The Internet, particularly the World Wide Web has been the biggest boon to communications since the telephone. Anybody from a grammar school kid to a ditch-digger to a university professor can tell the world his opinions on any subject on earth, with the hopes of luring others to his point of view.

Wrong-doings that previously were buried next to the crossword puzzles in local newspapers, now are globally talked about, through email groups, newsletters, bulletin boards, and in chat rooms. We've come a long way, baby, and animal welfare issues have come along with us. We've learned that we CAN make a difference, and people are not afraid to speak out anymore. Witness the uproar that ensued after the Olivia burning, and the huge outcry at the Noahs Ark killings.

But the battle to save our pets isn't won yet. As Pogo once said, "We have seen the enemy and he is us." Yep. Pet owners create the greatest hazard to pet animals by their own ignorance, selfishness and laziness. I'm talking about people who breed indiscriminately, or who don't bother to spay/neuter their pets. Folks who value velvet furniture and lace curtains more than they value their cats' toes. People who think they're doing a kindness to their new litter of unwanted kittens by dumping them at a local park, so others can take care of the results of their own stupid carelessness.

You, too, can join the battle against ignorance, with your own computer and modem, and a little help from web resources. There are a number of sites on the web where you can get the information and the wherewithal to educate and promote "spay and neuter" and a number of other causes.

I am grateful to Glenda W. Moore, of CatStuff for suggesting this topic for a feature. Glenda not only has a glorious collection of graphics on her site, but she also walks the walk when it comes to making a difference. You can download button graphics from her site to link to various other sites that also make a difference--sites such as Glenda Moore's own "Make a Difference" page. You will want to link to any number of Paws and Purrs pages, starting with Stop Abuse--Don't Litter, authored by the intrepid Susie Bachmann. Susie also provides a number of graphics on her site which you may use, providing you follow the rules.

Diabella offers vintage coordinated sets with animal welfare messages, as well as kitty calling cards promoting topics such as Spay & Neuter and Adopt and Older Cat.

If you've been meaning to put up a page and making a difference, here is your chance. Please respect the wishes of these fantastic graphics designers and use the buttons and banners as they are intended, and give credit to the creators of this fine art by linking back.

If you feel like you don't have time to create your own web site, but want to do something, take a look at Jana Foucher's Speak Out for Animals page. You'll find a number of petitions to sign as well as ways to donate to causes for animals. Make a Difference! Today! (And don't forget to send me your URL when you do.)

The URL for this feature article is http://cats.about.com/pets/cats/library/weekly/aa092998.htm

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