Many years ago, during a graduate course on ethics, I posed a question to our distinguished professor vis-à-vis the definition of ethics in its most distilled form. He replied, "Simply listen to one's heart for the answer, not all the great thinkers who preceded us." This seemed a bit simplistic to me, as the heart—like the mind—can often lead us astray. He responded to my doubts without hesitation, "True, but in matters of compassion and justice, the heart does not deceive."

In the subsequent 40 years, I've endeavored to sharpen my capacity to hear those heart rhythms, and I’m still learning. I trust that I'll never stop. In 1989, I penned an essay on companion animal overpopulation that resonated deep within me, and the timing was fortuitous as it had the same effect on others. Shortly thereafter, I departed from the animal protection publication that I founded two decades earlier, and dedicated myself solely to change the supply-demand ratio that cost 18 million innocent lives each year.

I have written many hundreds of articles as an essayist and ethicist, and the strongest moral conviction prompts me to write you now. Almost 15 years have passed since I asked for your help in ending the vicious cycle of overpopulation, and words alone could never do justice to my profound debt of gratitude. Now I come to you again as a friend and colleague, and it would be patently unfair to request your assistance without first sharing the path that led me here. In addition to my passionate commitment to empty our shelters of homeless animals, I am also ardently supporting a complementary road to the same destination.

As someone who articulates visions which transcend the limitations of today to the possibilities of tomorrow, I became concerned as to whether our efforts to combat overpopulation were strategically sound. Yes, we have an ever-growing infrastructure in place that is making exciting progress. My fear, however, is that we’re pursuing a quantitative approach that places a disproportionate emphasis on numbers alone. If the predominate societal values remain largely untouched, that might well result in a Pyrrhic victory.

The populace doesn't want to see animals die in shelters, but what will prevent overpopulation from recurring in the future if our friends are still viewed as disposable? In Defense of Animals (IDA) shared these concerns, and launched the Guardian Campaign to alter the perception of animals as objects and things. The campaign has two intertwined prongs, with the first being "guardian" language to replace "owner" in all written/verbal usage and animal ordinances.

Language has historically proven to be a precursor to social change, and 30 communities—as well as the State of Rhode Island—have laudably codified "guardian" terminology in their animal ordinances. Words such as "guardian," "caretaker," and similar terms engender a positive and permanent bond between two living beings, requiring ongoing care and affection for a thriving relationship. Conversely, "owner" denotes possession of an object, as though our closest companions were mere "things."

Guardian language not only promotes the highest standard of treatment and hastens an end to overpopulation, but communities reap multiple benefits for themselves—ranging from cost reductions in animal control to teaching the full measure of compassion to our children. Through treating animals with respect, youngsters learn the values of responsible citizenship—which translates into a more caring and less violent community. Indeed, ordinance revisions not only speak well for the sensitivity of Guardian cities, but also serve their enlightened self-interest.

The campaign’s second prong is a moral concept, "guardianship," utilizing language as a vehicle to illuminate the underlying causal factors of mistreatment and overpopulation. This addresses the very essence of my above-mentioned concern: the vital need to "dig" at the systemic roots which fuel the suffering of companion animals. Only beneath the surface do we uncover the most efficacious means to elevate the well-being of our friends, and "guardianship" seeks to plant fertile seeds for attitudinal and behavioral modification—ultimately resulting in enduring change.

We must alter the present perception of companion animals, which continues to result in their use, abuse, and abandonment. The moral imperatives of a humane culture demand no less from us. If we fail in this quest, any short-term gains will inexorably dissipate over time. Since language reflects prevailing values, the crucial transition to "guardian" terminology opens the door for the fundamental principles of "guardianship"—creating a societal ethic in which the needs and interests of companion animals are recognized and respected. Perhaps Henry Beston depicted it best: other species are "nations" unto themselves.

This campaign speaks to the need for a compelling new vision, painting an inviting landscape for our relationship and responsibility to companion animals. It is not a magical elixir in itself, but ideally complements other programs to end the tragic plight of our friends—a critical effort to penetrate the behavioral dynamics that create and perpetuate the grievous suffering.

This is not a campaign that "belongs" to IDA, as it reflects the collective contribution of kind-hearted individuals and organizations—initiating local efforts to change animal ordinances and values. Every Guardian community serves as a testament to the capacity we each have to make a difference, as ordinance revisions begin with one caring hand that reaches out and becomes a catalyst for compassionate change. Please be that "caring hand" that ignites the process of creating the next Guardian city.

Be it an individual or organization, I urge you to utilize every means at your disposal to galvanize support for ordinance changes—including emails, flyers, newsletters, websites, and the essential word of mouth network of friend-to-friend, neighbor-to-neighbor, and colleague-to-colleague…until momentum begins to take on a life of itself. Many of you are involved in other issues, but this is an undertaking that crosses all boundaries. It attracts immense media coverage, as virtually all fair-minded people are uncomfortable with the notion of "owning" those beings with whom we share our homes and hearts. Moreover, in gaining the embrace of political and civic leaders, it brings instantaneous credibility and support for all efforts on behalf of our beloved companions.

There are many superb programs underway to ameliorate the misery endured by millions of companion animals, and they are all deserving of our unequivocal support. However, my fervent belief is that the Guardian Campaign is the common thread that binds all of our efforts—extending beyond any single abuse or condition to reach the most salient dimensions of the tragedy. The apathy and maltreatment are manifestations of an all too common mindset, perceiving companion animals as property, objects, and things to be "owned." This represents the primary source from which all the other ills emanate.

The Guardian Campaign seeks to bring this lamentable tragedy to the fore, changing language and values to reflect what is clearly axiomatic: companion animals are not inanimate, but living beings who are dependent upon us for physical and emotional nourishment. IDA cannot do it alone, however, as your able assistance is desperately needed at the community level. Please contact IDA for comprehensive guidance and material in starting an ordinance-revision campaign, and thank you in advance for heeding the counsel of my former ethics professor who forever touched my life: the heart does not deceive.