![Photo courtesy Furry Friends](https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Story_Clark-County-Today-Go-orange-for-animals.jpg)
April has been designated ‘Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Month
Nomi Berger
for Furry Friends
Statistics show that in America, an animal is abused every 10 seconds.
And so, April has been designated “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals” Month. A month during which everyone is urged to “Go Orange for Animals” to increase public awareness about these unconscionable, and usually unreported, incidents.
![Photo courtesy Furry Friends](https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Story_Clark-County-Today-155960013_10219195594503817_4783093758151083855_o.jpg)
How you can help:
Raise funds
Using your personal FaceBook account, create a fundraising page for a specific rescue group or shelter to celebrate an important occasion (birthday, graduation, anniversary, pet’s birthday, etc.) then share it with family and friends. Or instead of gifts, ask them to make a donation in your name to the rescue or shelter of your choice.
Orange, orange everywhere
Show your support by wearing something orange all month. For young and old. Female and male. For her: barrettes and bows, scarves and shoelaces, brooches and bracelets, tank tops and teddies, necklaces and nail polish. For him: ties, tie tacks and tee shirts, bow ties and baseball caps, socks, suspenders and sneakers, pocket scarves and pins on lapels. Or go BIG! Tie a broad orange ribbon around a tree in your yard for everyone to see – and hopefully imitate.
Support a shelter or rescue
Drawing on your own personal contacts, team up with a local shelter or rescue group and assist them at a “Go Orange for Animals” event such as an adoption day or weekend. Or set up your own donation drive – from jars of pennies, animals toys and pet food, to garage, yard and bake sales — and give the proceeds and/or supplies you’ve collected to the shelter or rescue you’ve selected.
![Photo courtesy Furry Friends](https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Story_Clark-County-Today-Danny_3-600x400.jpg)
Show your virtual support
Spread the word about “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals” Month by posting on your social media networks using the hashtag #fightcruelty and tagging @aspca.
Make adoption your only option
Both shelters and rescue groups have loving animals of every breed and age, size and color, personality and temperament, desperate to find loving homes. By opting to adopt, not shop, you’re saving two lives: the life of the animal you adopt and the life of the animal taking its place. And please, spread the word!
If you see it, report it
Should you witness an act of cruelty towards an animal, report it to the ASPCA and the police in that area. The more information you have the better. If possible, photograph the act of abuse (cell phones and other devices will have the time and date stamped on each shot). If others have witnessed the same act of cruelty, ask for their cooperation by getting their names, contact information, and if possible, brief written statements. Make copies of everything for your own records before giving them to anyone else. Whether you report the abuse in person or call it in, keep a record of the person you contact, the date, and the content and outcome of your discussion. Make it clear that you are interested in pursuing the case, and that you will help in any way you can.
Remember. ONE person CAN make a difference. If you speak out and speak up, imagine how many other “you’s” are doing and will do the same. Imagine what an enormous impact the effect of your combined voices can and will have on the lives of imperiled animals everywhere.
![Photo courtesy Furry Friends](https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Story_Clark-County-Today-DSC_0022.jpg)
About Furry Friends
Founded in 1999, Furry Friends is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, no-kill organization that rescues and adopts out homeless, relinquished, and abused cats in Clark County, Washington. We care for them as long as it takes to find their forever home. We are an all-volunteer organization; there is no paid staff.
To see more about Furry Friends, please visit our website at www.furryfriendswa.org. Or contact information@furryfriendswa.org or (360) 993-1097 message phone.
Nomi Berger is the bestselling author of seven novels, one work of nonfiction, two volumes of poetry, and hundreds of articles. She is a volunteer writer for Furry Friends in Vancouver, WA and also volunteers her writing skills to animal rescue groups in Canada and the USA. She lives with her adopted Maltese named Mini.
Also read:
- Harvest Days in Battle Ground coming up July 19-21The Battle Ground Festivals Association is preparing for three days of celebration, including a car cruise on Friday night, a parade on Saturday, and fireworks on Saturday night at Harvest Days.
- Organizers looking for cars for Cruise to the Shoug show on Aug. 454-40 Brewing Co. is hosting Cruise to the Shoug on Aug. 4 as a fundraiser for the Camas-Washougal Community Chest, and organizers are looking for car owners to book their spots for the show.
- Trump picks Ohio’s J.D. Vance for vice presidentFormer President Donald Trump picked U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, to serve as his vice president should Trump beat President Joe Biden this November for another term in the White House.
- Children with disabilities make memories at the 24th annual Merwin Day of FishingOn Saturday (July 13), Pacific Power and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife joined together to host a memorable fishing event for children with disabilities at the Merwin Fish Hatchery near Woodland.
- Letter: For the public record and the Comprehensive PlanIn a July 12 letter to the Clark County Council, Clark County Citizens United President Susan Rasmussen shares that primary stakeholders were ignored in the Wetland and Habitat Ordinance Conservation Covenant.
- CASE DISMISSED: Classified documents case against Trump thrown out by judgeA federal judge in Florida dismissed the classified documents-related criminal case against former President Donald Trump on Monday, saying the appointment of Special Counsel Jack Smith violated the Constitution.
- Photos: Log show and parade at Territorial Days 2024 in AmboyTerritorial Days in Amboy never disappoints, and this weekend brought all kinds of activities in logging country, and Clark County Today had a photographer there to capture images from the annual parade and log show.