The Little Lion Foundation and Seal Beach-based Helen Sanders CatPAWS united joined with local animal-lovers and animal welfare organizations, as well as around the world to host a Remember Me Thursday® candle-lighting ceremony recently. Now going into its seventh year, Remember Me Thursday® aims to unite individuals and pet adoption organizations on the fourth Thursday in September to be an unstoppable, integrated voice advocating for orphan pets to live in forever homes, not die waiting for them. The lit candles shine a light on the millions of healthy pets who are still awaiting adoption and encourage communities to opt to adopt and reduce the millions of orphan pets euthanized each year. The intimate local ceremony was held on the sand in Seal Beach, near the jetty where the late namesake (Helen Sanders) of CatPAWS cared for her beloved feral cats, next to the plaque placed in her memory.
Since its inaugural event in 2013, Remember Me Thursday® has been supported by 180 countries with hundreds of thousands of individuals and more than 700 separate animal welfare organizations around the globe holding candle-lighting ceremonies of their own, spreading the message on social media, or lighting a virtual candle. Each year, celebrities such as Diane Keaton, Carrie Ann Inaba, Katherine Heigl, Kristin Chenoweth, Wynonna Judd, and dozens more, along with professional sports teams, have used social media to share the “opt to adopt” message and save orphan pets.
In 2016, 2017 and 2018, social media pet stars such as Lil Bub, Cole and Marmalade, and Tuna Melts My Heart also joined the cause. The program was championed by Mike Arms, President of Helen Woodward Animal Center, and creator of both the International Pet Adoptathon and successful Home 4 the Holidays Pet Adoption Drive which, in partnership with national animal organizations, has placed over 16 million pets in homes since 1999.
“Millions of beautiful, adoptable pets will lose their lives in 2019,” stated Mike Arms, President and CEO of Helen Woodward Animal Center. “We all come from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, but together, we can raise our voices and share one life-saving message and literally save millions of pets on this one day.”
“There are approximately 7 million pets in homes throughout the US but only 30% of these pets come from rescue facilities. The rest come from pet stores, puppy mills and breeders,” said Deborah Felin, board member with CatPAWS. “Millions of beautiful, healthy orphan pets die every year without the benefit of a loving home, simply because the public is not aware of how truly amazing these animals are. We gathered to remember those who died in shelters, for whom no one came, and to rededicate ourselves to saving more. Rescued is the best breed!”
