A Note from Janice Brown, Founder
It’s no shock to people when they hear my home is filled with children and animals. As a result, my husband and I are used to having limited quiet time. With so many needs all competing to be met in one household, it seems there is always someone waiting for food, a trip to the bathroom, or my personal favorite, some cuddling.
Our girls love the animals, and the dogs, cats, and fish all enjoy the kids. They each have developed their own way of communicating with one another. Avery, our 8-month-old, is the most infatuated with the pets. Even a few months ago, if she was crying and a kitty came close, she would stop the wailing for a moment to admire him. These days, it’s true love. Having one of the dogs lick her hands or feet is more exciting than if Elmo himself walked through the door. And playing with the cat’s ears keeps her entertained for a while. She squeals with delight and laughs aloud just at the sight of them. It’s adorable to watch.
Having helped us raise three babies, the pets now crave the attention from the little people in the house. The cats are ecstatic to have someone sit down and give them a full-body massage, rather than the two-minute neck scratch they’re used to from us. And while I know the dogs genuinely like the girls, they especially enjoy the fact that they are walking “treat machines.” Seeing the highchair make its third appearance was an exciting day. Olivia (4½) and Mallory (almost 3) know they need to walk with everything above their heads and eat at the table, or they can kiss their snacks goodbye. But they’ve also learned that the dogs are ready and waiting for any and all crumbs to drop, which generally works to their advantage (our dogs eat most vegetables!) Actually, none of us in the house is trained on bending over and picking up food, since by the time we get there, it’s gone.
I can’t imagine what it would be like without our pets around. In fact, since the moment I had my own apartment in college, I have had an animal to come home to. Most likely, if you are reading this letter and have picked up this magazine, you share my love for animals. But it never ceases to amaze me to see how much animals are part of our mainstream culture and are integrated into our everyday worlds.
I recently saw a dog food commercial that promoted rescued dogs. Celebrities are making it known that they have mixed-breed pets and are proud of it. Animals influence everything from where we live, how we vacation, how we dress (if you live with a shedder!), and even how we vote.
Our rescue and adoption issue is my favorite issue to put out each year. The Resource Pages are the heart and soul of this publication, and to me, nothing is more important than getting the word out regarding the importance of adopting, and getting your pet spayed or neutered.
If you are motivated to do just one thing after reading this issue, ask someone you know who is looking for a new four-legged companion NOT to go to a pet store. Mixed-breeds make great pets, but even for someone looking for a purebred, adoption is a realistic option through a breed-rescue group, or even your local shelter (25 percent of all animals admitted are purebreds). You will save more than just one life.
I look forward to the day when we no longer need to devote an entire issue to rescue and adoption. I believe that by continuing to work together it is possible in my lifetime–
