| |
 |
Karen was part of USPCA’s efforts and also saw firsthand how USPCA’s dedicated volunteers and staff overcame many roadblocks, made do with so little, and yet they were able to spay, neuter, and rescue hundreds of animals, get the message across to so many people about kinder treatment towards animals, and they never gave up in the face of hardship or because of lack of resources.
Karen had volunteered in the animal welfare field in the US for over 20 years before she moved to Uganda, so she was well aware of the difficulties faced by animal welfare activists in the States. |
|
| |
She also knew that if we in the US and elsewhere could share our experiences and knowledge with animal welfare advocates in developing countries they could avoid some of the same mistakes that others had made in the past. And she knew that the dearth of supplies and funds in developing countries could be filled, in part, by caring individuals in the developed countries.
After she left Uganda, Karen lived in Jamaica, Botswana, and Ghana, and in each of these countries, she volunteered with animal welfare organizations. Because of her work in biodiversity conservation, she also travelled frequently, and made contacts with animal welfare advocates around the world, where ever she travelled.
When she moved back to the States, Karen realized that because of her firsthand experience with animal welfare groups in developing countries, she was well positioned to get the word out about the great work they do and the progress they’re making in the face of so many challenges. She started Animal-Kind International to help get funds and supplies to AKI’s animal welfare “champions” so they can continue to do the work that is so important to all of us—improving the treatment of animals around the world.
There are so many animal welfare organizations around the world, and many more deserve our support than AKI is able to help. AKI’s partner organizations were chosen because AKI is familiar with their programs, their staff, and their use of funds, and because we are able to get regular updates about their programs and how AKI funds are used—and we know this information is important for our donors, so they can feel secure in the knowledge that their donations are being put to good use. We know these organizations are doing the best they can to improve the conditions for animals in developing countries, and we know they use our donors’ funds wisely. |
