Talk Back: Humane Pride

Since I posted my blog on Monday about last week’s three major HSUS field operations, your comments have been rolling in. I wanted to share some of them today:

I am so heartened by the work you do on behalf of all living beings. You are organized, informed, and smart about how you go about stopping cruelty and mistreatment of animals. And you make it easy for supporters to keep supporting—helping us send letters to our congressmen, helping us contact the companies who may not be doing the right thing. By helping to make our voices heard, you broaden public awareness and that inevitably leads to good action taken, and doing what’s right for this earth. Thank you so much. —Jessica Keener

Like everyone I am thrilled with the strides being made to end animal cruelty and convict those responsible. And once again I must praise the work of organizations like the HSUS who have the stomach and fortitude to focus on this work. Just reading about these crimes is difficult; I can’t imagine having to keep my head and emotions in check as must be done. So thank you for your strength, all of you. Thank you so much. —Maria

Wayne and the HSUS staff, I am so proud to sponsor you and I so much appreciate all the hard work and the perseverance that you endure on behalf of God’s creatures. It is a comfort to know that through the flooding, fires, hurricanes and tornadoes, the HSUS is always there. Merry Christmas to you and all of your staff. —Brenda, Donna and our six spoiled dogs (Liza, Koko, Misa, ZZ, Tashi and Reilly)

Wayne’s post today reminds me why I pledge my fullest possible financial support to HSUS—and why I will be on my knees with gratitude the day this kind of organization is no longer needed. —Melissa Tedrowe

The dog in the cage looks so much like my little Rosie that it just breaks my heart. She was rescued living on the streets in Dayton by the dog catcher, and later saved from being euthanized by Lil Paws Rescue. Puppy mills and dogfighting—two subjects that just make me sick. Thank goodness for the HSUS for working so hard to stop these abuses. —Chris

Many of you have also commented on the year-end victories video that I posted last week. If you haven’t yet had a chance to watch it, be sure to find a few minutes to do so and to reflect on all of the achievements you helped to make possible for animals in 2008. Among your responses to the video:

I just get chills watching the video and all the advances HSUS has made over the last year. It is unbelievable. I will continue to support the HSUS and its mission. —Penny Steinmeyer

The HSUS ROCKS! What a great year indeed. Congratulations to you, your collaborators, and of course to your supporters, of which I am deeply honored to be! I am looking forward to an even brighter future for animals in 2009! Keep up all of your amazing work! —Jodi

So much done, so much left to do. —Kathy Kirkpatrick

And finally, after seeing Rachel Pfirrman’s note about how she’s rallying her high school club in response to The HSUS’s investigation of the Petland chain of retail stores, a number of you were inspired to share your own stories of how you’re taking action to help stop puppy mills. Among them:

Earlier this week, I submitted a letter to an editor at the Chicago Tribune newspaper in hopes of educating the public about puppy mills. It has become apparent that one of the greatest resources people have is each other. I’ve learned that speaking up and spreading awareness about animal cruelty is a quick and effective way to make a difference. As people, we have the power to EFFECT CHANGE. Stand up! MAKE PEOPLE LISTEN! We can do this! Together, we can make the world a better and much safer place for ALL ANIMALS. —Victoria Maiorana

Thank you Wayne and to all of HSUS for all the research and reporting that you do. I appreciate all the information your organization provides. I have been moved to action in my community because of the puppy mill/Petland report you released on Nov. 20 and it has changed my life. I am now a citizen with a purpose standing up against animal cruelty. Please don’t give up on the cause and continue doing what you do. Yes, change comes slow but victories are celebrated by those that are determined, consistent and stay on track even during the storms. Rain is predicted tomorrow, Dec. 13, so we will get wet when do our Petland protest in Roseville, Calif. —Ena Fisher

Thanks to all of you for offering these comments and please keep your feedback coming. If you have a question about The HSUS or one of our campaigns or programs, feel free to share that as well. This blog is as much yours as it is mine, and I’d love for you all to be a part of the dialogue.