Be My Hero, my pledge for a most worthy cause
I’d like to tell you about a campaign that we’re launching today with Nestle Purina PetCare, the primary sponsor of our pets channel on marthastewart.com. The “Be My Hero†campaign encourages people to make a pledge to help homeless animals by volunteering in a local shelter or adopting a pet in need of a home. To support this campaign, I pledge to do everything I can to raise awareness about animal adoption through shelters. Did you know that -
- Approximately five to seven million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year and approximately three to four million are euthanized due to a lack of space or resources to adequately care for them.
- Twenty five percent of dogs that enter local shelters are purebred.
-It is impossible to determine how many stray dogs and cats live in the US; estimates for cats alone range up to 70 million.
- Many strays are lost pets that were not kept properly indoors or provided with identification.
The average cost of basic food, supplies, and medical care and training for a dog or cat is $775 annually.
(Source: ASPCA)
Over the years, I have adopted many of my cherished pets from shelters, including my cats Chigi-Toto, New Kitty, China Cat and Chow Chow Empress Wu. They have all been wonderful companions and there are countless others like them in need of home, particularly in the current economic downturn when many families can no longer afford to feed and care for their furry friends.
Please join me in this effort by visiting www.bemyhero.com. When you complete the volunteer questionnaire, Purina ONE will make a donation of $5 up to $500,000 to participating One Hope Network Shelters. I hope you will also consider opening your home (and your heart) to a dog or cat in need.
Be sure to visit our pets site on marthastewart.com/pets to see how my pets are volunteering to support this cause!
The photos were lovely, and adopting a dog from a shelter is a wonderful thing to do. I couldn't be without Violet our Lurcher. We got her from Battersea Dogs Home when she was two, when she first came in the room she hid under the table - food eventually coaxed her out! Watching her grow into the elegant lady she is now has been wonderful.
Pru
Posted by: Pru | July 15th, 2009 at 3:48 am
Thank you Martha for that ultimate leadership touch - again!
Greetings and love from Europe,
Luc Raes
Posted by: Luc | July 15th, 2009 at 6:22 am
Wonderful photos! I wish I could say my dog is from a shelter, but he's not. He is a Lhasa apso from a breeder here in Massachusetts. But I want to applaud you for putting your efforts into shelter adoption.
Posted by: Rhea | July 15th, 2009 at 7:28 am
Such pretty animals! Loved seeing the photos! Especially the one from the Gardening book, brought back such pleasant memories,I met you when you came to Boston when it came out.You were so warm and gracious, made me and even bigger fan!
Posted by: Wendy | July 15th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Martha,
Thanks for the vital statistics on homeless animals. And THANK YOU!,TOO!, PURINA! It's so wonderful that in a time such as these, companies such as yours and Purina's (the one's with the biggest bats), are stepping up to the plate!
I am humbled to be so educated! And YES!, I'll take a swing at that homeless-animal-ball-thing, too! Sign me up!
Posted by: tinay | July 15th, 2009 at 10:04 am
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WORTHY CAUSE KUDOS!!!
You really do invest in animals as worthwhile citizens!
An addition for the FUTURE, perhaps........
Since you certainly have the edge on how to employ the animal kingdom's good spirits into big business, consider, along with adoption, that CANCER is the number one killer of animals. Dr.Marty in your court and Tufts oncologists in mine can attest to the horrific demise of our beautiful animals via this insidious life cruncher. More than one third of the animals seen at Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine are cancer patients!
A national 501c3 charity tending to this issue has been toppled by the economy. This now bare bones operation, National Cancer Society for Animals, would like to see MSO incorporate animal survival, as well as adoption, into its 'take a stand' panorama.
As a national media professional and prime player within a worldwide cancer concern for animals, I've been graced with health resource galore, but I'm no mogul. We need a prayer, and your wing.
A seasoned corporate mogulism managing this resource and notoriety the National Cancer Society for Animals has developed in 10 years would take this 501c3 skyscraper high.
Take on this animal acquisition already standing, but ready to fall. Hit animals with cancer with the powers you have that I do not.
Accent MSO's animal publications and stances. Be the powerhouse directorship of a national animal cancer charity. I am powerless at this time to do what you could do today, as I was powerless when my 'Professor's' head dropped down out of my hands, cancer clapping.
I now know that there is no end to the help needed TO REACH ALL OF THE HANDS OF THE FACES WHOSE ANIMALS ARE BEING BURIED BY CANCER.
.
How about another acquisition Martha?
