Helping animals in need

All my life I have loved animals. I know what great joy and unconditional love a pet can bring. I also know the pain of losing a pet. I recently lost my best friend Pirate, after having him in my life for 18 1/2 years. I know just how lucky I was to have him and I could not have imagined my life without him. Knowing how special Pirate was to me, it breaks my heart hearing stories about how this economy crisis has caused families to have to give up their family pet because they lost their job or their home, I don't know what I would have done if I were one of them! Unfortunately, families all over the U.S. are in this situation and they are having to make the extremely difficult decision, to give up their family pet because they could no longer afford their care. Animal shelters across the country are being over run and they need your help. I am asking you, if you would make a donation to this cause that is so near and dear to my heart. If this is not something you are interested in, I do understand but I hope you will still find a way to donate in some way, to a cause that is close to your heart. Thank you for you time.