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I’m a Guardian

I’m a Guardian

Do you ever feel as though no matter what you are doing to help animals, it’s never enough?
By Carlyn Montes De Oca

I’ve spent the last thirty years leafleting, protesting, signing petitions, writing letters, phoning legislators, embracing a cruelty-free lifestyle, and volunteering thousands of hours walking shelter dogs and rehabilitating them. I’ve often asked myself, “Can one person really make a difference?”

By shifting our mindset and language away from thinking of ourselves as animal “owners” to “guardian,” each person can influence greater levels of respect, responsibility and compassion for those who hear their words and see their actions. This one simple step has offered me greater hope, renewed my passion and inspired me towards the change I want to see in the world for our animal friends.

The words we use are powerful. Words such as “love, peace and freedom,” have impacted societies and changed them for the better. “Guardian” is that kind of word. To be a true guardian means to reach into our hearts and allow for a deeper and more meaningful connection to form between ourselves and the animals who share our world – a connection that will most positively affect their lives and transform our own.

A study by Dr. Pamela Carlisle- Frank and Joshua Frank found many benefits for animals when people consider themselves animal guardians instead of owners. For example, guardians are more likely to spay/neuter their animal companions and less likely to abandon or relinquish them; a vital point if we want to see an end to the deaths of so many adoptable animals in shelters and on the streets.

We are in the midst of a ground-breaking paradigm shift but we need everyone onboard. Our animal friends do not have the luxury of time so starting today, please commit to using the word “guardian” when speaking with friends, family, and other members of your communities. If you haven’t already, please view and share the video “I’m a Guardian” with your children, grandchildren or anyone else who you feel will benefit from its message. And I invite you to join the Guardian International Page and connect with a rapidly growing network of Guardians on Facebook.

Thank you for all you do on behalf of animals and please continue to do so with courage and with passion.  As the mindset of society changes so will the attitudes, court decisions and our laws.

We can make a difference.  Our words do matter.  Please make yours heard.
If you would like additional information on the Guardian Campaign, or for specific ways that you can help, please contact IDA Founder and President Emeritus, Elliot M. Katz, DVM.

Your participation would be of great help.

Thank you so very much.

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