An Open Letter to President-elect Obama
Target:
President-elect Barak Obama: Add Animal Welfare to Volunteer program for Tuition
Sponsored by:
To enable Accredited Sanctuaries and/or municipal and nationally recognized animal shelters be included in the organizations America's Youth can Volunteer at in order to receive Tuition Credits for College.
To enable Accredited Sanctuaries and/or municipal and nationally recognized animal shelters be included in the organizations America's Youth can Volunteer at in order to receive Tuition Credits for College.
An Open Letter to the President-elect, Barack Obama....
Recently, in the midst of considering major cabinet appointments and reviewing the incredibly difficult tasks ahead of you, you gave thought to and announced that the puppy your daughters would be bringing into the White House would be a "mutt" who would be coming from a Shelter.
I am not sure that you are aware of how many lives you and your family have saved by making public that simple statement. All of us in Animal Welfare, in Animal Rescue applaud you.
Note: I just learned that one of your daughters is allergic to loose dog hair. There are many "Breed Specific" dog rescues saving thousands of lives each year. A dog like a poodle or a "labradoodle" should work with your family. Please visit www.petfinder.com to find a dog rescue in the DC area.
One of the most important campaign promises you have made is that America's youth will be able to receive college tuition credit by Volunteering within our communities.
We the undersigned would like to suggest that included in the many deserving and needy charitable institutions that college-bound youngsters may volunteer at, that you include Animal Welfare organizations. We suggest that young people be able to work at municipal animal Shelters, Humane Societies and Accredited Animal Sanctuaries.
There are an estimated 6 to 7 million cats and dogs who lose their lives in Shelters annually for no other reason than homelessness. This does not include the birds and other exotics which end up in sanctuaries and adoption programs throughout the US.
Many more could be saved were the help, the man-power, available.
In addition to teaching our youth about hard work - animal welfare boils down to cleaning and feeding and cleaning and socializing and cleaning again - young people who spend time with animals and come to recognize them as individuals, will be less likely to "dispose" of them later in their lives. Their experiences with cats and dogs in shelters....as well as endangered species such as parrots, from other lands and the indigenous animals being made ready for release...will teach them about conservation and the value of wildlife and the "human-animal bond."
We ask that you add us, those of us who represent the lives of millions of forgotten, abandoned, injured or neglected animals, be they "pets" or wild, across this nation.
We...they....can use the help and in turn will provide education which will be of great benefit across this great land.
With best wishes for your success as our 44th President and with prayers for the healing of our nation's wounds.
We thank you for your time and consideration and for the efforts you are making to help our great country.
For the Animals....
We signed the "An Open Letter to President-elect Obama" petition!
# 651:
4:22 pm PDT, May 3,
Regina Saladino, Arizona
# 650:
12:39 am PDT, Apr 29,
Anil Urmil, California
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”. -Mahatma Gandhi
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”. -Mahatma Gandhi
# 649:
6:33 pm PDT, Apr 28,
Grace Curry, Kansas
# 648:
12:04 pm PDT, Apr 27,
Nyack Clancy, New York
# 647:
11:04 am PDT, Apr 27,
Jamie Lee, California
# 646:
|
9:34 am PDT, Apr 26,
Tania Merette, Maine
Please do not discount any form of volunteering, especially for those with no voice of their own! |
# 645:
1:49 pm PDT, Apr 23,
Nancy Lodzinski, Arkansas
Working with animals is a GREAT learning experience.
Working with animals is a GREAT learning experience.
# 644:
8:18 am PDT, Apr 23,
Nancy Owens, Arkansas
Those who care for animals can gain empathy and understanding that can translate into life long values.
Those who care for animals can gain empathy and understanding that can translate into life long values.
# 643:
11:26 am PDT, Apr 21,
Annie Gholson, California
Because our world is just as important as theirs. They balance the planet with their ecosystems, habitats, life and love. They deserve to be protected and kept in safe hands.
Because our world is just as important as theirs. They balance the planet with their ecosystems, habitats, life and love. They deserve to be protected and kept in safe hands.
