'Tis the season to share warmth with those you love; to be reminded of what's truly important in our lives; and to honor family and friends with thoughtful gifts.

For me, it’s also the season when I always sadly think about the dire plight of so many of our innocent nonhuman neighbors in the world today.

For all the joy that animals truly bring to mankind, far too many of us do not treat them very well; and it’s heartbreaking to me that so many animals are in urgent need of care, protection, and kindness this Holiday Season.

Animals like:

The 6 million unwanted, abused, and neglected dogs and cats that will be euthanized in animal shelters across the United States;

The 330,000 harp seals in Canada who will be clubbed or shot to death this coming spring;

Pets of all types around the nation and globe in desperate need of lifesaving medical care;

Wild animals like the majestic grey wolf whose lives are now severely threatened by urban sprawl, increasingly diminished habitat, and loss of legislative protection;

Thousands of magnificent migratory birds that are now endangered because of proposed changes in migratory bird protection treaties;

Thousands upon thousands of sickly mistreated puppies being born in horrendous conditions in vast puppy mills;

Thousands upon thousands of innocent feral felines being captured and callously destroyed in cities, suburbs, and government facilities all across the country;

Millions of innocent marine animals that are now dying in the ever increasing and expanding ‘dead zones’ in our world’s oceans caused by toxic pollution, illegal dumping, and industrial waste.

It truly is time for all animal lovers to take a stand, and to do whatever we can for these earthly nonhuman neighbors of ours, before it’s much too late.

One of the wonderful organizations dedicated to helping their plight is the Humane Society of the United States.

If you would like more information about helping all sorts of animals today, please visit their website listed below.

If you would like to get involved in animal welfare in your own community, please visit your local animal shelter.

If you would like to let your legislators know how you feel about these pressing animal issues, please write or e-mail them to voice your concerns.

Please find it in your heart to get involved in animal welfare and protection in whatever capacity you possibly can this Holiday Season, and in the coming new year.

Future generations of both animal and nature lovers will bless you for it.