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Andrea and the Weimaraners
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Posted by: andreaandweims on Twitter | July 15th, 2009 at 10:07 am
All my furry family members were adopted from the shelter or from the street. Taylor was a puppy in the shelter and was dying - he couldn't stand. I picked him up - brought him to the animal hospital and he is now a healthy and happy 3 year old. I adopted Louie from the same shelter when he was 6 wks old. He and Taylor are best friends. All of my cats: Chickiepoo, Georgieboy, Little Who, and Snowball, were adopted from the street. All 6 of my furry friends love each other, and are a great source of happiness and unconditional love. Martha, I very much support this campaign. Recently law enforcement in our area made a huge drug arrest in a rural section of town. They found over 50 dogs - mostly pittbulls - chained, emaciated, sick, and neglected. All dogs were brought the the local shelter. The shelter was in dire need of supplies to help these dogs. I personally brought to them 500 pounds of high protein dog food. I e-mailed family and friends to help out - and the results were amazing. All domesticated animals rely on humans for their safety and health. I will continue to find ways to support this campaign. Everyone interested should google their local animal shelter - contact them - and see what they can do to help.
Posted by: maria cerwin | July 15th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Aww, so sweet! Love your support of animals as well as people causes, it's a good thing;)
Posted by: bookbabie | July 15th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Thank you so much for supporting this wonderful cause. It's great to see someone who loves dogs so much use her ability to spread the word behind something like this.
Posted by: Eric Goebelbecker | July 15th, 2009 at 11:37 am
your pets are lovely...see... mine http://www.manxinha.blogspo...
less than 5 seconds ago from web in reply to MarthaStewart
Posted by: Silvia Alexandra Silva | July 15th, 2009 at 11:40 am
A cause after my own heart! We have three rescued pets. I am involved in a Dandie Dinmont Terrier Rescue, and we have two, one came from the pound, and the other came from a Missouri puppy mill auction, rescued with her sisters. Our latest cat was rescued last Dec. from the pound. Our second cat was given to us by a friend. Yes, I love animals all around, and baby my own shamelessly. Good work, Martha!
Posted by: Charlene Lee | July 15th, 2009 at 11:57 am
Thank you so much, Martha. I am very gratiful for you joining with Purina. A very basic need of animals is quality food that is available. We can all wish for gourmet brands but what is needed is food available to all animals with research backing the product.
I have 3 animals who arrived at my door in need of a home. They make my day(s) so much more full. The animals are honest, loving, free in spirit, free of fear. I love them all.
Posted by: Margie | July 15th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Your Uncle Vanya looks just like our cat Cyrus that we had for 5 wonderful years. He had an amazing personality also and was adopted through a Humane Society shelter.
Looking back in one one your original books, New Old house, Uncle Vanya must be the handsome cat on page 230.
Is there a chance that volume II will be in the future for New Old House? This time around it would be Canitoe Farm.
Posted by: Brian | July 15th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
If anyone can raise awareness to a cause, my belief is in you because your words speak volumes. One of our poodles came from a shelter. She was taken there by a security guard at Florida Atlantic University after someone beat her and left her chained to a tree. I am not able to take in an animal right now or volunteer but you can bet I will find a way to contribute. Thanks for informing us. Trish
Posted by: Trish | July 15th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
PLEASE CONSIDER A SENIOR PET!!!
They make great companions and so many are being dumped in shelters in their golden years and sadly most never get out!! They deserve better than that...
We have five dogs total including ours and fosters. Two are seniors. We feel blessed to have them!
Posted by: Jennifer | July 15th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Charming pictures and I love the names.
We've got three "inside and out" kitties, and one "outside" that are locals we've taken on and a few guest diners, recently including a young raccoon that has sat outside the screen door peering in, in the middle of the day, waiting for kibble. Probably one of the guys who digs up flowerpots every night looking for earthworms. What a dilemma. I hate for these animals to be hungry, but if there is surplus food the population will increase.
Because I have a male cat who some months ago had a vet stay for a urinary tract problem (only $400, I guess I was lucky) I was looking into a well-known, specifically developed, food for cats with this problem but with resentment about being locked into a very expensive and complicated regimen for an animal I love but who should be low maintenance. I didn't get that product, opting to give him more wet food, and to be more vigilant about a clean cat-box and water dish. But, during my investigation I did talk to a sales person at a pet store about their dry food that has less filler and more protein. Expensive, but the claim is that the cat requires a smaller quantity , like, 1/2 cup per cat per day! Actually, shouldn't that be fine for a critter who sleeps 18 hours a day? I'm trying it. Now I'm buying two kinds of dry food, and canned, but seemingly less frequently. This is all anecdotal, though sounds logical. I started reading all the dry food labels and was fairly dismayed to see how much of these big heavy bags I haul home is non-nutritious filler, which also creates more poop, thus requiring more purchases of cat litter. You know, good grief, all these complications because you take in some kittens you found in your compost bin! We all adore the kitties though. Don't get me started on my neighbor's beagle. Did you ever live next door to a beagle? Every time it sees that raccoon. . .
