Progressive Wednesday

A New Leash on Life

November 3rd, 2007 by Eric

A few Wednesdays (the progressive kind) ago, we gave you five ways in which you can help provide the highest level of care and compassion to companion animals, both our own and those of others. I shared with you my favorite quote; I like it so much that I’ll share it again:

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

-Mahatma Gandhi

I guess this doesn’t say much about our nation’s greatness and moral progress. Between three and four million dogs and cats are euthanized at animal shelters in the United States every year, while “puppy mills” pump out new dogs in conditions that, according to the Humane Society, promote over-breeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor quality of food and shelter, lack of socialization with humans, overcrowded cages, and the killing of unwanted animals.

These numbers sicken me when I think of my animals and quality of care that they get. But for Bobby and Kelly Dorafshar, it moved them to start A New Leash On Life:

A nonprofit organization designed to reduce the number of animals abandoned and euthanized in Los Angeles and to educate the public, through a series of seminars, on responsible pet ownership.

They first opened this no-kill shelter in 1997, and have joined with animal rescue veterans in Chicago to open up a branch in “The Windy City.” Together they have saved the lives of over 3,000 animals while neutering thousands more and providing invaluable public education and awareness.

While these shelters may only exist in the second and third largest cities in the country, you don’t have to live there to participate. By visiting their website you can adopt, foster, or sponsor a dog, volunteer with A New Leash on Life, or make a tax-deductible donation. Whichever way you choose, for Lenny’s, Vera’s, and Whizzer’s sake, please lend a hand.