Talk Back: Words of Encouragement

Readers echoed the feelings expressed by Michele, who asked how to keep a positive attitude when animal suffering seems endless. Among their feedback:

The question from Michele is so close to my heart. I feel these same emotions every day, some days are much worse than others in my sadness. I find resolve through the HSUS site in many, many ways; reading about the bad, the good and the uplifting things people do helps me balance. So many books have been written about animals and the good that can come from humans; the knowledge is powerful and does seem to help the pain go away. Most of all, I look to Wayne’s words in this above answer for my energy. Thank you and let’s all take resolve in the changes that seem to be coming. —Debbie

Thank you for this very important blog entry. Depression and feelings of helplessness are, I think, afflictions that all in humane work suffer from. They can be devastating to some. Perhaps The HSUS can work with professionals in applicable fields to come up with information or guidance for those who are involved in humane work or support it, and provide ideas for coping skills and ways to persevere despite great emotional pain and sadness. —Ted

You are so right on this subject. We must never get discouraged. If the Michael Vick case had a silver lining it was this. The outrage on the part of the American people was so overwhelming. It crossed all demographics and all political party lines. This mass outrage clearly showed us that the huge majority of the American people care deeply and passionately about how we treat our animals. Yes, there is a ways to go. But we are winning, and will continue to do so. Especially with The HSUS leading the way for us every single day. I am so proud and thankful to be a member of The HSUS. —Grace

Thank you so much, Wayne, for your words of wisdom and encouragement. I, too, feel so many emotions when I read about the various plights of animals. Although I do my part, writing letters to politicians and judges, and donating money and foster time when possible, it is good advice that I focus on what has been done, kind of looking back and seeing how FAR we have come as a movement, rather than focusing on the tragedy on a regular basis. You ROCK, guy! Keep up the great work! —TJF

I’m not sure where I found this quote, but after reading Wayne’s feedback on how to handle the emotional side of fighting for animals, it seemed appropriate to share it with you: "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do." (Edward Everett Hale) Or "You gotta keep on keepin’ on," by Joe Dirt. Thanks for all you do! —Stephanie

Readers also praised The HSUS’s new Animals and Religion program. Among the comments we received:

After reading your blog on Animals and Religion I found myself envisioning a beautiful world where everyone of different faiths comes together as one with compassion and love for animals. I’m glad to see that the program erases boundaries between the religious groups because as we well know love has no boundaries. —Pamela Bertsch