April 2024 Edition

From Loss to Purpose
By: Annoula Wylderich / Our Best Friends
In 2007, having arrived in Las Vegas just three
years prior, I lost my fiancé to cancer in the
middle of our wedding plans.
I knew very few people in the community, and
the housing bubble was about to explode, making selling my home
difficult. And the thought of returning to Cleveland winters, despite that
I had many friends back there, didn’t appeal to me. I was lost.
While struggling through my grief, I accidentally came upon an
article describing an act of horrific animal cruelty. The story stayed
with me, and I embarked upon research into animal welfare.
The more I read, the more shocked I became at the level of evil
perpetrated upon helpless beings. I connected with a variety of
organizations that were fighting the abuse and exploitation of animals,
which led to a sense of purpose and the reinvention of my life: I became
an animal advocate.
I eventually founded a grassroots organization, Animal Protection
Affiliates, and collaborate with local, national and global organizations
to help advance animal protection and fight cruelty via legislation,
ordinances, education and campaigns.
Animals are among our vulnerable populations. However, unlike
children, seniors, and veterans, they cannot ask for help and have far
fewer protections.
While animal advocacy may not be for everyone, anyone can take
small steps to help create a more humane society. The collective power
of baby boomers is transformative and can help change the world!
The path that I chose to take has certainly changed my world,
and helped me find fulfillment, purpose, and new friendships while
knowing that I am bringing relief and comfort to countless sentient
beings.
To those who may be struggling with a similar loss as mine, or are
feeling lonely or seeking a calling, please consider volunteering at a
local shelter or rescue. If you would like more information on how to
get involved in animal welfare, contact me at wylderich@cox.net.
Annoula Wylderich is the founder of Animal Protection Affiliates,
former District Leader for the HSUS, and former State Director for
Animal Wellness Action. Contact her: wylderich@cox.net.
6
April 2024
Wives vs. Man’s Best Friend
By: Bill Caserta / Bill’s Blurbs
Here are a “Baker’s Dozen” why men have dogs
and not wives!
1. The later you are, the more dogs are excited
to see you.
2. Dogs don’t notice if you call them by another
dog’s name.
3. Dogs like it if you leave a lot of things on the floor.
4. A dog’s parents never visit.
5. Dogs realize that you have to raise your voice to get your point across.
6. You never have to wait for a dog; they’re ready to go 24 hours a day.
7. Dogs find you amusing when you’re drunk.
8. Dogs like to go hunting and fishing.
9. A dog will not wake you up at night and ask: “If I died, would you
get another dog?”
10. If a dog has babies, you can put an ad in the paper and give them
away.
11. A dog will let you put a studded collar on it without calling you a
pervert.
12. If a dog smells another dog on you, they don’t get mad. They just
think it’s interesting.
13. Last, but not least, if a dog leaves, it won’t take half your stuff.
*A retired Sun City resident volunteers to entertain patients in assisted
living homes and hospitals. He visited one hospital in Summerlin and
brought along his portable keyboard.
After telling jokes and singing songs at patients’ bedsides, he said
farewell and, “I hope you get better.” One elderly lady replied, “I hope you
get better, too.”
And finally: The more people I meet, the more I like my dog.