Every animal advocate, every shelter or rescue worker, every person who donates, adopts, spays and neuters, or works diligently every day should read this story when the going gets tough.  It's been rewritten in many forms, but originally was written by Loren Eiseley, an anthropologist. 

• One day a man was walking along a beach as the sun was rising on the day.  As he walked along the shore, he noticed a small figure up ahead.  As he got closer, he realized it was a small boy who was picking up objects from the sand and throwing them into the sea.  As he approached, he said to the boy, "What are you doing?".  The boy replied, "Throwing starfish into the ocean".  "But why?" asked the astounded man.  "Because the sun is coming up and they are stranded on the beach.  The tide has gone out and if I don't help them, they will die".  The man thought for a moment as he looked up and down the vast stretch of beach covered with hundreds of starfish.  "Young man, don't you realize there are miles and miles of beach and starfish along every mile?  You can't possibly make a difference!"  At this, the boy bent down to pick up yet another starfish, walked to the water's edge and threw it in.  "Made a difference to that one", he said. 

Thank you to those who make a difference, from the bottom of every rescued animal's heart! 

If you'd like to join the fight to save the lives of homeless, abandoned, abused animals, here are ways you can help:

• Adopt, don't buy!  Purchasing a dog feeds the demand for more to be produced.  Adopt a shelter dog or one from a specific breed rescue group.  They rock, and will be forever grateful!
• Spay, neuter, and tag / microchip your pets.  This will vastly cut down on the number of animals in shelters.
• Foster.  Check with local shelters who always need foster homes for some special dogs. 
• Donate.  Local shelters are always strapped for funds.  The more money they raise, the more pets they can save.  Along with money, shelters appreciate items they need and most post a wish list on their websites.
• Volunteer.  Whether it's the down-and-dirty, wonderful work of walking dogs, joining a fund raising team, stuffing envelopes or planning events, shelters need you and your amazing talents!  
• Advocate.  Become involved in animal legislation by writing to representatives and making your voice and the voice of helpless animals heard.   
• Share.  Spread the word by sharing articles and info on community shelter work and events on your social  networking sites.  You will find yourself meeting some great, like-minded new friends who share your vision! 
• Pick up that starfish!  Know that every little act of kindness to animals helps.  You can't do it all, but we can all do something.