# 642:
4:17 am PDT, Apr 21,
Paul Pagliarulo, Massachusetts
# 641:
10:52 pm PDT, Apr 20,
Angela Fletcher, Washington
I believe its important because I feel that our children and young adults need outlets to expand there minds and to learn to help our animals in need. This also gives them a chance to earn there way to college instead of having to depend on a scholorship or there parents.
I believe its important because I feel that our children and young adults need outlets to expand there minds and to learn to help our animals in need. This also gives them a chance to earn there way to college instead of having to depend on a scholorship or there parents.
# 640:
10:41 pm PDT, Apr 20,
Emily Quackenbush, California
I was a former Americorps member and huge fan of what this sanctuary does.. I would someday like to run one of my own, and I would love to do a volunteer program at one as well.. I think it's an excellent idea
I was a former Americorps member and huge fan of what this sanctuary does.. I would someday like to run one of my own, and I would love to do a volunteer program at one as well.. I think it's an excellent idea
# 639:
7:36 pm PDT, Apr 20,
Julie Lisk, Massachusetts
Those(animals)that have no voice need the support and compassion of people who value the lives of non-human sentient beings. Many young people pursue a career working with animals. Working in animal shelter is a great way for them to gain experience and will give them a sense of doing something good for the animal world.
Those(animals)that have no voice need the support and compassion of people who value the lives of non-human sentient beings. Many young people pursue a career working with animals. Working in animal shelter is a great way for them to gain experience and will give them a sense of doing something good for the animal world.
# 638:
3:43 pm PDT, Apr 20,
Ralph Tate, Arizona
We humans are responsible, in one way or the other, for most of the neglect and abuse of exotic birds and animals here in the United States. It is “our” national problem and we need national recognition and funding to help care for, protect and find suitable loving homes (who are willing to adopt and care) for these often abused exotic birds and animals. They are many who are willing to help but, its takes nation recognition to promote nation awareness to this critical and urgent problem!
We humans are responsible, in one way or the other, for most of the neglect and abuse of exotic birds and animals here in the United States. It is “our” national problem and we need national recognition and funding to help care for, protect and find suitable loving homes (who are willing to adopt and care) for these often abused exotic birds and animals. They are many who are willing to help but, its takes nation recognition to promote nation awareness to this critical and urgent problem!
# 637:
10:33 am PDT, Apr 20,
Dalia Hettfield, California
# 636:
6:49 am PDT, Apr 20,
Margaret Sweeny, United Kingdom
# 635:
3:13 pm PDT, Apr 19,
Benn J., Arizona
# 634:
2:33 pm PDT, Apr 19,
Bruno Jaremko, Arizona
# 633:
8:42 am PDT, Apr 19,
Gabe Ormsby, Minnesota
# 632:
10:04 pm PDT, Apr 18,
Sue Rich, Minnesota
It builds both compassion and confidence: 1) There is a strong link between how we treat animals and how we treat humans. 2) It is an excellent opportunity for students to feel immediate gratification and the sense of a positive impact. http://www.americanhumane.org/about-us/newsroom/fact-sheets/understanding-the-link.html
It builds both compassion and confidence: 1) There is a strong link between how we treat animals and how we treat humans. 2) It is an excellent opportunity for students to feel immediate gratification and the sense of a positive impact. http://www.americanhumane.org/about-us/newsroom/fact-sheets/understanding-the-link.html
# 631:
6:25 am PDT, Apr 18,
Cindy Bushway, Florida
# 630:
11:23 pm PDT, Apr 17,
Narasimmalu Ramamurthy, India
Animal Welfare Volunteer Program teaches superior values in human kind,courtesy,dedication of life towards the animal environment,helping at the crisis and needy time. Dr. N.Ramamurthy,M.V.Sc., Ph.d., Professor of Poultry Science, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Livestock Research Station, Kattupakkam,Kancheepuram District,Tamil Nadu, INDIA.