Posted by: jw | July 15th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
I DO remember seeing the photo of you and Max in your gardening book. It appears indeed that he was a wonderful helper and companion, even (as a 'helper' in the garden) if it was only to be available for some pats on the head or some nuzzles to his black velvet muzzle. (I LOVED that book, by the way!...)
Little Chiggi was an adorable little girl, much like my now/present-time Edgar. While their markings aren't exactly the same (Edgar is a stripeycat, except his body is now mostly solid grey), their dispositions I believe are/were very similar. Twist them into figure-eights, and they'll let you! They're so gregarious and riciprocate love freely. Oh, I do love my Edgar (his little calico sister, Mandy, too!) =^..^=
Pets are wonderful little gifts from God - I honestly believe that. His design was for them to provide companionship, and as any pet-lover knows, they really 'deliver' in that realm. Gee whiz, I've even recently developed an interest in and fondness for fish - why?...I don't know, as they can't show the love that we humans so thrive on from time to time...I really enjoy pond fish lately and always approach them with great interest and admiration. (I'm goofy, I know!) [giggle]
In your/our reminiscing, though, Martha, the fond memories that whoosh back from looking back in the past are evidence enough how they've enhanced our lives so! In Genesis 1:24 on the sixth day of Creation, the Lord created all kinds of animals (us, too!)...He looked at what He had done, and decided it was good.
It IS a good thing, don't you think?! I concur...how 'bout you?!
=^..^=
♥ "Nothing is sweeter than love, nothing stronger, nothing higher, nothing wider, nothing more pleasant, nothing fuller or better in heaven or on earth." ♥ -- Unknown
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | July 15th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
I began volunteering at our local No-Kill Humane Society and continue to do so, however, we found there are staggering numbers of cats and dogs that die everyday in our animal control facilities here in Georgia. Because of size, the Humane Society was unable to help with the mere volume so a friend of mine and myself started our own animal rescue group. We are one among many in this area which have been established to try to save a small portion of these wonderful beings. We are the volunteers that go to animal control, pull, vet and take these poor souls into our homes in an attempt to find them loving forever homes. A lot of the animals we save are eventually sent to the NE where they have spay/neuter requirements, which is severely lacking here in the SE. There are email distributions that show literally hundreds of dogs that today will be their last day unless someone can step in and take them in. We are overwhelmed, financially broke and heartbroken here in the South. Thank you for your effort to try to bring this tragic situation to light.
Posted by: LuAnn Farrell | July 15th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
You and the kitten -- how cute!!!
Posted by: Shauna | July 15th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Deep within us all the desire to be needed resides.
An inherent quality that overcomes all chides.
What better way to satisfy this human fret,
Than to give yourself,wholeheartedly,to a pet.
Sad brown eyes,that say they'll never roam.
If you would realise they need a loving home.
Remember that no matter how many you love,
Always room for one more thank stars above.
Have you ever been lost,bruised,hungry or scared?
Think how much worse that would be if no one cared.
Magical things happen when you open your heart
Accept responsibility and willingly do your part.
Even in turmoil,mayhem or the busiest day
Sincerety and kindness will always find a way.
Posted by: celia stock | July 15th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Your animal shelter adoptions and airing of this country's-not greatly publicized-stray animal issue, is wonderful.
Claudia
P.S. Little update about me: less than 2 weeks ago I moved from Cambridge, MA to Abita Sp[rings, LA. I am on SSDI curently, so I did not come here due to a job. Don't have the patience, at the moment, to go into what led me to pick the area.
What another world! I don't know how long I am going to last here. I miss my urban roots. Boo hoo!! boo hoo.
One last thing-(to complain abut?)for the first time in a long time I have cable (it's included in my rent) -and your show does not air here, evidently. Do you think you can generate waves in the New Orleans area, about that? Take care
Posted by: Claudia Strauss | July 15th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
I have 5 kitties, all rescued as tiny feral kittens except one who just showed up and decided to stay. Absolutly wonderful animals. I also volunteer for Heart of the Redwoods Horse Rescue. I do their website. Breaks my heart to see abandoned and neglected animals.
