It's The Least I Can Do

ARME (Animal Resue Media Education) www.arme.tv

ARME's mission is to eliminate the suffering of all animals. This goal is achieved by rescuing unwanted and homeless animals and by educating the public of the vast extent of the suffering animals endure in our society. Through its actions and words, ARME advances the freedom of all animals.

ARME is a 501(c)(3) organization which relies on the kindness and consideration of the public's donations.

Sometimes I just don't want to know or think about things because it hurts to face the truth, within and outside myself. But then something gets put right in my face and I can't ignore it. Yesterday was one of those days. One of my friends on Facebook posted the attached video from ARME. It's about nine beagle dogs who see sun and grass for the first time having spent their entire lives in a research lab. I wanted to ignore the video. I knew the story was about their rescue but I know me, I wouldn't be able to just see their rescue, I would be thinking about what they went through before their rescue. I bawled my eyes out! Sobbing and talking to the video at the same time, saying come on out when the dogs looked so scared and unsure. And still crying when I watched them walking on the grass and being in the sunshine for the first time. When they were being loved by their rescuers. This video is beyond touching.

I shared it with my friends on Facebook and noticed so many of them doing the same. I received so many comments, so many of my friends outraged that animal testing still goes on. Glad to call these people friends. Some of them have themselves rescued their own pets, gladder still to call them friends. So many have their pets' pictures as their profile picture because they just love them so much and want to show them off.

Some people don't get it, don't understand why some people are so into their pets, and you know what, I can understand. What I don't get is how anyone can be cruel to animals. That I will never understand. How do people like Michael Vick ever live with themselves. Yes I know he does some kind of community service but in my book it's not enough and the fact that he's able to play professional football again sickens me, it's always about money. He should be the one working at places like ARME, he shouldn't be allowed to return to professional football and make the money he does, and all his money should be going to all of these organizations that help animals. Sorry, I'll never feel different about him. Isn't cruelty to animals one of the traits of people who end up killing people?

I spent hours after watching that video on line searching out companies that continue to do testing on animals and you know what, there are so many of them! So many products you wouldn't even think about. But, there are so many companies that don't. Go on line, check out PETA (People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals - www. peta.org), they have a list there of companies that "do" and companies that "don't" use animal testing.

There's not a lot I can do to help others, I'm not money rich, but I am rich in heart and can help in other ways. We all can help in small ways that can make a BIG difference. I have passed along this video and their website and PETA's website.

It's the least I can do.