Animal Welfare Volunteer Program teaches superior values in human kind,courtesy,dedication of life towards the animal environment,helping at the crisis and needy time. Dr. N.Ramamurthy,M.V.Sc., Ph.d., Professor of Poultry Science, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Livestock Research Station, Kattupakkam,Kancheepuram District,Tamil Nadu, INDIA.
# 629:
7:30 pm PDT, Apr 17,
Rebecca Fulco, New Jersey
# 628:
12:45 pm PDT, Apr 15,
Barbara DelGiudice, Washington
Our youth need to become more educated about animals, especially birds, because they are so misunderstood. Birds are thought to be stupid with no feelings which is very wrong. Allot of other animals are also misunderstood to have no feelings. But this is not true at all. Dr. Irene Pepperberg has proven bird intelligence with African Grey parrots. Dr. Pepperberg did a 30 year study with Alex who died on Sept. 6, 2007, that proved he had the intelligence of a 5 year old child and the emotions of a 2 year old child. She continues to do her research with other African Greys that are proving to be just as intelligent as Alex was. Knowing this changes everything about animals.
Our youth need to become more educated about animals, especially birds, because they are so misunderstood. Birds are thought to be stupid with no feelings which is very wrong. Allot of other animals are also misunderstood to have no feelings. But this is not true at all. Dr. Irene Pepperberg has proven bird intelligence with African Grey parrots. Dr. Pepperberg did a 30 year study with Alex who died on Sept. 6, 2007, that proved he had the intelligence of a 5 year old child and the emotions of a 2 year old child. She continues to do her research with other African Greys that are proving to be just as intelligent as Alex was. Knowing this changes everything about animals.
# 627:
12:57 pm PDT, Apr 14,
Name not displayed, Brazil
# 626:
12:04 pm PDT, Apr 14,
M. SUE Harrington, Minnesota
# 625:
2:12 pm PDT, Apr 11,
Kelly Lepsesty, Pennsylvania
# 624:
3:58 pm PDT, Apr 6,
Jana Julleis, Arizona
# 623:
7:59 am PDT, Apr 6,
Christy Heine, New York
As an avis animal lover and a shelter volunteer and now employee... I see how important volunteers are. Just one extra set of hands from a caring individual can go a long way!
As an avis animal lover and a shelter volunteer and now employee... I see how important volunteers are. Just one extra set of hands from a caring individual can go a long way!
# 622:
1:10 pm PDT, Apr 5,
Robin Callaway-Welch, Illinois
# 621:
6:23 pm PDT, Apr 4,
ADRIANNE GEHRT, Texas
I'M A BIRD LOVER, AND I HAVE A FEW AT HOME.. 2 PARROTS, A MOLUCCAN CACKATOO, COCKATIELS, AND PARAKEETS... MY CACKATOO WAS ABUSED, THANKS TO THE PEOPLE WHO RESCUED HIM, AND TO THE VOLUNTEERS WHO ASISTED HIM ON HIS WAY TO A GOOD LIFE, NOW WE ARE A VERY HAPPY NOISY FAMILY.. ALL OUR SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WHO CARE OF OUR BEST FRIENDS.. THE ANIMALS..
I'M A BIRD LOVER, AND I HAVE A FEW AT HOME.. 2 PARROTS, A MOLUCCAN CACKATOO, COCKATIELS, AND PARAKEETS... MY CACKATOO WAS ABUSED, THANKS TO THE PEOPLE WHO RESCUED HIM, AND TO THE VOLUNTEERS WHO ASISTED HIM ON HIS WAY TO A GOOD LIFE, NOW WE ARE A VERY HAPPY NOISY FAMILY.. ALL OUR SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WHO CARE OF OUR BEST FRIENDS.. THE ANIMALS..
