Ashley Is Awesome! April 7, 2008
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A little while back I started corresponding with Ashley, a local high school student, and ever since then she's impressed me with her passion for animal rights whether it comes to protecting dogs, rabbits, chickens, or elephants! She's most interested in helping stop the overpopulation crisis which leaves so many animals suffering and forced to be euthanized. I wanted to introduce you to Ashley with a little interview since she has so much to say!
How did you get into animal rights?
I first got into animal rights when I was about 12... when I got into high school I found out about a club called AWARE and because it had something to do with animals, I immediately decided I would join. I've loved animals and all things living since I was a young'n, this in turn makes me the "little black sheep" of the family... Ms. Lauter, who would become my future life coach, and head of the club, got me into fixing my dog (instead of breeding). We took one trip to the shelter and I decided that was it. I decided this is what I was made for, that I would rescue homeless pets all over the world— that there was no need for the suffering. After that I (began) to do more research on different animals around the world... so that I could learn more.
Is there a particular animal rights issue you feel strongly about and why?
There are a lot of things I feel strongly about concerning animal rights. I don't believe in breeding dogs and cats at this point, for one thing. We have an OVERPOPULATION problem and thousands of thousands of homeless pets, who deserve to be loved and cared for are being euthanized each day. Why, I cannot fathom, are we still breeding... Good dogs and cats deserve homes and love...
Other than that, any killing of animals just isn't my cup of tea. I don't believe hunting is ethical, I don't believe in animal testing, and I don't like puppy mills, circuses, factory farms, I don't like fur for clothing...
Can you tell us a little bit about how you try to educate other people about animal rights?
I usually carry an array of papers in my book bag wherever I go. Then when I go out, I talk to just about anyone I see! I hand out papers and really I just talk to people. People know me in my school as "obsessed," but I counter them with the fact that I'm just passionate. The love for animals is embedded in me and I can't fight it so I just roll with the punches! We have a group in my school called AWARE and that's another way I go out and educate. We have meetings and paperwork and I educate them, then send them out to educate others! I also take pictures. People tend to be very visual, and a picture can say a thousand words.
Can you tell us about the award you recently won for your photography?
Oh yea! I won the PTA Reflections Contest for photography. I got first place for my school then moved on to city-wide where I got second place!
One of Ashley's award-winning photos
What are your favorite foods?
I guess my fave food is french fries. Preferably waffle fries. I love plantains too, Kool-aid, trail mix, and pretty much whatever else isn't good for you!
What is your favorite music?
Anything real, except country. I only like one country song by the Dixie Chicks "Goodbye Earl."
What else do you do for fun?
Photography is my hobby. I love it. And I like to bird watch. I combine the two and get pictures of birds! LOL! I pretty like anything that has to do with animals. But just like most teens I like shopping and going to the movies, hanging out and texting!
Thanks to Ashley and for anyone else with cool stories about your work to help animals, please let us know! Just send us a message!
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"I'm not obsessed, I'm passionate" - That's a great phrase :o)
Posted by: Little_Lotte at April 7, 2008 11:52 AM