April is National Animal Cruelty Awareness Month and, although its a depressing subject for animal lovers, it’s important to be aware of the problem and do everything possible to prevent innocent fury victims from some unmentionable treatment.

And, I’m not just thinking about those poor combatants in savage dog fighting rings, but animals that receive cruel treatment without the neighbors even being aware of it.

There is powerful help, however, and I recently read a gripping book that included  many facts most folks will never know about animal cruelty throughout the world, including right here in our own country.

The book, available in paperback, is entitled “The Bond: Our Kinship with Animals, Our Call to Defend Them.”

It is brilliantly authored by Wayne Pacelle, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Humane Society of the United States, who has been with the organization for more than 20 years.

I have been a card-carrying, dues paying member of the Humane Society for many years and considered myself somewhat educated on its importance. Wrong! Until reading “The Bond”, I had little knowledge of the immense problem of domestic animal cruelty and the inspiring and continuing battle against it by the Humane Society of the United States.

Upon finishing the highly informative book, I was saddened by the actual events it described but heartened by the dedicated battle being fought in behalf of animal victims all over the U.S. Then I gave Socks and Harley big hugs and tummy rubs.

The Society was founded in 1954 and is dedicated to confronting cruelty through public education, enforcement of humane laws, and the support of local humane organizations.

The HSUS also provides veterinary services to remote areas, aids animals in natural disasters, and operates a network of sanctuaries and rescue centers that directly care for thousands of animals every year.

These much-needed services are provided by the thoughtful contributions of more than 11 million members nationwide.
You can learn more about the Humane Society by visiting its web site at www.HumaneSociety.org

National Animal Cruelty Awareness Month should, in all honesty, be every month!

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Hearty congratulations to Tiger basketball star Max Stockwell, who was named to the Second Team of the Wisconsin State Journal’s All Area Team.

That was a nice touch to his many accomplishments in his junior year, including leading the Tigers to their very first appearance in the Division Five State Tournament.

Stockwell scored 17.7 points per game and 8.2 rebounds per game.

Sort of makes Tiger fans already start thinking about next season.