Many of you have been moved by a story called, "How Could You?" by Jim Wilis. This powerful essay has now been translated into Chinese and it is set to continue moving people the world over. This essay has now been translated into over 50 languages.

Willis' first story made news nearly ten years ago when it literally stopped traffic in the Toronto area of Canada. The DJ who read it broke down in tears and thousands of drivers followed suit, pulling to the side of the road and creating a traffic jam that a Toronto newspaper reported on. Radio stations nationwide have since done the same with similar results.

And now you can also help make a difference...

As the Ambassador for the USA, Jim Willis has generously granted reprint rights to all organizations and individuals for any non-profit use. Together they seek to spread the word of "How Could You?" on a global level.

We all know the pressure that the Chinese government is under as they face increased scrutiny over human and animal rights. The people of China are seeking a chance and in response to this outcry, World Animal Day appointed two Ambassadors in China to help spread the word about this important day.

The World Animal Day falls on October 4th of every year. It is a day when you can do your part for the animals - all animals. It's a time to show our support for the world's stewards and really demonstrate how important the world and all of its animals are too us.

It's simple to get involved. Those of you who use Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, or any social media, including e-mail, can send a copy of "How Could You?" to everyone you know, including your local newspapers and broadcast media. In the email, ask the media to feature animals from local shelters.

It is Jim's primary goal as the US World Ambassador to "increase adoptions of shelter animals and slow the tidal wave of animals being relinquished to animal shelters as a result of our faltering economies."

One word, one person, one posting... Together we can make a difference on a global level. Please take a moment to post How Could You? on your websites today. The shelters are full, they will be exploding over the weekend, and we all need to take a moment to act. Let's try to remind people why they adopted that pet in the first place! Send the article to your media members and ask them to read it aloud while showing their viewers the many shelter pets in need of a home. Tweet it, Buzz it, do whatever it takes to show the world that we mean business!

The Animals’ Saviour by Jim Willis

I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter …
The cast-offs of human society.
I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness and betrayal.
And I was angry.
“God,” I said, “this is terrible! Why don’t you do something?”
God was silent for a moment and then He spoke softly.
“I have done something,” He replied.
“I created You.”

(From the book Pieces of My Heart – Writings Inspired by Animals and Nature) Copyright Jim Willis 1999, all rights reserved http://www.crean.com/jimwillis

• To find out more about World Animal Day, see Jim’s WAD link.
• Visit Michele Hollow's blog where you can obatin further information about Jim and his work with WAD.
• If you live in the UK, visit Ryan O'Meara for a list of activities.
• Wherever you live in the world, there is a WAD ambassador for your country too. Just go to the World Animal Day home page:
• Read “How Could You?” now.

Together we can make a difference! Be sure to let us know what kind of activities you have planned for World Animal Day!