“It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” On Remember Me Thursday, animal lovers around the globe take the words of this popular quote to heart, serving as a beacon to light the way for a better tomorrow for homeless dogs and cats.
Launched by the Helen Woodward Animal Center in 2013, on the fourth Thursday in September people with a shared passion for compassion light a candle. Its beam is a tribute to the millions of companion animals in shelters (3.4 million in the U.S. alone) whose spark of life is prematurely extinguished each year and a ray of hope for animals who are waiting to be adopted.
In 2016, 164 countries will join together to help make the world a little brighter for our pals with paws. More than 500 animal welfare organizations will hold candlelight vigils, and animal lovers everywhere will help to illuminate the need to help shelter pets via social media.
Remember Me Thursday is a day to honor the memories both of orphaned animals who found a home on earth only in our hearts, as well as the furry family members we have lost. Animal lovers can light a virtual candle on the Remember Me Thursday website in remembrance of a four-legged loved one.
Each year a roster of animal-loving luminaries use their star wattage to shed light on the fact that only 30 percent of pets in American homes were adopted from rescue facilities while so many dogs and cats are in animals shelters from coast to coast, just waiting to be loved. In 2016 NCIS cast member and animal advocate Pauley Perrette has taken on the role of celebrity spokesperson.
“It is so important that we give homeless animals loving forever homes,” the actress stated. “We save them, but they end up saving us. The greatest joys I've experienced in my life have been from my rescued pets. As Official Spokesperson of the Remember me Thursday® campaign I have the opportunity to give a voice to these beautiful creatures.”
Other famous fans of our four-legged friends who are taking part in this year's campaign include Alan Cumming, Andie MacDowell, Beth Stern, Bonnie-Jill Laflin, Carrie Inn Anaba, Christian Siriano, Coco Austin, Diane Keaton, Elaine Hendrix, Eric Roberts, Holly Madison, Ian Somerhalder, Nikki Reed, Katherine Heigl, Kristin Bauer Van Straten, Kristin Chenoweth, Lou Wegner, Mark Steines, Wil Wheaton, Wynonna Judd, David Backes of the Boston Bruins, Bryan Bickell of the Chicago Blackhawks, Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Rays, NASCAR stars Mark Buehrle and Ryan Newman, and such animal A-listers as Choupette Lagerfeld, Cole and Marmelade, Lil BUB, Norbert, Pumpkin the Raccoon, Tuna, Sauerkraut Kitty and Vito Vincent.
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