Today we unveiled the first PRINT edition of The Anipal Times at BarkWorld Expo.

It feels different somehow to step out of the Internet onto the physical written page – to be tangible, to be ‘real.’ We’re thrilled with this opportunity to tap into a whole new community of animal lovers and supporters, and of course, animals!

As our community grows and becomes closer and more intimate and cohesive with the help of the Internet and social events and gatherings such as BarkWorld, it becomes apparent how much we have in common, the power we have in numbers, and the responsibility that comes with that power.

I feel it’s safe to say that most of the readers of this Editorial have allotted a significant percentage of their income through the years to charity, to helping those in need. What humans sometimes forget is that they have so many other gifts they could share to make a difference in the world. It’s not just about money – and they don’t always have money… Heck, animals never have money and look at all they have to offer humans!

There are so many other ways for humans to be generous and of service to those less fortunate, with all their different gifts: skills of all sorts, time, contacts, energy, a gentle touch, a loving word. Volunteering in the real world – fostering, helping at shelters, educating, even being a good example of how to truly love an animal – are all valuable and much needed everywhere.

The Anipal Times wants to support you in your efforts to make the world a kinder, cuddlier place. We hope to encourage you and give you ideas in our Community Service articles. We want to be an education and awareness tool to assist you in the ‘real community’ you live in, to help you reach that other world of people who don’t tweet or blog, but who have compassion and would help if they only knew how.

Reach out to them: In the pet store, at the vet, at the dog park, in the pet food aisle, at work, at the gym. Show them that crazy animal people aren’t so crazy, share with them the little (and big) things you do every day, and maybe you’ll hit a nerve and without even knowing it – start a chain reaction leading to something spectacular.

I know so many humans like this. You just need to help them out of the closet. Leave the closets to us.

We hope everyone who reads our paper at BarkWorld will visit us at www.anipaltimes.com and let us know what you think, what you like, and what wonderful ideas you have!

Warmly,
Cokie the Cat
Editor-in-Chief

Tagged as: BarkWorld