New Substack: The Kind Life

The Kind Life

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Please take a look on Substack and subscribe for free for a weekly dose of hope with real stories, insights, and simple actions you can take to improve animal welfare.

The Kind Life

I’m Carolyn Cott, an animal-welfare advocate and professional writer who’s always asking, “How can we make things better for the creatures who share our world?” Perhaps you’re asking the same question.

Whether you’re a seasoned rescuer, a caring pet parent, or someone who simply wonders, “What can I do to help?” this space is for you. Here’s what you’ll find:

  • Heartfelt, real-life stories of animals (and humans) that uplift and surprise
  • Research and insights into animal behavior, antics, and communication
  • Myths versus facts about animals, animal advocacy strategies that work, and human-animal connection
  • Interviews with vets, rescue workers, trainers, and public officials
  • Practical ideas—mini-actions and meaningful moves—that you can easily act on

I know that a lot of writing about animal welfare can feel heavy or alarming. Here we shift the tone to hope and curiosity rather than fear, to connection over detachment, and to actions—big and small—that are doable and feel meaningful.

I’d love to hear from you: your thoughts, your questions, even weird things your dog or cat does (my ears will perk up), and topics you’d like to see featured.

Here’s to kindness in action, discovery in every paw print, and shared steps toward a gentler world. Please subscribe for a weekly letter delivered to your inbox and please share this post. Thank you!

Warmly,
Carolyn Cott

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There are several impactful ways to help with animal welfare

Adoption and Fostering
Adopting a pet from a shelter is one of the most direct ways to make a difference. Approximately 4.1 million shelter animals are adopted each year, but many more still need homes. Fostering is also crucial, as it opens up shelter space for additional animals in need.

Volunteering and Community Involvement
You can support animal welfare by:

  • Volunteering at local animal shelters (walking dogs, socializing animals, helping with paperwork)
  • Participating in community animal welfare programs
  • Joining legislative action centers to advocate for animal protection laws (contact local, state, and national humane organizations: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/state-affairs

Financial Support
There are multiple ways to provide financial assistance:

  • Donate to animal welfare organizations
  • Sponsor a shelter animal
  • Start a fundraiser for animal nonprofits
  • Organize community fundraising events like walk-a-thons or car washes

Additional Impactful Actions

  • Promote adoption by sharing information about shelter animals
  • Consider reducing meat consumption to help animal welfare
  • Participate in trap-neuter-return programs for community cats
  • Raise awareness about animal protection issues
  • Support local animal shelters through supply donations

Ethical Considerations

  • Report animal cruelty
  • Encourage responsible pet ownership
  • Support initiatives that promote animal welfare and protection

By combining these approaches, individuals can make a significant positive impact on animal welfare in their communities.

From Perplexity AI