When people see an injured animal on the street, you often hear them say, "Oh, poor little doggie, I wish I could do something, but it's OK, someone will help him, I'm sure."

We, rescuers are called rescuers, but there should not be such a category. None of us has a degree in it, is appointed by the authorities, nor makes a living on it. We are just the same as the rest of the citizens, and it is time for everyone to become "someone." There's no "specialist" in compassion.

If there is a little girl living next door to you, and if you know that her parents are beating her up, is it OK to ignore it just because their doors and windows are closed and you cannot see or hear it? No, knowing that the girl is bruised and bleeding, you would "do something." Be the same way for all the living creatures. Stop believing that humans are "better" or more "important" than animals because humans are not necessarily superior. We merely happened to be an arrogant and selfish species. If humans are so superior, why is this once beautiful earth being destroyed by our greed...?

When one says, "It's not my responsibility," ask him "Whose responsibility is it then?" It is everyone's responsibility as earthling. Please tell your friends and neighbors not to look away and do their part because each of us "can" make a difference ...for the animals, and for ourselves.

- Marie Atake, Founder
Printed in The Pet Press, January 2004