For four decades, Jim Willis has championed animals and efforts for them, first in the USA, and then in Germany, where he lived for many years and founded The Tiergarten Sanctuary Trust. Since his return to America, he has become one of the world’s most published animal advocates, with books published in seven countries. His best-known essay “How Could You?” (available on his website) has been published in at least 45 foreign languages. His book Pieces of My Heart – Writings Inspired by Animals and Nature has raised a significant amount of funds for animal efforts and he is currently working on a new book. The opening prose of his current book “The Animals’ Savior,” has been used worldwide to illustrate the plight of animals in shelters and our personal responsibility to make a change.

Jim has served on the boards of directors of several organizations and is currently a member of the International Organization for Animal Protection (OIPA). After personally rescuing and rehoming many animals he has turned his primary focus to education and advocacy efforts, including founding a campaign for humane euthanasia practices in the USA: www.crean.com/kindness

Image below: Jim with his rescued horse 'Cynnamon'.

“It is inexcusable that the USA, a world leader and economic power, would tolerate such a lack of compassion for animals,” Jim said. “We have much to learn from animal welfare models in other countries and we all have a global responsibility to elevate those creatures who can never speak for themselves to the position they deserve as sentient beings. As Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.’ I’m encouraged that World Animal Day unites us internationally in our common cause and I urge everyone to participate and help organize events in their own communities.”
Jim Willis, USA-East WAD Ambassador

I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter…
the cast-offs of human society.
I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread,
sadness and betrayal.
And I was angry.
“God,” I said, “this is terrible! Why don’t you do something?”
God was silent for a moment and then He spoke softly.
“I have done something,” He replied.
“I created You.”