I'm going to raise some money to a local animal shelter that spays and neuders feral cats and then re-releases them back into the wild.

The overpopulation of cats is getting depressing.

And pardon my possible bad spelling. :(

Posted by: Pepsi One is Fun | February 13, 2009 10:47 AM

There are so many ways you can help animals.

So far this year, I have been convincing my aunts to stop spreading cruelty by wearing dead animals. I sent photos, videos, anything to make her STOP!

I am planning to do protests this year, I would so be there if there were any near my area, but there hasn't been.

I'm defending PETA on youtube to say what PETA is really about, when people make fun of us, PETA fans.

(btw, peta is in my sn, on my t shirts, on my backpack, so i can get people to check this web site out!!!)

I LOVE YOU PETA SO MUCH!!!!!

Posted by: Carley Pysher | February 13, 2009 10:51 AM

in 2009 i plan to write my congressmen, pesident, gov, and whoever else it takes in order to get something done. we can NOT continue to condone the unethical treatment of animals. people will pamper a dog and torture a chicken... what kind of world are we living in?

Posted by: carrie brooks | February 13, 2009 11:08 AM

To help animals, I wrote a letter to Supreme Court to end the cruel treatment at Rainbow World Exotics, the breeders that supply to Petsmart. All the stray cats i find outside, I have spayed and neutered and provide food and heated beds for them. Ive been informing people about how painful declawing is to cats and i plan to keep my cats with claws. I've written to a local zoo to protest against the small cages the animals are confined in. I also plan on starting a vegetarian diet. I feel that it is my duty as a human being, a human being that is able to help, to do as much as I can to make living conditions better for animals. Everytime I see a video where an animal is being wronged or denied of proper care and kindness, it breaks my heart. I will write to as many places as I can and protest as much as I can to put an end to this cruelty. I will adopt my cats from shelters, all of my cats have been strays from outside, but i will not buy from a breeder. No matter the size or type of the animal, they still feel pain, they still feel hunger, they still need love. Pigs, mice, cows... animals tested on and abused so we have food, are such intelligent beautiful animals. I won't buy anything that was tested on animals and I will continue to stand up for these animals, so they have a chance in this world too.

Posted by: Emily Bogert | February 13, 2009 12:19 PM

This year would have to be the year that I'll really start making a difference in the lives of animals, I've always loved animals but recently I've realized that I want mold my life around helping animals. In August I started volunteering at the Oregon Humane Society, since then every month twice a month I get to spend time with the cats, find homes for them, etc. Before I do any volunteering though, of course I make sure my companion animals are taken care of. This year I want to keep spreading the word about vegetarianism to everyone I come across in a respectful way. Recently I also joined a radical cheerleading group for animal rights which protests againt fur, puppy mills, factory farming, foie gras and much more. I'd like to start a program where I plant trees for people and make bird houses for them that are put in their new tree for birds on cold rainy days in Oregon. Weather it be wearing a pin that supports animal rights or saving the tiniest spider from being smushed or even starting a huge animal rights protest. Helping animals is always first on my priority list. This might be the first year when I really start making a difference in the lifes of animals but its sure not the last and I'm only 16 so there will plenty of years to come.

Posted by: Marissa | February 13, 2009 01:40 PM

I plan to build more self awareness within my group of friends and gain their support so we can branch out to other people.
It is just terrible how so many people are uneducated about animal rights.

Posted by: Chelsey Childress | February 13, 2009 02:01 PM

This year I will keep talking to everyone about the way my life has changed ever since I adopted a compassionate lifestyle. I'll teach people why it's important to see the value in everylife. I will work especially hard to uncover the truth of factory farms and their concentration camp-like nature. At every bus stop, every lunch break, every walk down the street, every person on the elevator, I will be the voice for animals. I hope to be more than an influence, I hope to be an inspiration.

Posted by: Andrew Fernandez | February 13, 2009 02:12 PM

In the last 6 months I've gone vegetarian (and as a result lost 5 pounds...yay!). I'm also applying to veterinary medicine in the fall, with hopes of volunteering with volunteer veterinary organizations like "Vets beyond boarders";, an Austrialian based non- profit organization that travels to less developed countries and provides medical relief, vaccines, and animal birth control to stray and injured animals. I also volunteer at my local SPCA and work after school at a veterinary hospital as an animal care assistant. In addition I take every birthday as a chance to educate friends' and give them a gift about healthy vegetarian cooking or books like: "A rare breed of love" (a story about the a courageous dog that survived 9 years in a puppy mill).

