My passion for helping animals is a huge part of what inspired me to start writing the Avalon series. Recently, I had an experience that really opened my eyes to a big problem: homeless pets. A friend and I were walking home one evening and we heard meowing coming from a bush. I leaned over to see who it was, and this beautiful cat practically leaped into my arms!

 








He was dirty, skinny, and obviously asking for our help. After giving him water and a small amount of food, we took him to the vet to see if he had a microchip (a small computer chip implant that would have his owner’s phone number.) He did have a chip, but the phone number was a dead end. We asked everyone in the neighborhood, but nobody had lost a cat. So, here he was, a beautiful, healthy stray in need of a home.Unfortunately, none of our friends were able to adopt him, and every cat rescue organization told us the same thing: there are more homeless cats than ever before, and it’s extremely difficult to find people who are able to adopt them.Tragically, thousands of homeless pets are killed every year simply because there are not enough people who want them. Not willing to take him to a shelter, my friend committed to fostering the kitty until we could find a permanent home.After two weeks of phone calls, texting, tweeting, and emailing, we got some great news: A nice family wanted to adopt him! Off he went to his new home, where he’s loving his new digs. His people have named him Sebastian, and he’s gaining weight and as happy as can be!








Even though Sebastian’s story has a happy ending, I couldn’t stop thinking about all the other pets who aren’t so lucky. How could I do something to help them? I called my friend Heidi at the Humane Society, and we agreed to work together to get the message out. Here are great tips to prevent pet homelessness:

http://www.kindnews.org/Mission_Humane/help_homeless_pets.asp If we all put in a little time and effort, we can help homeless pets find the loving permanent homes they deserve. Please give your own loud and enthusiastic voice to this important cause.I can’t begin to tell you how much love and joy Sebastian has brought us and his new humans. My Circle of Friends know what I’m talking about :)Your fellow animal lover,

Rachel