Best Friends (27 page)

Authors: Samantha Glen

RESOURCES

ACHIEVING THE NATIONWIDE GOAL OF NO MORE HOMELESS PETS

How you can be part of the Best Friends network.

T
he “No More Homeless Pets” movement is growing very rapidly. In communities all across the nation, moves are afoot to bring an end to the killing of dogs and cats that have no home.

If you want to be part of a local “No More Homeless Pets” effort, there are many local groups that you can work with. There are also organizations, local and national, that can help you start a program of your own. We'll be delighted to put you in touch with whichever of them can be most helpful to you.

Indeed, we hear of new efforts that are starting in different parts of the country every week. The best way to keep up with them all, and to be part of what's happening, is through the Best Friends web site at
www.bestfriends.org
. You'll find up-to-date information on “No More Homeless Pets” programs as they're developing, and you can participate directly through the Best Friends Network.

The Best Friends Network connects people and organizations all across the country who are helping animals already or who want to join in. For example:

Perhaps you're feeding some homeless cats in your neighborhood and could use a little help. We'll notify members nearby and ask if they'd like to help.

If you have an afternoon to spare, you might like to help out at your local shelter walking the dogs, grooming the cats, or whatever else is needed. We can put you in touch with a shelter or rescue group that other members have recommended.

Maybe you're an attorney or other professional and would like to donate your skills if there's a problem in your area that involves animals.

If you're good with e-mail or on the phone and have time available, perhaps you'd like to start a community newsgroup or act as a volunteer coordinator for local activities.

Maybe you'd like to organize a get-together with other members. It's always good to know that there are other people who feel the way you do about caring for animals, and we can put the word out to other Network members about your plans.

Or if you'd simply like us to keep in touch with you about network activities near where you live, we'll keep you posted.

And if you're a local organization that's looking for volunteer help, there are probably members of the network nearby who would like to take part.

You can join the Network on the Best Friends web site at
www.bestfriends.org
. (If you don't have direct access to the Internet, it's available in most public libraries, or perhaps you have an animal-loving friend or relative who will be happy to be your technical assistant!)

There are also members meetings, adoption festivals, conferences, workshops, and other gatherings and events, local and national, all through the year. Up-to-date information on these, along with how-to manuals and other resources, can be found in the “No More Homeless Pets” section of the Best Friends web site at
www.bestfriends.org
.

Thank you again, and bless you for caring about the animals.