Posted by: P W | February 13, 2009 02:46 PM

I am new to peta and have recently opened my eyes to the way that animals are being treated. I've always been an animal lover but was blind to what was going on in the factory world. So I have started making big changes in my life. I've started buying cruelty-free and animal-free products, I have changed my diet to vegetarian and I am trying to make the cross-over to 100% vegan. I also have written e-mails and letters to my local shelters to see what I can do to help. I am planning on fostering one or two rescue dogs after I return from vacation (I already have two dogs so I can't afford babyitting for any more than that or I would foster them now :-)) I never wore fur so that is one thing I didn't have to give the boot, but I am paying attention to accessories and shoes that even have the smallest bit of leather. You don't realize how common it is till you really look. I also look on the peta message boards daily to see what's new in developments and things that I could do something about. It's a long road to go on till I change EVERYTHING in my lifestyle but I am sure not going to give up. Animals need us to speak up for them and defend them since they can't do it themselves!

Posted by: Miranda | February 13, 2009 02:53 PM

To create change for animals this year i had become vegetarian on new years day. Its been a month and 13 days and im doing really good!

Posted by: Amanda Goodwin | February 13, 2009 03:41 PM

I am volunteering at the Humane Society with my mother. We are going to play and walk the dogs that most of the time are cooped up in their tiny metal cages. I want to try and give them love and happiness because they have so little. Dogs are loving creatures and they need the love returned! The dogs there rarely get out of their cages and are so full of energy. These dogs are usually rescued from not so good situations and they have had alot of bad experiences. Some of them need to be more social to be adopted and to find a good, loving family or else they will be put down. People need to help the dogs that have been ignored for so long, instead of silencing them like they have always done before ( or in other words putting them down or to sleep). They are always so eager to please and all they want most of the time is to be your friend. Do you want to be theirs? I do.

Posted by: Olivia | February 13, 2009 07:46 PM

to continue to raise my son as a compassionate being, contribute to local animal rights causes and to protest for the first time :)

Posted by: katy | February 13, 2009 08:39 PM

I am going to my State Capitol in Austin(Texas) to lobby for legislation on 3 animal welfare/rights issues.(I hope they will pass)
Even though I have NO experience in doing this,I am going to take the leap of faith. With only a brief study class being provided for me,just hours before meeting with a Senator.So now I am scared as hell (and was even starting to question my own sanity), when all of the sudden I could FEEL their spirits(the animals) stirring up inside me. Telling me that I CAN DO IT! I became so overwhelmed with this wonderful feeling OF STRENGTH AND Courage that I will never doubt myself again.I am now planning my first anti-fur campaign "I RATHER GO BARE, THAN WEAR FUR"! And if I find myself being the only one there naked(protesting), being laughed at by the fur wearing crowd, I know the spirits of these animals (that have been killed) will be there empowering me! I am now being guided by them, to create change.They will quide me to were I should go next! Only THEY know! So I'm in for quite a year!!! And a life!!!

Posted by: Shari | February 13, 2009 10:25 PM

I will let all my friends & coworkers know about the benefits of going vegetarian (including sparing the lives of animals) & make them aware of the cruel reality behind factory farms & the fur industry. I've made my family & my closest friends aware of that & wanna make more people I know aware as well.

Posted by: Mayrette | February 14, 2009 12:30 AM

have no hunting signs posted on my sons 50 acres i've almost got him talked into it

Posted by: susan varney | February 14, 2009 08:46 AM

My plan is to create positive change for animals within my circle of influence. Education and prevention and promotion are the keys.

Posted by: Amy Tucker | February 14, 2009 11:42 AM

I have three goals to create change for animals this year:
1) although I am 95% vegan, I still slip up occasionally, eating a cookie, etc. made with eggs/milk, and I pledge to go 100%
2) I used to volunteer at my hometown animal shelter, and since moving to a new city, haven't found the time to become a volunteer, and I am going to start (perhaps even open my home to fostering shelter dogs)
3) I am going to get more involved in leafleting/activism for animal rights on my campus...

Posted by: Christa Quattromani | February 14, 2009 11:47 AM

starting with my inner circle and working out...writing govt and raising awareness with people

Posted by: SANDY | February 14, 2009 05:43 PM

We have a number of red foxes who wander the neighborhood during the wee hours of the morning. I am leaving food out for them and they really enjoy fruit and veggies!

Posted by: Karen Ruth | February 14, 2009 07:32 PM

I am trying to go vegan once and for all. I did it for a few months and then slipped.

