My condemnation of PETA in my last post created a bit of confusion that I’d like to clear up: I didn’t intend to give anyone the impression that animal welfare causes in general are not worth supporting because they’re all corrupt. And I don’t believe that such overall worthy organizations as the ASPCA should lose…
Not-So-Sweet Charity, 1: PETA
In tough economic times — heck, all the time when you think about it — trying to decide which charitable organizations deserve our donations is difficult. And the decision is further complicated when those charities are widely misunderstood. To clarify the nature of some key animal welfare groups, then: The Humane Society of the United…
An Open Letter to Nathan Winograd
Dear Nathan Winograd, I’ve been reading about the No-Kill Movement, which is working to transform shelters from the pet world equivalent of roach motels — dogs and cats go in but don’t come out — to places that actually save animals. It’s an extremely important cause and, as the Director of the No-Kill Advocacy Center…
Friday Focus: Filthy Lucre & the Vet Visit
Do either of these veterinary visit scenarios sound familiar? Scenario #1: During a routine annual checkup, you mostly discuss health issues with your vet. You ask, for example, whether he thinks dogs are generally over-vaccinated and whether your dog will really benefit from a booster shot at his age. You also mention that you’re not…