Who We Are

A Message from Marie Belew Wheatley, president and CEO of the American Humane Association

Dear Friends,

Every year at this time, I enjoy looking at the entries we receive from all over the country for our annual Pets & Pals Photo Contest™. In many of the diverse faces of the people and animals, I can sense the love they have for one another and the joy they bring to each other’s lives.

As always, this year’s images are powerful evidence of the human-animal bond, which we at American Humane, and you as a friend and supporter of American Humane, have known about for a long time.

In looking at the pictures, I’m also touched by the expressions in the faces of homeless animals in the Shelter Life category. Looks of longing, a sense of hopefulness, and sometimes even the expression of a certain joy of living -- in spite of their present circumstances. Those images especially are a clear reminder of the “contract” that humankind has with domesticated animals -- a responsibility to care for and treat humanely those animals which, by the actions of people, are now dependent upon people for their very survival.

It’s a responsibility that, unfortunately, many people continue to shirk. But it’s one that we all should honor and fulfill. That’s why our work is so important. Creating a more humane and compassionate world requires touching hearts and enlightening minds, so people won’t abandon their pets or irresponsibly allow them to breed and contribute to the tragedy of pet overpopulation and euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals.

One way we continue fighting to hold up our end of the bargain is through American Humane’s national public awareness events, including Adopt-A-Dog Month® in October. In other ways, through our support of shelters and our interactions with the public, we work on multiple fronts: educating people about humane treatment of animals, spay/neuter and other aspects of responsible pet ownership; encouraging people to adopt animals from shelters and rescue groups; helping to fund medical treatment for abused and neglected animals so they can recover and be adopted; rescuing animals from disasters, puppy mills, hoarding situations and other emergencies; advocating for better laws; and providing grants and trainings to help shelters and their staff improve the quality of care of their animals.

Finally, many of the pictures we receive show children side-by-side with animals. Those images are also powerful because, in a single, simple scene they capture the two vulnerable groups encompassed by American Humane’s mission. In those pictures, we see innocence, joy, promise -- and our future. Animals offer companionship, devotion and unconditional love. They ask for nothing in return but care and kindness. Children also rely on others for their well-being and safety, as well as for guidance in becoming responsible, compassionate adults. American Humane’s work, our responsibility, is to keep driving society to meet its moral obligation to children and animals -- its obligation to be humane.

A humane and compassionate world is the world we picture. With your continued support, that is the world we will create together

Sincerely,

Marie Belew Wheatley
President and Chief Executive Officer