Last night we had our first meeting for the new community service group, Vanderbilt Loves Animals.  It was a lot of fun, and it sounds like we have a lot of great projects to work on.  I'm excited, because I love, LOVE working with animals.

Our major project is working with the local SPCA and Humane Society shelters walking the dogs and playing with the cats.  The animals have problems getting adopted because they seem hyper if they don't get exercise; they start jumping up and down whenever someone comes near because they're excited and hoping that the person will pet them.  If they get walked, though, they're much calmer, and then they get adopted!  It's a really great idea.  One of my sisters, Arianne Reid, is the creator of the group.

We're also getting together some fundraising ideas so that we can raise money to donate stuff to the shelters (like food and stuff).  Apparently a lot of people don't realize that the shelters are often short on food or blankets and the fuzzy animals go hungry or cold, or even have to be put down because there's not enough money to take care of them.  :(

So, I'm really excited about this.  Plus, I get to play with dogs!  I really miss my dog at home, so this way I get to have a surrogate target for my dog-love.  Which is much better than running over to complete strangers who are walking dogs and pestering them.

Here is a list of companies that don't test on animals (as well as a list of companies that do) that's set up by PETA.  Let me just add that while I adore animals, I do not condone some of the positions of PETA - I feel that they go too far.  I think that medical testing on animals is (often) appropriate (as how else are we going to help people with AIDS or cancer?) but that testing cosmetics on animals is ridiculous, especially since it is not required by law in the U.S. and there are many alternatives to it!!

For information on other national projects you can help with or petitions you can sign check out:
Humane Society of the United States
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals