For some people the new year brings with it new hopes and dreams. Many people make new year’s resolutions of one kind or another. Some resolutions are specific such as vowing to exercise more. Others are more general in nature like being a better person or getting the most out of life.

It is honourable when one strives to make a positive difference in the world, such as helping those who need assistance. It doesn’t take doing dramatic deeds to make a significant contribution. James Stewart’s role in the movie It’s A Wonderful Life effectively illustrates the incredible impact one seemingly "ordinary" life can have on the lives of others.

Helping animals who need assistance is an important and wonderful thing to do for various reasons. We need to look out for all of the living beings with whom we share this planet. Our species domesticated the canine and feline species thousands of years ago. In doing this our species made dogs and cats dependent on us. For this reason we need to look out and care for these wonderful animals. Saint Francis of Assisi said, "Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission - to be of service to them whenever they require it."

We can all do more to help animals in need and, in so doing, make the world a kinder and gentler place. Consider the following ways to help our animal companions who give us so much and who ask for so little.

• If you are adding a four-legged member to your family adopt him/her from a pound or animal shelter.
• See your veterinarian about having your animal companions neutered (spayed - female; castrated - male.)
• Donate food, blankets, towels and/or your time to an animal shelter or pound.
• Offer to help an elderly person with their animal companions (help exercise the animal, take the animal for a veterinary appointment etc.)
• Help to fund raise for the local humane society or animal shelter.
• Spend more time with your animal companions.
• Report acts of cruelty or neglect to the humane society and/or the police.
• Write politicians, organizations and companies on matters that affect companion animals and ask them to make things better for our four-legged friends.
• Those of you on the Internet can help animals every day (at no cost to you except your time) with a click of your mouse! Our web site, www.amorak.net, has an area in the "Do Something!" section where you can click to help animals (soon we will have several sites where you can help companion animals in this manner.)
• Take your four-legged family members for regular veterinary check-ups.
• Help companion animals in need whether they are lost, injured, homeless or starving. This help may involve you personally assisting the animal or contacting the appropriate authorities for their assistance.
• Educate others as to how they can make a positive difference for those animals who enrich our lives in so many ways.