Posted by: Denise | February 14, 2009 08:25 PM

i'm going to convince at least one friend to become vegan

Posted by: christopher h | February 14, 2009 09:08 PM

This year i am planning to prove to my family that its cruel to eat animals(since im the only vegetarian in my family)

Posted by: Allegra | February 14, 2009 09:34 PM

My sisters and I helped out at a neighborhood farm when we were children. We were horrified to find out that the cows that we loved, fed and cared for were actually sent out to a slaughterhouse. My sister, by age 8 became a vegetarian and I followed suit a few years later. It has become a passion for me to spread the word of cruelty to animals. Last year, in college, I made a power point presentation in my communications class on “why becoming a Vegetarian is the best decision anyone can make.” I have also put “meet your meat” up on my MySpace. I am known for bringing out my PowerPoint presentation out during family, friends and co-workers get togethers. So far I’ve helped two cousins become vegetarians and for every one person that switches to a vegetarian lifestyle more than1,500 animals are saved.
So my goal for the upcoming year is to help more people become vegetarians/vegans (without pressure, only with facts!), to write to congress about animal cruelty, to make sure friends and family stay away from “puppy factory” pet stores. I’ve also decided to have a neighborhood yard sale where everyone can get rid of leather, suede, or any other animal by products, so that they can start fresh without the carnage inside their homes.

Posted by: Christine Nelson | February 14, 2009 09:53 PM

Last year I gave up all dairy products, all pork products and limited my meat use to once a day or less. Although I continue to wear leather items I already own I did not buy any leather.

I've been thinking about the current year and have decieded to continue with the things I started last year and to give fish & sea creatures a break and take them off my grocery list. I will replace several meals a week with vegan meals instead of fish.

I volunteered to vend cold drinks in our company lunchroom and will continue to sell the drinks. Now that I have recuped enough to pay for the original stock I will use the profits to support the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennesse. I have been posting information regarding animal issues on the fridge so that others will be more informed.

Posted by: Joanna | February 14, 2009 10:02 PM

I have 3 rescues, and plan to devote more time with them this year. They deserve it!

Posted by: WENDY HORN | February 14, 2009 11:38 PM

I volunteer at our local humane society; additionally, I raise money to help support them

Posted by: Christina King | February 15, 2009 12:43 AM

I plan to donate to or volunteer at the local animal shelter

Posted by: Lisa | February 15, 2009 07:37 AM

My daughter went veterian quite awhile ago and I am really trying to do that myelf.

Posted by: veronica sandberg | February 15, 2009 01:18 PM

Continue feeding our stray wild cat, and the birds.

Posted by: Angela J | February 15, 2009 02:11 PM

In October i am once again going to organize a big AR rally in Dublin which hundreds of people will attend. Last October i done this and got national TV exposure, check this link out

http://www.tv3.ie/videos.php?video=1241&locID=1.2

Posted by: John Carmody | February 15, 2009 03:25 PM

Through this year, I will do anything I can to get money to PETA. I joined SocialVibe, I use the PETA2 Toolbar and I donate every cent I can spare. I've created causes on Facebook which benefits PETA and I keep inviting members and urging them to donate. Even just a dollar. Even though I owe my bank a lot of money, I will continue to give what I can afford to my favorite organization, PETA.

Posted by: Philip | February 15, 2009 05:32 PM

Oh, I would love to win thses books

Posted by: michele anne jaquyays | February 15, 2009 05:54 PM

This year I have given up clothing made of animals and meat. I am fazing dairy out of my diet also. I have been trying new vegan and vegetarian dishes, and I'm introducing the yummy ones to my friends so they'll give up or eat less meat.

Posted by: Rebecca | February 15, 2009 08:03 PM

I plan to adopt a cat.

Posted by: Kayce Crews | February 15, 2009 10:38 PM

Well my name is Shayla and I just decided to become a vegetarian after deciding to do a speech on animal rights. So far I have talked to my family and friends about vegetarinism and soon will give a persuasive speech about animal rights. I will continue to inform my peers about animal suffering. Im looking into getting involved with animal shelters and animal rights groups. Im just gonna do by day and with alot of prayer to inform people about animal rights.

Posted by: Shayla Tomaskin | February 16, 2009 01:34 AM

I have 2 cats I rescued from the animal shelter approximately 16 yrs. ago. I intend to continue to love, protect and care for them thru their lives.

Posted by: SharonC | February 16, 2009 10:51 AM

I plan to help animals through my cooking. I love to cook for people, to show them that vegan foods are both delicious and practical.

I even make vegan dog and cat treats for friends with companion animals!

