reason to JUST DO SOMETHING (whether it’s just on Valentine’s Day or any other day).

No matter what you are doing this Valentine’s Day, make it a great day in general for an animal in need. You can. We all can.

Last February, 114.4 million people in the United States watched the Super Bowl, making it, as usual, the top-rated television broadcast of the year.

Animal Advocates agree that with the addition of the Kitten Bowl and Puppy Bowl, the Super Bowl is making things a little more SUPER for animals in need because ALL of these animals are shelter animals.

Kitten Bowl III

Last year, more than 100 kittens from California shelters took part in the Kitten Bowl, and EVERY kitten was adopted.

In addition, 35 shelters across the COUNTRY threw Kitten Bowl adoption parties Saturday and Sunday. In the last two years, the parties led to 1,000 dogs and cats finding homes. Hallmark’s Pet Project is an ongoing pet adoption initiative.

This year, there are 44 animal shelters and rescue organizations from across the country participating! The network also partnered with the Pro Football Hall of Fame to honor legendary puppy players and bolster interest in adoption of older animals.

Rescue groups for this year’s participants span 25 states, including, Nevada, Arizona, New York, Virginia, Florida, Illinois, Texas, Tennessee and others – THANK YOU! Animal Planet’s year-wide effort to promote pet adoption has led to more than 3,000 animals finding new homes. Yeah!

Many of those infamous and cute Super Bowl Commercials involving animals also help to spread and heighten Animal Awareness. And, many of the proceeds from them goes directly back into participating local animal organizations.

Win, and win.

So, whether you’re a fan of Super Bowl or not, EVERYONE can appreciate the good it’s doing to promote adoption and awareness for animals in need.

Okay, time to get ready for our Super Bowl party! If YOU are hosting a party tonight, don’t forget to pay attention to YOUR four-legged family members. Keep them safe, de-stressed and make sure their needs are met no matter where YOU are in the game.

What is Geomancy?

When I was introduced to Nicky Crocker it rang a bell but sounded a bit airy-fairy for my liking. But being the inquisitive person that I am (aka nosy) I decided to find out more about it.

I did some research and became fascinated by Ley Lines, Dragon Paths, Fairy Roads and Geopathic Stress Lines.

Remember in the Da Vinci Code how everything ran in lines, all the churches and significant buildings; how it all had meaning. That is the theory behind geomancy. The earth is criss-crossed with magnetic fields that surround it like a cobweb. These fields can be read by a geomancer.

Birds, animals and insects, are believed to use Ley Lines as a guide in their migrations across great distances, as presumably did early humans.

The earth has a natural electromagnetic field (Schuman Resonance), which is the same as our brain waves, of 7.83hz. As the fields pass around the earth they get distorted by underground streams and mineral deposits. Some of the Geopathic Stress Lines can measure up to 250hz which is the worst-case scenario and very harmful to humans and animals. Imagine the heat created by the movement of atoms; bacteria and parasites thrive in these hotter temperatures (150 – 180hz).

How does this affect our animals?

An Example: PET First Aid & Training moved into new premises in September 2014, one of our regular office members is Keira (Laura’s dog). We never thought much of it but Keira would not settle under Laura’s desk. She just could not sit still. Interestingly Laura has had repeated health problems, headaches, colds and now a shoulder injury.

I invited Nicky to our office to have a chat. While she was here she dowsed our office and found two Geopathic Stress Lines, one that ran straight through Laura’s desk and chair.

To locate these lines Nicky used dowsing rods. These are short, straight rods mounted on handles in such a way that the handle is stable but the rod may swing freely: they are held one in each hand, pointing forward to start.

All this was very interesting, but I still had doubts.

Nicky then bought out a Gaussmeter (a meter for measuring magnetic fields). This appealed to my cynical nature as we now had some science to test the theory with.

Before you go any further click on the link to have a look at this quick related video, it took my breath away and opened a whole series of questions.

The Gaussmeter shows the huge difference in the magnetic fields by Laura’s desk compared to mine. If you think about the difference in the speed that atoms move when they are in a high electrical field you start to understand why Keira would be uncomfortable under Laura’s desk.

A lot of animals will naturally avoid areas with Geopathic Stress Lines but if they are confined they do not have the option of moving away. Other animals are attracted to Geopathic Stress Lines and thrive on them because of the heat that is created by the rapid movement of atoms.

React positively: Cats, owls, snakes, bees, snails; even moss, bacteria and fungus. If you want a better honey production move your hive over a Geopathic Stress Line.

Take some time to watch your cat; where are they sleeping? We all know that cats like sunny warm spots like the window ledge. But what if they are sleeping in an area that you know that does not get any sun? I have concrete floors and one of my cats sleeps by the bookcase. No sun, concrete floor??? Not where I would want to sleep if I was a heat-seeking cat. Maybe there is a Geopathic Stress Line running through that part of my house?

React negatively: Humans, dogs, cattle, pigs, hens and sheep. So if your dogs don’t settle in an area, don’t put their bed there.

The example of Keira is very common and throughout history humans have used animals as a barometer for building. In Roman times they would corral sheep in an area that they were going to build; if the sheep did not settle or got ill they would not build there. But if the sheep settled, rested and stayed in good health they would build on that site.

The doors have been opened to so many questions!

Imagine being uncomfortable and potentially sleep deprived because your cage or enclosure is on a Geopathic Stress Line. Could this be part of the issue for the caged dog that has behaviour issues? Can we use geomancy to assist with behavioural issues they may occur due to Geopathic Stress Lines?

How about Zoo’s or any area where animals are contained? The pacing of the bored animals could it be more than boredom?

Could the detection of Geopathic Stress Lines help animal shelters and rehoming facilities ensure that the animals in their care are being kept in the least stressful environment? The happier the animal, the more chance we have of finding it a new home.

Where do we go from here?

After Nicky left we moved Laura’s desk and now Keira is happy to lie next to her mum all day.

I am intrigued, fascinated and hooked on geomancy.

– Joanna Clough
  Director at Pet First Aid & Training (New Zealand)
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Last Chance For Animals (LCA) undercover investigators are on the ground right now documenting China’s illegal dog meat trade. Due to their work, two notorious dog slaughterhouses in China’s Jilin province – Zhao Zhiyong and Wangyajun – were closed down. But this is just the beginning of the battle to save these helpless animals, and the slaughterhouses are already attempting to reopen in the cover of night.

With a team working full time in China, LCA is fighting to shut down these illegal and shockingly cruel slaughterhouses permanently.

The dogs are kidnapped from their backyards or from the streets, and transported in small cramped cages to illegal slaughter facilities. There, they are caged until it is their turn to die. Slaughterhouse workers beat the dogs with clubs and slice their throats; then the dogs are burned and boiled, sometimes while they’re still alive. Many of the dogs are too petrified by fear to run, hide, or make any sound. They just cower in corners helplessly. Those who do try to escape are left running from side to side of the pen as they’re chased down by slaughterhouse employees.

About 10 million dogs each year in China are killed for their meat, even though it’s technically illegal to slaughter dogs commercially (due to health codes). To stop these atrocities, LCA needs your help. Please sign the petition at StopDogMeat.com, and spread the word about these brutal China dog slaughterhouses on your social media. Also please donate to LCA to help undercover investigators stay in the field to seek out and shut down these death camps.

To fully understand the severity of China’s dog slaughterhouses, and how desperately the dogs needs your help, please watch and share the video narrated by award-winning actress and activist Kim Basinger, viewable at StopDogMeat.com.