| Thanks for your interest in Rational
Animal.
The idea for Rational Animal was hatched in the summer
of 2002. While taking a guided tour through the dunes
of Cape Cod I learned how common it was for people to
drive cars on the beaches, putting ruts into the beach
and trapping baby plovers who then die by the next car
or of starvation.
I wondered - if people had information about at-risk
wildlife living in the area, would they continue to
drive on the beach?
Returning to NYC in the fall I began to research at-risk
animals in the city. I was devastated to learn of the
overpopulation of domesticated animals and the euthanisia
of 100 dogs and cats every day simply because they have
no homes! I found that most people had not heard of
this tragic problem and more had to be done to inform
the public.
I began to draft a campaign plan for New York City’s
homeless animals and to recruit people interested in
helping by posting flyers around Greenwich Village.
Then Time Out New York posted a blurb about Rational
Animal in their volunteer section and I started talking
with animal-loving professionals - filmmakers, fine
artists, editors, engineers, graphic designers, set
designers, marketing specialists, musicians, photographers,
producers, writers. In my conversations I was impressed
with people who embodied high caliber of talent and
a love for animals. So many interesting ideas were brewing
and I knew with some coordination we could get organized
to produce a whole slew of media messages to help improve
the welfare of companion animals in NYC.
In January 2003 Rational Animal proposed a campaign
for our first client, the Mayor’s Alliance for
NYC’s Animals www.animalalliancenyc.org and in
February the Mayor’s Alliance accepted our proposal.
The Mayor’s Alliance began in 2002 with a handful
of NYC shelters and rescue organizations determined
to create a strong network for the people whose daily
work involves saving the lives of so many homeless companion
animals. The goal of the Mayor’s Alliance is to
make New York City a ‘no-kill’ city within
the decade – an achievable goal with the commitment
and participation of a critical mass of New Yorkers.
As of August 2004 the Mayor’s Alliance includes
70 shelter and rescue organizations and Rational Animal
is working in creative teams to develop and produce
public awareness messages for TV, radio, Internet and
print distribution. We are proud to say that with the
successful production of many of our first campaign
ideas, the Mayor’s Alliance has embraced Rational
Animal, calling us their “media arm!”
It goes without saying - there are too many at-risk
animals, and so much to be done to help them. Rational
Animal begins with a campaign focused on companion animals
in NYC. As resources allow, can expand to include more
at-risk animals in the future.
One last closing note, as of summer 2004 the National
Seashore helped nesting plovers in Cape Cod by roping
off nesting area and posting informative signs that
help people take part in their recovery. Needless to
say, the plover population is making a comeback! With
a little attention to specific needs, coordinated efforts
and public outreach, there is so much we can do to help!
Think about your skills and which animals you’d
like to help and contact your local animal welfare organization
- or join Rational Animal, we always welcome volunteers,
inquiries and donations. Feel free to contact me at
sbrandt@rational-animal.org for more information. I
look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Susan Brandt
Founder, Rational Animal
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