# 620:
12:07 pm PDT, Apr 4,
Carolyn Cabrales, California
I am a Veterinary Assistant student currently completing my externship at a Small Animal & Bird Hospital and I volunteer at the Lily Sanctuary, a non-profit rescue for companion birds. I have four birds of my own at home. We must do more to educate the future generations about the intelligence and special care care birds and all animals require. I am continually astounded to turn on TV and see reports of increasing violence, killing and waste of the resources this planet has given us. It is mind boggling the mind-set instilled in our youth and how their priorities are selfish and they don't comprehend that each of God's creatures' feels, thinks, is loyal, is born without sin, is very aware of its' life, and has love for it's mate and offspring (and in many occasions, its' owner, if it is a pet). I am wretched to the point of heartbreak for many of the things I witness (and never should have to) and they never leave my mind even as I sleep. Any incentives to help younger generations understand the differences between right & wrong; change the paths of the one's that have been recently in the headlines making me so distraught are definitely worth it. The animals all need so much care because they have been through so much; there are so many of them now with those abandoned due to the economy among other things, we desperately need volunteers.
I am a Veterinary Assistant student currently completing my externship at a Small Animal & Bird Hospital and I volunteer at the Lily Sanctuary, a non-profit rescue for companion birds. I have four birds of my own at home. We must do more to educate the future generations about the intelligence and special care care birds and all animals require. I am continually astounded to turn on TV and see reports of increasing violence, killing and waste of the resources this planet has given us. It is mind boggling the mind-set instilled in our youth and how their priorities are selfish and they don't comprehend that each of God's creatures' feels, thinks, is loyal, is born without sin, is very aware of its' life, and has love for it's mate and offspring (and in many occasions, its' owner, if it is a pet). I am wretched to the point of heartbreak for many of the things I witness (and never should have to) and they never leave my mind even as I sleep. Any incentives to help younger generations understand the differences between right & wrong; change the paths of the one's that have been recently in the headlines making me so distraught are definitely worth it. The animals all need so much care because they have been through so much; there are so many of them now with those abandoned due to the economy among other things, we desperately need volunteers.
# 619:
2:03 pm PDT, Apr 1,
Michele Michaels, New Jersey
I volunteer at Arcadia Sanctuary in NJ(bird sanctuary). It would be a great incentive to get more youth to volunteer and rewarded for it. We can never have too many volunteers.
I volunteer at Arcadia Sanctuary in NJ(bird sanctuary). It would be a great incentive to get more youth to volunteer and rewarded for it. We can never have too many volunteers.
# 618:
6:36 pm PDT, Mar 31,
Elizabeth Clash, Pennsylvania
Dear Mr. President, My husband and I share our lives with 5 companion parrots. They, just like cas and dogs, give incredible love and loyalty, and their lifespans are so much longer. The organizations that care for parrots need help. Please include the parrot sanctuaries and welfare organizations among those in which America's youth can volunteer in order to receive tuition credits for college. Thank you. Respectfully, Elizabeth Clash
Dear Mr. President, My husband and I share our lives with 5 companion parrots. They, just like cas and dogs, give incredible love and loyalty, and their lifespans are so much longer. The organizations that care for parrots need help. Please include the parrot sanctuaries and welfare organizations among those in which America's youth can volunteer in order to receive tuition credits for college. Thank you. Respectfully, Elizabeth Clash
# 617:
9:23 am PDT, Mar 30,
Mary Ann Wise, New York
Allowing the future leaders of tomorrow to volunteer at shelters and sanctuaries will foster an atmosphere of caring, concern, and responsibility. Please give this your utmost consideration.
Allowing the future leaders of tomorrow to volunteer at shelters and sanctuaries will foster an atmosphere of caring, concern, and responsibility. Please give this your utmost consideration.
# 616:
9:15 am PDT, Mar 30,
Nicole Newton, California
# 615:
10:12 am PDT, Mar 28,
Bernadettte Przybyl, New York
# 614:
5:23 pm PDT, Mar 26,
Yvette Guzman, Florida
It is important that we provide for the care of these exotic animals. It is our responsibility, for we have made them dependent upon us. These are intelligent and loving creatures who deserve to be treated with respect. The people who do this need our support; they are servicing a great need and worth cause.
It is important that we provide for the care of these exotic animals. It is our responsibility, for we have made them dependent upon us. These are intelligent and loving creatures who deserve to be treated with respect. The people who do this need our support; they are servicing a great need and worth cause.
