letterfrompublisher
Coming in April
We call them dumb animals, and so they are,
for they cannot tell us how they feel, but they
do not suffer less because they have no words.
— Anna Sewell (1820-1878), Black Beauty, 1877
W
e love our pets. And there are a lot of them
to love: three cats and three horses. All get
premium attention, and more of it now that
the kids are grown-up and out on their own.
Like most, we’ve had pets of all kinds over the
years. Cats, dogs, birds, hamsters, Guinea pigs-just to
name a few. As we became more experienced pet owners, we learned that the small
animals who are indoor pets seem to fare the best when it came to keeping clean,
unscathed and free from disease.
This points out the one thing all pets have in common–the need for someone
who will care for them; including making sure they are fed and watered, vaccinated,
exercised and loved. That’s our responsibility, as their keeper. This care is always
returned, many times over, by their loyalty, affection and the contribution they provide
to our wellbeing. We just couldn’t imagine life without our animal companions and
we are committed watching over them.
To support this, our theme this month, including the feature article and several
the
supporting pieces, is dedicated to the animals and pets in our lives. It’s all about mak-
ing sure the animals you love, and who love you, are well cared for and healthy...
new
naturally. There’s even information about how they help us. We hope you enjoy and
benefi t.
We also feel part of our responsibility is to help address the plight of the many GREEN
animals who don’t have the luxury of being properly watched-over. The harsh winter
and even harsher economy can be rough on abandoned pets and horses, and even
Economy
some animals in the wild. We’ve seen horses left in the fi eld to starve when their
owners deserted their soon-to-be foreclosed property. And how many dogs and cats
are running wild now because they were abandoned when their owners left them
behind? Even the deer this year, who are severely over-populated as it is, were eating
the bushes and trees in our yard to survive, because the snow was too deep for them
DISCOVER
to forage. We know many are starving. Sometimes it’s all very heartbreaking and the
how the green
solutions are complicated and costly–but there are ways to help.
To start with, neutering or spaying our pets will help prevent the growth of animals economy is taking
who can’t be cared for. Here, to use a phrase coined by Ben Franklin, an ounce of
prevention is worth a pound cure.
shape and
Organizations like the American Society to Prevent Cruelty to Animals, the
where to fi nd
Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society, the Michigan Humane Society and other rescue
organizations are good resources for supporting the welfare of both small and large great green jobs in
animals. If you’re interested in adopting or can provide support, visit Petfi nder.com
and select “Animal Shelters,” or visit MichiganHumane.org, HorsesHaven.org and
this special edition of
EquineRescue.info. Or, just search the internet for “Michigan rescue” and the animal
Natural Awakenings.
of your choice. Not surprisingly, there are a lot of groups available, and for just about
every animal you can think of.
As for the issue of deer overpopulation, visit Michigan.gov/DNR and search on
“deer” to fi nd local meetings and other information about deer management.
For more information
If you can support any of these organizations, or adopt a new pet/family member,
animals in need will benefi t.
about advertising and how
Until next month, stay happy and healthy...naturally!
you can participate, call
248-628-0125
www.MichiganHealthyLiving.com
March 2009
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