Posted by: Jazz | February 16, 2009 10:58 AM

I'm going to intern at PETA again, and start a protest myself against Cole Bros. Circus. Also, I'm going to be a better friend to my dogs.

Posted by: Ashleigh | February 16, 2009 12:44 PM

I plan to tell everyone I have a personal conversation with, that I am a vegetarian and why. I am living proof that we don't have to eat meat.

Posted by: Lucy B | February 16, 2009 01:46 PM

I'm going to keep a more keen eye out for animals that are being abused and try to do more about it. I'm also graually weaning myself off of eating meat. I began with eliminating beef and pork.

Posted by: Terri D | February 16, 2009 05:38 PM

I gave up eating all animal products about a year ago, meat two years before that. I don't consciously wear any animal products either but this year my goal is to be more aware and read more labels. I am also going to be more conscious of which products test on animals and boycott those products and encourage my friends and family members to do the same. I am also currently writing a researched argument for my English class where I am arguing that the use of animals in circuses is cruel because it is a violation of their rights.

Posted by: Chelsea Wagner | February 16, 2009 08:35 PM

how can amercan etc. be so uncompassinate to god's creatures? by killing them for money/ i love animals so much that i refuse wear any leather product because they die for us to wear them?!they feel pain just as much as us!

Posted by: nancy coupe | February 17, 2009 11:01 AM

We rescued 4 dogs and a cat!

Posted by: Oleg Lantsman | February 17, 2009 04:08 PM

I have been volunteering at a animal shelter for about a year now and participate in local fundraisers for the shelter. I have also been a vegetarian for two years and I don't wear animal fur or leather.

Posted by: Moira | February 17, 2009 05:46 PM

I want to volunteer at a animal shelter.

Posted by: Dierdra Byrd | February 19, 2009 01:48 AM

Although I am not a vegetarian, I have made a choice to cut down my consumption of meat and meat products one step at a time.

Posted by: Nancy Reid | February 21, 2009 12:26 PM

Being Buddhist, I am a firm believer in trying to end suffering..obviously the best way is to prevent suffering! I volunteer at the local animal shelter and devote time giving these neglected pets attention they so deserve

Posted by: Dru Mooney | February 21, 2009 04:41 PM

I am going to support animal-friendly organizations.

Posted by: Kate | February 21, 2009 06:02 PM

I am going to do what I can for my favorite shelter. And take good care of my 5 rescued pets.

Posted by: Emmy T | February 21, 2009 06:56 PM

I used to volunteer at an animal shelters and I really miss it. I am going to go back and do it, its probably not as good as lobbying for animal rights, but I prefer doing thing locally.

Posted by: Melanie | February 21, 2009 08:13 PM

This year, I am telling everyone I know about puppy mills and all the other atrocities concerning animals and medical experimentation. In the country where I live the Humane Society recently bought a puppy mill and is giving up the poor puppies for adoption. People who would never be cruel to other people don't think twice about being cruel to animals, or don't think it matters if other people are! I just finished reading Irene Pepperberg's Alex And Me and within it she PROVES that we are not the only ones who can communicate or have higher brain function!

Posted by: Christina | February 22, 2009 07:52 AM

I can create change by raising awareness. I often adopt the motto of "live nad let live" and I do not say anything when I see things that are wrong. I've always thought that it is best to clean your own house (so to speak) first.

Posted by: David Clark | February 22, 2009 10:42 AM

help a dog

Posted by: Charles Rogers | February 22, 2009 10:55 AM

I would adopt all homeless animals if I could but I have a pet that we love and cherish. Although I can't do a lot for the shelters I do make sure my backyard animals have food, water and fun surprises year around.

Posted by: cindy a | February 22, 2009 12:00 PM

Oh these books sound so wonderful! THanks for the contest.

Posted by: C. flanigan | February 22, 2009 12:46 PM

As soon as I am cleared by the Workman's comp board, I will be back to the PSPCA volunteering.

Posted by: Melissa Zimmerman | February 22, 2009 02:02 PM

I, and my three kids, are vegans but my husband is still a carnivore. He is one of those weird carnivores too, because he won't eat fish because he thinks that it is cruel, but he'll eat all other forms of meat (??????). Clearly, I am going to have to approach the whole issue from the opposite direction from how it is usually done, but I feel confident that where there is a will, there is a way.
Alicia Webster
5webs@comcast.net

Posted by: Alicia | February 22, 2009 03:11 PM

I will not eat anything with a face!

Posted by: Ed Nemmers | February 22, 2009 04:42 PM

Cool prize.

Posted by: Tara Braun | February 22, 2009 07:27 PM

I don't buy clothing or accessories made from animals.

