Animal Homelessness
Hello Yavneh Community!
Our names are Colin and Liat. As a 5th grade project, we chose to help end animal homelessness. This cause matters because cats and dogs reproduce quickly, so strays can get out of control. This also affects the cleanliness of towns and cities. According to Jennifer Flick, who runs her own animal shelter called Skritch Kittens in San Jose, only 1 in 3 cats on the streets survive. That means that 66% die.
The Torah teaches us about Tsa’ar ba’alea hayim, a law that requires us to help animals that are suffering or in need, even if it is your enemy’s animal (www.humanesociety.org). It is a mitzvah to help animals, for example, by giving stray animals care and a home.
We have already sent donations to Scritch Kittens. We donated a number of items, like cat food, toys, blankets, towels, treats, and dog food.
If you want to help, here are some options:
1) If you are dropping your child off at Yavneh next week, you can send them into the office where there will be a donation box with Jennifer. Feel free to donate sanitized cat food, toys, blankets, towels, treats, and dog food, or any other animal items. Used items are fine too.
2) Research and donate to any of these organizations:
Humane Society
ASPCA
The Dancing Cat
3) Call a shelter in your community if you see a stray that needs help. (Injured or looking Ragamuffin-like) You can call these shelters:
San Jose Shelter: (408) 794-7297
Adobe Animal Hospital: (408) 357-8000
4) Volunteer at your local shelter.
Thank you for your time.
Best Regards,
Colin and Liat