# 613:
2:18 pm PDT, Mar 26,
Angela Villegas, California
# 612:
6:04 am PDT, Mar 26,
Susan McCauley, New York
Students are the parents of the future. Volunteering for college credit to help animal rescues/sanctuaries will educate the youth to high levels of compassion and social responsibility towards all beings....and this will be carried forward to the next generation even as it creates great benefit to all of us now.
Students are the parents of the future. Volunteering for college credit to help animal rescues/sanctuaries will educate the youth to high levels of compassion and social responsibility towards all beings....and this will be carried forward to the next generation even as it creates great benefit to all of us now.
# 611:
3:00 pm PDT, Mar 25,
Heidi Switzer, California
Animals need our help the most. People are capable of helping themselves and making their lives better. Animals are at our mercy. This is a great idea!! I have worked with various bird rescues and we could always use more helping hands!
Animals need our help the most. People are capable of helping themselves and making their lives better. Animals are at our mercy. This is a great idea!! I have worked with various bird rescues and we could always use more helping hands!
# 609:
5:58 pm PDT, Mar 21,
Pamela Vail, New Mexico
This program is very important to me as i too rescue the big beautiful birds from people who don't understand that they are not toys or a piece of art to be just admired. they are birds that need attention and loving care because we as humans have decided we need another thing to care for!!! these big birds are a joy to be around and a wonderful learning experience. Please make this a learnig experience for all!
This program is very important to me as i too rescue the big beautiful birds from people who don't understand that they are not toys or a piece of art to be just admired. they are birds that need attention and loving care because we as humans have decided we need another thing to care for!!! these big birds are a joy to be around and a wonderful learning experience. Please make this a learnig experience for all!
# 608:
7:00 am PDT, Mar 16,
Eric Beard, Kentucky
Please allow students to help those without a voice who enrich and brighten up our lives. They deserve to a place in the volunteer community as well.
Please allow students to help those without a voice who enrich and brighten up our lives. They deserve to a place in the volunteer community as well.
# 607:
6:58 am PDT, Mar 14,
Ellen Van Dalinda, Massachusetts
We must be the voice for those who cannot speak.
We must be the voice for those who cannot speak.
# 606:
4:43 pm PDT, Mar 11,
Don Scott, California
We have a moral obligation to help suffering animals. Sanctuaries need all the help they can get right now in the wake of the economic disaster!
We have a moral obligation to help suffering animals. Sanctuaries need all the help they can get right now in the wake of the economic disaster!
# 605:
11:18 am PST, Mar 7,
Name not displayed, Ohio
# 604:
1:14 pm PST, Mar 6,
William Guttenberg, Tennessee
This should be a superfluous petition, as these organizations should already be included. The fact that they aren't is one I am going to chalk up to oversight on the part of the individuals administering the program America's Youth Can Volunteer. Please fix this. Thanks, whg
This should be a superfluous petition, as these organizations should already be included. The fact that they aren't is one I am going to chalk up to oversight on the part of the individuals administering the program America's Youth Can Volunteer. Please fix this. Thanks, whg
# 603:
8:52 pm PST, Mar 1,
Name not displayed, Indiana
I worked at our county's humane society and we relied on volunteers to help socialize, exercise, and groom the animals because the staff was always overworked. The kids who volunteered wanted to learn how to care for animals, why animals came to the shelter, how to stop the overpopulation of pets, and how to stop the killing. Some adults and teenagers came to work off jail time preforming community service. Volunteering is a win win situation. For the kids, adults, and especially the animals!
I worked at our county's humane society and we relied on volunteers to help socialize, exercise, and groom the animals because the staff was always overworked. The kids who volunteered wanted to learn how to care for animals, why animals came to the shelter, how to stop the overpopulation of pets, and how to stop the killing. Some adults and teenagers came to work off jail time preforming community service. Volunteering is a win win situation. For the kids, adults, and especially the animals!
# 602:
3:22 pm PST, Feb 26,
Margarito Gabriel Martinez, Arizona
# 601:
4:23 am PST, Feb 20,
Tiffany Fournier, Arizona
