DEAR DR. FOX: I am in the process of preparing my will and want to list some organizations that are doing good work in animal rescue and conservation. Can you please give me some to consider? -- K.L.P., Washington, D.C.
DEAR K.L.P.: There are several nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations that may interest you, depending on which causes you wish to especially help. Some groups address one relatively specific issue, while others tackle many, engaging at a high level in investigations, rescues, even legislation and prosecution.
The Humane Society of the United States, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and the Animal Welfare Institute are wide-scope, primarily animal-focused organizations. Those with a more environmental and conservation agenda include the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Greenpeace, Earth Island Institute, World Wildlife Fund for Nature, Natural Resources Defense Council, the Nature Conservancy, the Environmental Working Group, and the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Organizations with a more specific animal focus include the Humane Farming Association (with the largest farm animal sanctuary in the U.S.), Fish Feel (for aquatic life), the Xerces Society (for insects), Project Coyote, Center for Biological Diversity, World Vets, the Institute for Humane Education, Animal Legal Defense Fund, and the American Bird Conservancy.
Also, do not overlook your local animal shelter/rescue organizations and wildlife rehabilitation centers.
I urge all my readers to visit the websites of these organizations, as well as Charity Navigator, which objectively evaluates their performance and how they spend their money. Go to charitynavigator.org/discover-charities/where-to-give.
TRIBUTE TO DEANNA L. KRANTZ FROM INDIA
DEAR READERS: Below, I am sharing a tribute to my late wife and partner, Deanna Krantz, from a longtime colleague of ours in India.
DEAR DR. FOX: I, Dr. M. Sugamaran, B.V.Sc., veterinarian, lay down the following as my tribute to our beloved director, the late Deanna L. Krantz.
I met Deanna in 1996 at the Nilgiris Animal Welfare Society shelter in Mavanalla, Tamil Nadu, South India while I was in government veterinary service. Under her supervision, I performed surgery on a bull we named Ramu to treat one of his injured eyes. Impressed by my work, she requested my service for ailing animals at the shelter and Masinagudi Village areas.
Inspired by her concern for suffering animals -- including community dogs, abandoned donkeys, ponies and horses -- I provided my services as much as possible, as did other vets. Animals and farmers in many villages and tribal communities benefitted due to Deanna’s relentless contributions.
She founded the India Project for Animals and Nature (IPAN) in 1998, and her presence created an awareness of wildlife and nature conservation. Compassion was put into action by Deanna’s persistent involvement. The alleviation of suffering and the extension of life for numerous suffering animals became practically possible in our country. A classic example was with the elephant Loki.
Loki was captured in 1998 from the wild and was suffering from serious illness due to tethering injuries. Soon after capturing, Deanna directed us to provide the required veterinary care and food, even bringing in experts from the U.S., and saved Loki from the brink of death. Loki lived for 24 years more and died in 2022.
Deanna often received death threats after confronting perpetrators of animal cruelty, and she rebuffed harassment by corrupt police officials. After the takeover of IPAN during a brief leave in the U.S., Deanna continued to support my free veterinary services to the poor, and even helped fund my son’s veterinary college education. He now works with me at our nonprofit organization, Prakriti Save Nature Trust.
The active animal welfare services in India are replications of the contributions of Deanna Krantz and Dr. Michael Fox. There is a lot to say about Deanna’s contributions for animal welfare and nature care in India. Some may try to hide her contributions, but truth prevails.
Deanna, I know you are now with the beloved animals for whom you cared, but who you outlived. With tears and our deepest thanks for all you gave,
Dr. M. Sugumaran and family; Gudalur, Tamil Nadu, India
DEAR DR. SUGUMARAN: I greatly appreciate your tribute to my late wife, and I wish you continued success in your work for the animals in one of the last, and most beautiful, wild places in India.
If readers wish to send tax-deductible donations to your registered charity, Prakriti Save Nature Trust Gudalur, they should visit prakritigudalur.in. (Readers, this organization is government-certified to receive foreign donations and provides details for processing them.)
(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.
Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)