http://www.aspca.org/
In the last year or two, this organization has become known as "that Sarah McLachlan commercial with the starving dog." Depending on who you ask, this inspires either great expressions of empathy and concern, or great ire from people who feel like their pursestrings have been cruelly emotionally manipulated. It can be hard to obtain donations from an audience that turns off the commercial as soon as it begins because it's too depressing to watch, so let me introduce you a bit to the organization without the really sad soundtrack or pictures.
Founded in 1866 as the first humane organization in the Western Hemisphere, the ASPCA mission is to provide the means for prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. This includes not only direct rescues for animals in abusive and neglectful situations, but the lobbying and advocacy of legislation, and the serving as a resource for community shelters responding in and caring for their own areas. They are also the first humane organization to have been granted the legal authority to investigate and arrest for crimes against animals.
Their support network of volunteers, advocates, and donors, at about a million strong, makes the ASPCA one of the largest humane organizations worldwide. Their Web site offers a treasure trove of resources for pet owners and animal lovers, from how to get involved to pet insurance information to disclosure of policies, procedures and funding.
If you've turned away from the images of abused and neglected animals, consider instead the happy face of the pup pictured above and know that it's because of donations that such happy endings are possible. Visit the ASPCA Web site listed above, on Facebook (search for "ASPCA"), and on Twitter (@ASPCA).
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