In Southern California, four out of five third graders cannot read at grade level. This is a shocking statistic and studies have proven that children who fail to read at grade level by age nine rarely catch up. Because I believe that “no skill is more critical to the future of a child, or to the future of a democratic and prosperous society, than literacy,” I have focused my efforts in the community on this very serious problem. Among the reasons for this staggering rate of illiteracy are poverty, inadequate resources, and the absence of encouragement and positive role models.

It is a hectic and troubled point in time. From the deteriorating environment to the recession, people are busy dealing with their everyday lives while forgetting about the needs of animals in this busy time. Animals are just as needy as humans and need to be cared for equally.