Melissa Wu spending time with Bubbles girl.

I want to say it all started in 1998 but that’s not really true. As I reflect, the seeds for Animal Matters were planted when I was a kid. My mom brought home rescued pooches, I cried if my dad went ice fishing and I became a vegetarian after reading a disturbing direct mail piece while in college.

It wasn’t until my late 20s, I realized that my 2-cents of knowledge on what happens to animals “behind the scenes” could really affect the way others thought and acted. For instance, in my corporate meetings, I’d mention a tid bit in passing & people really listened. Their responses weren’t always positive. That’s fine. Good debate opens the doors for greater awareness.

Ok, back to 1998 — I officially “opened” Animal Matters as a 501©3 non-profit organization. I started by writing and distributing monthly newsletters chockfull of information about how animals are used in the entertainment and food industries, the dog/cat overpopulation crisis and how ordinary citizens do extraordinary things for our furry friends – just to name a few. I received positive feedback on these issues & developed our website.

In September 1999, Animal Matters started its Animal Rescue Division. We rescue dogs and cats on death row at local animal shelters and on our streets. We provide proper medical care, boarding, and TLC until we find him or her a good home. We also assist in rescue efforts through our Be A Pet Advocate and TAR (Trap, Alter, Release) programs. And of course, I respond to several emails from the public each day regarding animal-related issues. Some nights, you’ll even find me out in the middle of nowhere trapping feral cats!

Take a look around the site. See who needs a home. Read the blog. Or heck, donate even:) Although new laws and public protests have an effect on the welfare of animals, the real change needs to come in the minds and conscience of the general public – people like YOU. Together, we can make this world a better place for our 4-legged friends. I believed that as a kid and I believe that today.

Be well,

Melissa Wu
Founder and Executive Director

P.S. Thank you to everyone who has helped Animal Matters over the years. I couldn’t have done it without you.