Posted by: Denise M | February 22, 2009 10:01 PM

I intend to take steps forward in my personal diet choices. I was vegan for over 5 years and have admittedly gone away from this and hope to make changes to this once again!

Posted by: Christina Almond | February 22, 2009 10:12 PM

I plan to be more of an animal advocate!

Posted by: Marianna | February 23, 2009 01:00 AM

I would love to make a difference, but don't know how. Iam awful at socializing and could not begin to think of how to start

Posted by: jennifer gersch | February 23, 2009 05:03 AM

33 yrs ago, I was in my last year of college, and there was a book that I read called ' survival into the 21st century'... overnight I went from being a meat eater to a vegan and have never looked back. I lived in New York City at the time and there was one restaurant that I could eat at in the whole city. My parents had never even heard of this weird diet that I was on. My mother told me that I was going to get sick, and my father told me that I couldn't live without animal protein and be healthy. I told them and everyone else that I never wanted to eat an animal again, or its babies, etc; At the beginning of this journey, there were no vegetarians, no vegans, no nothing. I was the only vegan i knew.
I don't know if my story is the 'most inspiring', but it certainly is amazing. I have done over 10 marathons and countless triathlons, including the Hawaii Ironman, numerous times in my 40's and 50's ... Still, even 32 yrs later, i am a rarity in the field of endurance sports, but more and more people are becoming vegans either through compassion for animals, or for health reasons. The people who become vegans for the ethical treatment of animals, are a blessed group of people that understand the nature of cruelty, suffering, and realize that animals feel pain, and that eating an animal is barbaric. Truely,I believe that it is.
Two years ago, The Dalai Lama came to Maui to give a seminar. I got to shake his hand, and i never wanted to wash my hand again. I wanted to keep something of his around me for the rest of my life. I believe that he is an enlightened soul, not perfect, but enlightened. I believe that he is here to help raise the planetary vibration by helping others to awaken their compassion.
compassion is the key . In some ways, it's the highest form of love. Thank you peta for all your hard work. i have joined in on demonstrations with your organization in new york and felt very blessed to be with likeminded people. It was a very lonely road in the beginning, over 30 yrs ago, trying to explain to people that it was cruel to eat animals. now, its acceptable and even hip. cool. lets keep it going. I wish every cow, chicken, and all farm animals were free to live their lives to their fullest potential the same way that i have been.
we will never end war until we treat animals with the dignity and respect that they deserve.
here's to a new day. i am happy that i was there in the beginning.
peace and aloha, Lotus

Posted by: lotus | February 23, 2009 05:31 AM

Sweet

Posted by: D Johnson | February 23, 2009 08:23 AM

I am educating my children via sites like peta kids so they can pass the word to their friends and hopefully their compassion will spread to others.

Posted by: Catherine KingChuparkoff | February 23, 2009 09:36 AM

by donating to my local shelter

Posted by: dorothy l | February 23, 2009 10:22 AM

I am going to devote time to getting animals at shelters adopted. I am volunteering for educational and fundraising activities for animal rights. I am putting info out about cruelty to animals by KFC and other food processors.

Posted by: Veronica Garrett | February 23, 2009 10:30 AM

I am going to be extra nice to my cat. : )

Posted by: Denise | February 23, 2009 01:16 PM

great

Posted by: chad heimbuch | February 23, 2009 02:18 PM

Try to help stray cats in neighborhood.

Posted by: John Deal | February 23, 2009 03:21 PM

I wish people would realise that animals do have souls. They are as unique and important as humans. We need to be better to them if we are to survive

Posted by: laurie | February 23, 2009 04:51 PM

We just adopted two kittens from the local humane society so we are doing our part in giving a loving and caring home to these two brothers who have captured our hearts!

Posted by: Susanne Troop | February 23, 2009 09:22 PM

We adopted a cat from the local shelter.

Posted by: Elizabeth Ray | February 23, 2009 09:57 PM

I am going to do more to help the rescue agency we adopted our dog from.

Posted by: Sand | February 23, 2009 10:56 PM

I feed stray cats in the neighborhood.

Posted by: Janet | February 23, 2009 11:19 PM

I plan to create a change for animals this year by possibly adopting a stray cat and giving it a home. I respect animals so much and will continue to respect them and try my hardest not to run them over like other drivers do. That always makes me so upset. This is a great giveaway. Thanks.

Posted by: Kristen Hendricks | February 23, 2009 11:27 PM

I plan to create change for animals this year by educating others on the importance of animal rights.

Posted by: Lily Kwan | February 23, 2009 11:31 PM