I’ve blogged recently about the Blog Paws 2010 convention I attended in Columbus this month.  What I haven’t yet mentioned is the powerful, exciting, grassroots movement that was spawned there and is still going strong today.  Be the Change Challenge was the brainchild of several amazing women who presented their case at the conference.  Dorina Wagner (Your Daily Cute), Lynn Haigh (pawpawties), and Dr. V. (Pawcurious) – and moderated by Jane Harrell of Petfinder – combined their genius minds and came up with a challenge to the convention attendees.  The idea was simple:  a charity was chosen at random (the winner was Pets Without Parents) and the challenge was put out to all attendees to spread the word and raise money and awareness for unwanted animals.

The weeks since the conference have been filled with a number of events, but the fun is not over.  Donations can still be made by clicking the button below.  The cause has already exceeded the goal by leaps and bounds and continues to grow.  Donating money is not the only way to help!  Consider donating old bedding, towels, toys, or other items to local shelters in need.  Sign up to be a volunteer for your favorite rescue.  Spread the word on your own blog and among your friends.  Anything you can do adds to the growing momentum of this wonderful cause.  Remember that an ocean is made up of billions of tiny droplets – be one of those drops!

If you’d like to know how I am making a difference, visit my other blog From The Horse’s Back.  There, you can read about Hazel’s story.  In addition, I am going to sign up as a volunteer for Pet Rescue By Judy, a local no-kill shelter that is a superstar saver of unwanted animals.  Finally, if you have an idea for change or have contributed in some way, comment here.  Happy Changing!

Each of these beautiful dogs is unwanted and awaiting adoption at Pet Rescue by Judy. Photos courtesy of www.petrescuebyjudy.com