As you know, I’m an animal lover. I rescued my second dog Brodie a couple months ago and last week’s multiple media reports on how so many pet owners in Gulf Coast states — found unemployed after the oil spill — have had to give up their pets because they simply couldn’t afford them anymore, really broke my heart. Shelters were overflowing, animals were being sent to other states, and it seemed like there was no end in sight…then the media got a hold of the story.

Now the waiting list of people who want these pets is overflowing! Viewers and readers all over the country saw these media reports and have responded with money, support and have opened their homes to these pets. It’s great to see this happen, and luckily the media picked up this story in light of all the other tragedies involved in this incident in the Gulf. It really shows the power and influence of the media, and what a difference media coverage makes.