Walter’s journey is a testament to the power of collective will, and makes it clear just how easily those of us with the desire to do so can help when we work together.

Walter was an abused puppy who was abandoned and found us on Easter Sunday of this year in Brooklyn. He was taken to the hospital fighting to survive. To help safe him the angels that found him started a blog to share his story and help save him.

You can check out his Facebook Fan Page that was started to help save his life. He has more than 15,000 fans.

And now Walter is doing great and was featured on the Today Show last week. If you missed this when it aired enjoy it and be inspired.

Romero and his sister are alleged to have stolen the dog – Buddy, a German shepherd-blue heeler mix – from his home in Delta and tied to the back of a pickup truck. Tracks in the snow at the Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction clearly showed how the adult male German Shepherd mix was forced to run up one of the steepest hills at the monument. During the three-mile ordeal, Buddy ran on about 2 inches of snow, around multiple switchbacks and sharp curves that gained more than 1,000 feet in elevation before he collapsed, unable to keep up; the dog finally died and his lifeless body was dragged alongside the pickup.

“Demand Justice for Buddy” is spreading the word online to ensure that Romero will get the maximum penalty for his crime: three years in federal prison and a fine of $100,000, plus a year of mandatory parole. As of this posting, the Facebook group has more than 95,000 members.

There is an online petition that was scheduled to be delivered to the prosecuting attorney in Grand Junction, CO. on Thursday, Jan.7th at 3pm. and will be delivered again before the trial. You can sign the petition online.

In Memory of Buddy is another group formed to honor Buddy. The group encourages people to remember Buddy by donating your time to local shelters, or foster or adopt a rescue dog.

HSUS avid user of social media

The Humane Society started utilizing social media early on by establishing a profile on MySpace, at a time when it was still the leading social networking destination, and later expanded to other networks. More recently, HSUS has focused most of their efforts on Facebook and Twitter because they have been getting the most attention, though the organization has active presences on many social networks, including YouTube, Care2, and Change.org.

The goals for social media is link the organization’s vision of building a movement to confront animal cruelty and celebrate animals worldwide. In addition to connecting with current supporters and using social media to encourage the spread of information and awareness, social media tools have actually helped the Human Society measurably reach new people.

Social media was the driving force behind the success with its second annual Spay Day Online Pet Photo Contest. HSUS raised more than $600,000 from 40,000 plus entrants. Facebook was the number one referrer to the photo contest website, and the Facebook app had a utilization rate of 60%. Also, only 42% of the entrants came from existing HSUS members.

By focusing marketing efforts on social media sites, HSUS has been able to tap the viral nature of such sites and spread their message to new people.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HSUS Social Networking

This year, the ASPCA is inviting animal lovers across the country to spend the month of April “Going Orange for Animals” to raise awareness for “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals” month. From creating grassroots fundraising events to getting the buildings in your town to light up orange, the possibilities are endless.

The ASPCA will kick-off Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month on April 7 when iconic buildings and landmarks across the country will support the ASPCA’s life-saving work as they light up in its signature color and “Go Orange for Animals.”

On the ASPCA website you can learn the 10 Ways to Celebrate Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.

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The “I’m Tried of Animal Cruelty” bracelet is $10 with $5 going to the causes of your choice, including Best Friends Animal Society. The bracelet is made from recycled tires with a cylindrical recycled metal bead with “I’m Tired of” embossed on both sides and “Animal Cruelty” on top.

In addition to Animal Cruelty, I’m Tried supports other causes including Cancer, Child Abuse, Global Warming and more. I’m Tried was started by brother and sister Dan Hoffman and Carrie Pollare.

Animal cruelty is a cause that they very passionate about. They have always adopted rescued dogs and have donated both their time and money to rescue and animal rights organizations.

The cast of National Geographic Channel’s “Dogtown,” which takes place at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, has embraced their “I’m Tired of Animal Cruelty” bracelet. They recently did a photo shoot, wearing their bracelets with some of the 22 “Vicktory” dogs they rescued from former NFL Quarterback Michael Vick’s abuse. “Ellen,” a “Vicktory” dog pictured right with Dogtown’s Sherry Woodard, even has her own “I’m Tired of Animal Cruelty” dog collar. The bracelets will be seen on the new season of “Dogtown,” premiering in March.

So what are you “tired” of?

LEARN MORE ABOUT I’m Tried of Animal Cruelty