What's In a Name?

Today, April 10th, is officially "Prevent Cruelty to Animals" Day (commemorating the founding of the ASPCA in 1866). Prevent cruelty to animals day.

Wow.

What are we vibrating when we read that?

It has to be cruelty to animals, isn't it?

It's just like I can't say "no purple triangles" without you flashing on a visual of a purple triangle. It's the way our brains work.

Which is why I would have LOVED to have been on the committee naming the group here in Utah that received upwards of 9 million dollars in grant money to solve the homeless pets problem. It ended up being called "No More Homeless Pets." Nice.

The goal in the late 90s was to end euthanasia statewide in five years. It's 2007 and they've reduced it something like 33% . Nine MILLION dollars. I think I would have liked to have seen more bang for my buck on that one.

It's not just the name, of course. The intentions of the people involved obviously came heavily into play as well. Were we fighting against the problem, or investing positive energy in the solution? Some might think that's the same thing.

Last week a sweet girl emailed me an invite to join her new online group called "Animal Cruelty." I thanked her for the invite and told her just reading the name of the group made me cringe. (She's recently turned on to the Secret, and open to changing the name.)

What would be a better name? Best Friends Animal Sanctuary got it right, didn't they? Safe Haven for Pets. Home Safe. Even Protecting Our Pets would be better. Although the vibration of "protecting" still feels a little off, if you ask me.

Anyway, I'm sure there's a great way to commemorate all the good work lots of big-hearted people around the globe are doing to support our wonderful companions on planet earth. In the meantime, bless you all!

PS - I just found out Lynne's new group is officially called "Angels for Animals." THAT'S what I'm talkin' bout!! Doesn't that feel better?!