Bless all who care!
Posted by: Lois Andersen | July 15th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Any chance you would adopt another Chow Chow?
Posted by: Michelle | July 15th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
You do such wonderful things for animals. Raising awareness of the many that are waiting for a good home in the shelters is such a considerate thing to do. You & Purina are really making an improvement in the animal world. All of your rescue animals are beautiful pets.
When I saw the black Chow of yours, it reminded me of your show from years ago....I'm wondering if that's the one I used to see, or did you have more than one black chow? What a handsome dog he was.
Posted by: Sherry | July 15th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Chiggi brings back memories of Mitzi,a calico kitty & my first pet. As a young married, our first "baby" was a golden pup. Several years ago we acquired our Bichon from a shelter after several families found her to be "too much". She is still a little exuberant, but adorable and loving.Our family has been blessed many times over by the pets who have loved us. Animals add so much to life, they deserve the best we can give.
Posted by: lil | July 15th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Hi Martha, Thank you for this fantastic, inspiring suggestion you presented to us. I have always intended to volunteer at an animal shelter but somehow never got around to it. I just finished volunteering online at a pet center right here in Des Moines, WA and should hear from them tommorrow. It's a special no kill center for cats and they adopt out to people who will keep the cats inside. I've never adopted from a shelter, but I did save 2 dogs from uncertain futures. I think I told you about Cricket and Dudley Do Right before. Cricket had 5 wonderful years with me and Dudley Do Right is now 5 doing everything right. I've been thing about getting a playmate for DDR and now is probably a good time to check out the shelters. Thank you so much for sharing those wonderful photos of your adopted pets. I admire you more and more everyday. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | July 16th, 2009 at 12:53 am
We got both of our pets from the local Humane Society. Happy is a terrier mix and the best dog we have ever owned. We just adopted our first cat 3 weeks ago, and Leonard is very much a part of our family. He is a beautiful, loving orange tabby. I will always adopt from the Humane Society!
Posted by: Dusti | July 16th, 2009 at 6:53 am
On Father's Day, we adopted 2 kittens from the shelter. Since then, there have been many trips to the vet for worms and viruses they picked up while there, but we feel so good knowing we saved them from being put down. They're on the mend and have brought so much joy and fun to our home! ♥
Posted by: Bridget {Bake at 350} | July 16th, 2009 at 7:15 am
I think it is wonderful your support for the dogs and cats. I have rescued a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel several years ago and now have another. I know you love your Frenchies and Chow Chows but Cavs are the BEST.
Posted by: WYNNIE | July 17th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Those who loves things on earth are blessed by sky. I found a great person in you. what I think that care and love shoud be for everyone but living with kids and pets have some adverse affects on behaviour.
Posted by: BACHA | July 18th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Bravo Martha! So many animals adopted from shelters! My Mother in Law works as a Foster Parent for our local animal shelter and she has saved hundreds of puppies from being put to sleep.
It's important to remember that you can find not only a wonderful pet from a shelter, but if you are interested in a pure-bred animal, you can find them at shelters too!
Posted by: Stef | July 18th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Hi Martha,
Appreciate your efforts. Completing the questionnaire at bemyhero to support the cause
Best wishes
Sunil
Posted by: Suni | July 19th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Art and Animals what a lovely combination! Joan
Posted by: joan aaronson | July 20th, 2009 at 11:38 am
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PET FOOD PANTRY----
Had a meeting yesterday with directors of human food pantries regarding their national plight during the summer months.
I have an invitation to you involving a national PET FOOD PANTRY where famine is also rampant. This effort will be spearheaded by NCSA at the request of these directors. They also requested that I use my contacts with Ellen, Rachel Ray and Oprah. I pointed out your visibility within the animal industry and will contact you first by Tweet later tonight.
I hope you'll be interested in what I have to say.
Andrea and the Animals of NCSA
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Posted by: National Cancer Society for Animals | July 21st, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Please keep this campaign going! Shelters desperately need funds and Purina ONE is offering up to $500,000 through this Be My Hero promotion. I've pledged, and have asked all of my FB & Twitter friends to pledge too - we have the ability to do something really great here and I'd hate to see the shelters lose out because we didn't do something so simple as 'pass it on' - thank you Martha for your wonderful support and exposure for this worthy cause!!!
Posted by: Louise | July 23rd, 2009 at 9:29 am