Giving guide
This time of year usually includes lots of giving. It might be motivated by religion or generosity, or by the last chance to get a break on your taxes. Whatever the reason, if you are reading this, you are probably someone who likes and supports charities that are kind to animals and helpful to the environment. Here are my five favorites, all very local to where I live. If you live somewhere else, I bet there are similar organizations that need your support.
My five favorite animal charities for the end of the year
Animal Rescue League of Boston
Founded in 1899, the Animal Rescue League of Boston is dedicated to rescuing domesticated animals and wildlife from suffering, cruelty, abandonment, and neglect.
The League carries out its mission through an emergency rescue team, anti-cruelty law enforcement, adoption and veterinary services, community outreach, and burial services.
(I have seen first hand how this organization will act on behalf of animals when state and local agencies are unable or unwilling to.)
Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together with more than 100,000 members, we care for 35,000 acres of conservation land, provide school, camp, and other educational programs for 225,000 children and adults annually, and advocate for sound environmental policies at local, state, and federal levels. Founded in 1896 by two inspirational women who were committed to the protection of birds, Mass Audubon is now one of the largest and most prominent conservation organizations in New England. Today we are respected for our sound science, successful advocacy, and innovative approaches to connecting people and nature. Each year, our statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries welcomes nearly half a million visitors of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds and serves as the base for our work. (I worked for this organization for 7 years. It is the largest Massachusetts-based environmental group, and makes a real difference in the world.)
MSPCA-Angell
The mission of the MSPCA-Angell is to protect animals, relieve their suffering, advance their health and welfare, prevent cruelty, and work for a just and compassionate society.
The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine and provides direct hands-on care for thousands of animals each year. Founded in 1868, we are the second-oldest humane society in the United States. Our services include animal protection and adoption, advocacy, humane education, law enforcement, and world-class veterinary care. The MSPCA-Angell is a private, nonprofit organization. We do not receive any government funding nor are we funded or operated by any national humane organization. The MSPCA-Angell relies solely on the support and contributions of individuals who care about animals. (I deal with this organization regularly, and am always awed by the compassion and dedication of its people.)
PittieLove Rescue.
PittieLove Rescue Inc. is an all-volunteer, foster home-based rescue devoted exclusively to the care, understanding and adoption of the American Pit Bull Terrier. As one of the most abused and misunderstood breeds of all time PittieLove’s number one goal is for our rescued dogs to never suffer from neglect or abuse again, carefully placing them into loving homes where they will be Ambassadors for the breed. (Foster homes for dogs like ours don't get paid--your donation pays for vaccinations and vet visits. If you have donated to PLR you have helped both Turtle and Pocket through their difficult starts and to their happy new lives as family pets.)
Zoo New England
Zoo New England's mission is to inspire people to protect and sustain the natural world for future generations by creating fun and engaging experiences that integrate wildlife and conservation programs, research, and education. (Obviously I benefit directly from donations to this organization: more than 60% of our funding comes from donations, membership, and admissions-a dwindling fraction is supplied by the State. Behind the animal exhibits are great programs like animal care and veterinary internships, research on wildlife diseases, and wildlife conservation efforts. Everyone who works at the zoo is passionate and underpaid, and motivated by love of the natural world.)
My five favorite animal charities for the end of the year
Animal Rescue League of Boston
Founded in 1899, the Animal Rescue League of Boston is dedicated to rescuing domesticated animals and wildlife from suffering, cruelty, abandonment, and neglect.
The League carries out its mission through an emergency rescue team, anti-cruelty law enforcement, adoption and veterinary services, community outreach, and burial services.
(I have seen first hand how this organization will act on behalf of animals when state and local agencies are unable or unwilling to.)
Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together with more than 100,000 members, we care for 35,000 acres of conservation land, provide school, camp, and other educational programs for 225,000 children and adults annually, and advocate for sound environmental policies at local, state, and federal levels. Founded in 1896 by two inspirational women who were committed to the protection of birds, Mass Audubon is now one of the largest and most prominent conservation organizations in New England. Today we are respected for our sound science, successful advocacy, and innovative approaches to connecting people and nature. Each year, our statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries welcomes nearly half a million visitors of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds and serves as the base for our work. (I worked for this organization for 7 years. It is the largest Massachusetts-based environmental group, and makes a real difference in the world.)
MSPCA-Angell
The mission of the MSPCA-Angell is to protect animals, relieve their suffering, advance their health and welfare, prevent cruelty, and work for a just and compassionate society.
The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine and provides direct hands-on care for thousands of animals each year. Founded in 1868, we are the second-oldest humane society in the United States. Our services include animal protection and adoption, advocacy, humane education, law enforcement, and world-class veterinary care. The MSPCA-Angell is a private, nonprofit organization. We do not receive any government funding nor are we funded or operated by any national humane organization. The MSPCA-Angell relies solely on the support and contributions of individuals who care about animals. (I deal with this organization regularly, and am always awed by the compassion and dedication of its people.)
PittieLove Rescue.
PittieLove Rescue Inc. is an all-volunteer, foster home-based rescue devoted exclusively to the care, understanding and adoption of the American Pit Bull Terrier. As one of the most abused and misunderstood breeds of all time PittieLove’s number one goal is for our rescued dogs to never suffer from neglect or abuse again, carefully placing them into loving homes where they will be Ambassadors for the breed. (Foster homes for dogs like ours don't get paid--your donation pays for vaccinations and vet visits. If you have donated to PLR you have helped both Turtle and Pocket through their difficult starts and to their happy new lives as family pets.)
Zoo New England
Zoo New England's mission is to inspire people to protect and sustain the natural world for future generations by creating fun and engaging experiences that integrate wildlife and conservation programs, research, and education. (Obviously I benefit directly from donations to this organization: more than 60% of our funding comes from donations, membership, and admissions-a dwindling fraction is supplied by the State. Behind the animal exhibits are great programs like animal care and veterinary internships, research on wildlife diseases, and wildlife conservation efforts. Everyone who works at the zoo is passionate and underpaid, and motivated by love of the natural world.)