"I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being." - Abraham Lincoln Rest in Peace, Denali Help Heather Hines Heather Hines, a woman who has worked tirelessly for animals for many years, needs assistance for her medical fund after being diagnosed with cancer. Read more here. (.pdf) Death Row Dogs: Woody By Gail O'Connell Babcock To: The Oregon Veterinary Community The purpose of this note is twofold. One concerns a recent tragic case in which Woody, a delightful American Pit Bull dog kept in solitary confinement at Yamhill County Animal Control since 2003 was ordered killed by Judge Stone. If asked to destroy Woody, we hope that you decline to participate in this travesty. Read more... Here we look at some special relationships between humans and animals. Stories about rescuing animals--whether that means taking home a stray dog from your local animal shelter or bringing home a days-old baby opossum you find on a roadside--is not an easy task. Yet all the extra love and care abandoned or abused animals need is repaid a thousand times by the love and trust they eventually offer us in return. You will also find a story about a vegan artist, and how his decision about what to eat affects his work. _______________________________________________________ Michael Mountain Interview Michael Mountain is one of the co-founders and the president of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, the largest shelter for cats, dogs and other domestic animals in the United States. Freelance writer and animal lover Allan Heller not only volunteers at his local humane society -- The Chester County SPCA in Coatesville, Pennsylvania -- but has researched countless other humane organizations for his story on extraordinary animal rescue. (more...) Northwest businesswoman Dawnell Harrison always loved animals, helping hungry and injured creatures, but wanted to do more for animals in need. Read about Harrison's online business venture that combines capitalism with a conscience. Veterinarian Dr. Olakunle Ayeni has saved countless animals and written many articles and e-books. Read Dr. Ayeni's article about animal aid and six toll free numbers no animal lover should be without. Author Tama Janowitz has adopted several purebred dogs over the years that were considered below show standard by breeders that in turn offered below standard care to these "rejects"--cramped cages, no exercise or attention, minimal food and water. Her essay "My Dog Lulu" tells the story of Lulu and Beepbeep, two very special dogs Craig Rogers adopted a baby opossum he found on the side of the road. We'll risk an editorial intrusion here and suggest that you definitely read this one--the story is brief and also quite touching, thanks in good part to Craig's simple, unique style.     Lisa Sandmire has a wonderful story of her rescue of a dog hit by a car on a busy highway. Due to quick reflexes on Lisa and her husband's part, this story has a happy ending, including reuniting the dog with her very worried family.   Donna Adams writes a heart wrenching account of her introduction to a new companion shortly after the loss of her two year old collie from a terminal illness. Read The Gentle Giant    Portland anchorwoman Kim Singer has an assortment of dogs, all stray or abandoned animals she has adopted. "The Best Souvenir" is the tale of Pinto, a dog she rescued while on vacation in Mexico. We present Pinto's story as a serial. Parts One and Two are available. Las Vegas journalist Danielle Birkin wrote these stories on the joys of rat companionship and why she no longer eats lobsters.   Read about Harvey Sobel's canine CPR/First Aid course Robin Roth writes about saving feral cats. Robin writes about Eric Dayton - Vegan Artist Heroism and laboratory research are two words seldom used together in the animal rights movement, although laboratory animals are the world's unsung heroes. These animals give their lives to the so-called betterment of humanity, while the human animal has little regard for their well being in return.  In Anne’s story, the opposite is true. Read about another unsung hero, British research technician Anne Ross, who gave her life for the animals she fought to protect.   If you've rescued an animal or have other experiences with animals that you'd like to share, send it to us via email at webmaster@arkonline.com. Keep it fairly short, and let us know if a photo is available.