When I thought of the need for a better way to raise animal money, I was focused on our community animal charities in America. But as my concept for Fur Heaven’s Sake & Furbay developed, so did my awareness that animals need help everywhere.

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I soon realized that having a concept for good and making it a reality is not as easy as the movies portray! I expanded my Furbay platform concepts to include animal organizations wherever they may be.

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Now, that is an easy thing to say, but how could I really help animals far away? After all, there are animals in our towns that need help, too, right?

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I was spurred onward to find a way to do that by discovering true heroes of the animal world. Reading about their love for animals in impoverished countries was truly admirable and inspiring. These heroes have the vision to make a difference in this world in areas with little or no education, resources, or cultural barriers and lack the financial means to fund such monumental changes.

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But that didn’t stop them, thankfully. I will mention two such organizations in this ‘story of heroes’ because when I discovered one, it led to the other, and how they intertwined...and amazed me beyond words. I wanted to find a way to include them in Furbay’s efforts to raise money to help them. Therefore, I made some changes to Furbay’s platform so that we can help both the animals in our community charities, wherever they bay be, and also raise money to further these “animal welfare trailblazers.”

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Furbay will soon offer a series of ‘Sweepstakes, Raffles & Auctions,’ where I will divide a percentage of the proceeds to benefit all Furbay members. I will post more on this, but I want to share these two stories now so you will know who they are and where to donate to them. The Sweepstake and Raffle events will be a fun way to raise funds, and when you see how Fubay will be sharing ticket sales, bonuses, and more, it will benefit all who participate in making them a success!

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There is so much to say about these two men and organizations that I must tell a story about both to do justice to them. But in this way, today, you will also see how the proverbial ‘stone in the pond’ makes ripples far and wide. They are living proof of that and have improved their world and all the animals that share it with them! I mention first the International Veterinary Outreach organization, created by Eric Eisenman, DVM, MPVM, [“Dr. Eric recognized the need for veterinary professionals to be engaged in projects that increase access to veterinary care at a global level, then founded IVO as a veterinary student at UC Davis in 2011. He graduated with his DVM in 2014, then received a Master's in Preventive Veterinary Medicine (MPVM) at UC-Davis before being awarded the prestigious NIH Fogarty Global Health Fellowship.”]

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Dr. Eisenman has changed lives and created solutions in numerous countries thus far. Furbay intends to help his organization visit many more. You can be a part of this great effort by donating to https://www.ivo.vet/donate. The second story, “Animal Smile Africa,” is about Alpha Maiseli, another great man with vision and courage. Dr. Eisenman and IVO helped plant the seeds of love and desire to help animals in Tanzania with Alpha Maiseli. One cannot help but admire their dreams and dedication to them. It makes one want to become a part of it. Alpha’s Animal Smile Africa story is about how one person can become a ‘pioneer of animal welfare’ by taking what he learned to Tanzania, a place that has never had an animal welfare facility! History tells many stories of heroic adventures, conquerors, and braving unchartered territories.

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Today, those courageous individuals continue these brave adventures in different ways but just as necessary. If for no other reason than to ‘just feel good that there are people in this world who make a difference! Now, isn’t that a breath of fresh air...

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The links I provided to Animal Smile Africa’s social media and IVO articles describe Alpha’s journey much better than I can explain why Animal Smile Africa is so special. It is the first animal organization in Tanzania, and the future for the animals that live there is much brighter!

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If you would like a story to move your heart, open your mind, and reinforce the belief that there are still people in this world who care, read this. All too often, all we see on social media are images of animals injured, abandoned, hungry, and homeless. It can be overwhelming and discouraging. We usually feel helpless to help them.

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For these reasons, I immediately supported their cause and mission. I ask that you do also. One reason is to help our animal friends wherever they may be. Another is to support today’s heroes in any way we can. In doing so, you will find another reason...it makes you feel better that you helped make a difference! That’s also being a hero to me. Please donate today to Furbay and help support IVO!