As we approach Martin Luther King Day shaken by the massacre in Arizona, I ask that we, the spcaLA family, remind ourselves of the work we are doing together to combat violence, and, to recommit to model compassionate behavior and perform an act of kindness towards a living being at least once a day.
Though we daily face unspeakable acts of cruelty against both animals and humans in our work at spcaLA – we take pride in the fact that we continually see progress through our efforts in education, enforcement, legislation and mentoring. We instill empathy (the cure for violence) in at risk teens while also teaching them the art of civil discourse and peaceful conflict resolution. We provide a safety net for pets of victims of domestic violence who are willing to be physically battered rather than leave a pet behind. We criminally prosecute those who cannot be taught, and teach our youth so there will be no one to prosecute. We legislate where there are gaps and do our best to model best practices. We speak for the vulnerable and to those who would offend.
Our success depends upon advocacy to ensure the humane treatment and respect of all living beings through articulate rhetoric, peaceful methods and ethical means. You and I build consensus and affect change not by talking to those who agree with us – but to those who do not. Since 1877 we have been doing just that. Help us continue the conversation: volunteer, adopt, donate and educate those around you.
"Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal." Martin Luther King, Jr.
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