Yeah. I believe that I can change the world.
And because dogs are my passion, I’m trying to change the world in ways that benefit them.
Believing is the important thing, because without it, how can I hope to change anything?
Yeah. I’m just a person. A person with limited funds and no real assets. A person who doesn’t hold a public office. So I can’t use money or power as a tool. All I really have are my hands, my head, and my heart. 
You might be wondering how one person might be able to change the world without any real power or money. I’m here to tell you that each of us is more powerful than you think.
I’m pretty good at putting things into words, so I write articles and books and blog to try to get people thinking about my cause. I’m pretty good at art, so I paint pictures that depict the joy that lives in every dog’s heart. I use my design skills to create a newsletter for a local humane group so they can raise funds and continue to help pets in our area. I donate my art and talent to other humane groups to help them raise funds for their rescue work.
And I write letters. Holy cow, do I write letters. I write to Congressmen and Representatives, foreign dignitaries, governors and prosecutors. I write to newspapers, rescue groups, private citizens and celebrities. Sometimes I even write to the President. And I talk. I talk to everyone about their pets; about what needs to be done, about how to do it. I try to educate.
Is it changing the world?
I think it is.
If one person does something different; if one person adds their voice to the fight; if one animal receives a little more kindness; if one animal is made safe and loved; I think it is.
Do I get frustrated? Yeah. Do I get depressed? You bet. But ultimately, the feeling that I wield some sort of power to affect change is pretty awesome.
A landslide begins with a single pebble set into motion.
You are more powerful than you know.
Up on the Woof 
Wow! I love this Ariel. You know, after Frankie ended up in her wheelchair after her diagnoses of IVDD I was so afraid to take her out in public for fear that others would think I was mean or weird for doing so. But I came to realize I was being given an incredible opportunity to educate others about animals with disabilities, and not to just dispose of them when they were not “right.” It was not easy at first because I always worried what others thought about me… but Frankie being alive and happy was much more important, and what truly mattered, and I knew I had to get that message out and help save more animals when diagnosed with disc disease. So yes, one person CAN make a difference, one day and one step at a time… just like you and just like me. Woo hoo!
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Once again, Up on the Woof took the words right out of my mouth. I think this every day. Yes, I can change the world, call me naive, but at least I can give this old world a head start to being better.
So far, it seems, Ariel and I see everything eye to eye. It’s going to break my heart when something comes along we don’t agree on. But you know, that’s OK too. It doesn’t matter one’s conviction, it only matters one cares about something enough to put one’s heart and one’s reputation on the line for it.
Like you, my passion is dogs, or rather, maybe it is the underdogs. I truly think I care most about what is right, what is just, what is needed. Whether it is human, animals, or the earth; if there is a need, I will give whatever I have, whatever time I have on this earth to make it better.
Thank you Ariel. You are a true hero. xxoo, Dawn
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Dawn, you know we’re going to have to found a mutual admiration society if this keeps up. And I’m not the hero, Sister, YOU are. I’ve got too many misfit permanents at my place, so all I can do is write to people and make noise. You, on the other hand, are always fostering pups in need. You rock!
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This post should become a credo for dog lovers, rescuers, and the people living down the street. ..your hands, your head, and your heart are unlimited…who knows how many pebbles you have started rolling down the hill.
Robert
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Very well put.. these were the words i needed to read to keep going..
Thanks for giving me the motivation to keep going on and keep up the great work!
– Richa
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Nice article. Ariel….I strongly believe that if you reach one person you have made a change. If that person reaches another and so on…you are slowly taking a step in the direction of changing the world. I read your writing, suggestions, stories, references, sites you like. I Share many. You have changed the world one person at a time.
Annie Weddle…..also on the bus!
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Hi there.
I found this blog when I was searching for ways I could use my art to help animals, specifically dogs. I found the article about Lucky Dog Rescue and the art fundraiser you set up. I just wanted to let you know that both this blog and the Lucky Dog Rescue Blog have completely inspired me! It’s so awesome to find other people who love dogs as much as I do and who are taking action to help them and the pet overpopulation crissis. Having this blog does make a difference. =)
-Annie
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