Here at In Defense of Animals we are so proud of you, our family of animal advocates who donate regularly to help animals. Marika Farr is one member of our family, and our Animal Advocate in the spotlight! Marika is one of In Defense of Animals’ valued monthly donors who lives in the United Kingdom with her two rescued dogs, Daisy and Penny.

Marika shares her rescue and advocacy efforts:

“I am a true animal lover and believe that they are no different to us, and deserve equal rights and their chance of a free, happy life. My dream is to work with elephants in Thailand or Africa, and I regularly raise money for organizations around the world that help animals, including In Defense of Animals. I seem to be in the right place at the right time to help animals. In summer 2016, I stumbled across a baby bird who had fallen from the nest. After checking that no parents were looking after him, I took him home for a few happy days and he'd sit on my shoulder at night or sleep in the crease of my elbow.

A couple of weeks ago, while I was out on a walk, a tiny stray dog appeared out of nowhere, ran to me, and jumped up desperately and onto her tummy for affection. Her fur was patchy from neglect and she was very thin. I managed to stay with her half the way towards work, where luckily another animal lover I know appeared walking towards us, plus a lady I'd never met. Between us we helped this little girl to a vet for a bath, microchip check and onto a countryside rescue, "Forest Dog Rescue". I have visited her there with my parents and she was a much calmer dog who was learning to be cared for. They have called her 'Odessa' and are helping her find her feet again and hopefully a loving home.”

We are honored to have Marika on our team of Animal Advocates. Her compassion is so inspiring and makes the work we do possible. We hope that Odessa will find her forever home soon!