Dear John,
My name is Tina. I’m an NhRP supporter who lives in Colorado. I grew up in a small, rural community in Michigan. As a child, the only dogs I knew were hunting dogs who were chained up outside year round. Of course, the poor creatures were miserable, but I was too young to see that. Occasionally, one of the dogs would get loose and run through the neighborhood expressing their joy at finally being free. But, to the children of the neighborhood, those were terrifying moments.
I remained terrified of dogs (and all animals, sadly) until I was 52. If I saw someone walking a chihuahua on the sidewalk toward me, I’d cross the street. That’s how frightened I was of animals.
Then, when I was 52, a friend asked me to look in on her golden retriever who was home alone. I was terrified, but I didn’t want to let my friend down, so I mustered every ounce of courage I could find and went to her house.
When I got inside, the dog barked, but I quickly walked across to the back door to let him out. Because it was early in the morning, I lay down on the sofa to rest. I dozed off. When I opened my eyes, the dog was gently saying hello. I cautiously started to pet him. He responded in such a sweet, loving way, I continued to pet him. I stayed with him for two hours!
A switch had flipped for me, and not a day too soon. I immediately understood that, from that day forward, my life would be richer because I could finally understand and embrace the joy that animals give us.
Yes, I regret wasting 52 years of my life without appreciating animals. But I’m making up for lost time!
Today, I can’t look into the eyes of any animal—big or small—without feeling a strong sense of gratitude that we share this planet with such amazing creatures. Each and every one is precious.
I am deeply grateful to the Nonhuman Rights Project for doing such amazing work to protect animals around the world. If you believe, as I do, that animals are sentient beings, that they feel love, joy, fear, loneliness, and more, then you understand that we must do everything we can to protect them from the people and organizations that make them suffer. Tragically, many animals are suffering at this very moment, and that’s why I support the Nonhuman Rights Project.
The NhRP is working tirelessly to secure legal decisions to protect animals from human-caused suffering now and in the future. When animals are the victims of cruel treatment, they cannot speak up for themselves. It’s people like us, who love and cherish animals, and the champions at the NhRP, who have the ability to speak up for them. Please join me in donating to the NhRP to help give animals the legal protections they need and deserve!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
A generous donor has offered to match the first year of contributions for all new $25-a-month recurring donors who make their first donation today through Wednesday! Become a new monthly donor or make a one-time end-of-year gift to the NhRP here. If you're already a monthly donor, thank you.
