The holidays are over and the New Year has begun. As always it is a busy time of year but spending time with friends and loved ones makes the extra pull on one’s time very worth it. I hope you all were able to share your days with the special people in your lives and that the new decade will be a richly rewarding experience for everyone.

The end of last year and the beginning of 2011 found me taking a much-needed mental health break from the Animal Life Site. Despite spending much of my adult life championing for animal welfare it became quite soul defeating to include so much abuse and cruelty as an everyday event in my life – something I was compelled to research and present in order to inform as many people as possible of all that was going on in the animal world and how it effected not only the animals but the world as a whole.

During the month’s respite I have re-evaluated how to manage the Animal Life Site. Current events in the animal welfare arena will still be my main focus but to offset the negative aspects of such, a counterpoint of hope and success will accompany many of the articles. There will be a rescue or sanctuary highlighted each month. We will learn what they offer, to what sorts of animals, what challenges they face as well as some special insights they may have to offer from their up close and personal view of this very emotional pursuit.

I will continue to link to active welfare issues and include easy ways for you to contribute your voice to all those actions that are of particular concern. These will be posted on the forum as often as they come to my attention. It would be wonderful to hear from more of you on the forum – bring any topic that you wish with regard to animals, their lives and their welfare.

I thank you for your patience and for allowing me the privilege to keep you informed of all things “animal”.

As you pause in your daily lives to consider your surroundings please keep in mind some of my favorite quotes:

“Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight.” Albert Schweitzer

“The question is not, ‘can they reason?’ nor, ‘can they talk?’ but rather, ‘can they suffer?’” Jeremy Bentham

“Life is life – whether in a cat, a dog or a man. There is no difference between a cat or a man. The idea of a difference is a human conception for a man’s own convenience.” Sri Auronbindo

“Those who wish to pet and baby wild animals “love” them. But those who respect their natures and wish them to live normal lives, love them more.” Edwin Way Teal

“Hunting is not a sport. In a sport, both sides should know that they’re in the game.” Paul Rodriquez