Advocating for the plight of rescue animals can often take a heart-wrenching turn when new information is gleaned in the name of inhumanity. It is hard enough to comprehend millions of animals ending up in shelters and rescues, often through a selfish act by a human being, and then being euthanized because they ran out of time or space at the facility. It is truly unfathomable that gassing rescue animals to end their lives is still legal in many states. Imagine the fear a rescue animal may already have in the first place and heighten that visual with being lodged in a tight cage with other unfortunate victims or placed in a concrete room where you will choke, feel pain and struggle for breath before death intervenes.

This is an atrocity not fit for human beings or animals. Visit the Facebook page of Take Action- Help Ban Gas Chambers to see photos that will not allow you to forget these precious creatures, and will spur you on to want to help in some way large or small. You will find petitions to sign, photos to enlarge and post around town to help enlighten those who are not aware this unconsionable practice continues in our country. Share their links and information with others. The circumstances so many lovable rescue animals have had to live with is bad enough, they should at least be afforded dignity in death.

When Kathy and I started Much More Than Me, it was in 2009, and about the time the country seemed very weary of the status quo; the greed and focus on self, whether individual or corporate, had gone rampant and there was a lot of talk about change. Our tag line, Wear the Change, Live the Love, was essentially an outgrowth of what we hoped we could help reinforce out in the world- we ask people to consider “we” not just “me,” and walk the walk when it comes to acting with greater compassion, awareness and kindness to human beings and animals. In the two-and-a-half years since that moment, we have sold our t-shirts to many like-minded individuals who long for a greater connection to one another, to precious homeless animals who deserve health, happiness and lasting homes, as well as attention to our planet. It has been rewarding to say the least.

We have had the privilege of donating money from sales to many rescue and humane organizations around the world, including animal relief efforts after the earthquake in Japan, and we will continue to do this as long as we make a single t-shirt sale. We have also experienced the “aha” phenomenon at live events when people approach us unaware of what our company and shirts stand for, only to nod in agreement when our message sinks in. Kathy and I have often noticed, these are the very people who literally put the shirt they just purchased on their body while still walking around the event. That kind of advocacy, whether for rescue animals and the issues that surround their plight found on some of our styles, or our shirts that remind us we are part of a much grander and interconnected society, it is all part of what we hope to offer in our unique way.

The holidays are intended to be a joyous time spent with family and friends. Animals are most assuredly part of that overall happiness but be careful not to share too much food or the wrong food with them when indulging in holiday festivities! We thank the ASPCA for these wise tips that will help keep your animal healthy and safe but still part of the fun.

Talkin’ Turkey
If you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don't offer her raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria.

Sage Advice
Sage can make your Thanksgiving stuffing taste delish, but it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils.

No Bread Dough
Don't spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him raw bread dough. According to ASPCA experts, when raw bread dough is ingested, an animal's body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring surgery.

Don't Let Them Eat Cake
If you’re baking up Thanksgiving cakes, be sure your pets keep their noses out of the batter, especially if it includes raw eggs—they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.

Too Much of a Good Thing

According to the American Humane Association and other organizations, October is Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet month. Those of us who advocate whenever we can for the merits of rescued animals believe every month provides the perfect opportunity to graciously offer a loving home to an animal in need, however before this month is over, please take time to reflect on why shelter animals make the best pets. If it is a good time to bring an animal into your home that you will love the length of its life, maybe this will serve as a call to action.