Books (click on the title to purchase from Amazon.com)

	The Stray Dog: From a True Story by Reiko Sassa by Marc Simont. Caldecott award-winning author Simont wrote and illustrated this book which tells the true story of a family who finds a stray dog they played with in the park. They go back and decide to adopt the dog, who was being chased by a dogcatcher the following week. Ages 3-8
	What Is A Vegetarian? by Debra Stewart. Debbie Lou Productions, Murray, UT: 2005. A book for small children that answers that question. It also delivers a basic ethical concept as to why vegetarians do not eat meat. Ages 3-7
	Jasper's Day by Marjorie Blain Parker and Janet Wilson. Toronto, Canada: Kids Can Press, 2002. This book tells the story of a young boy Riley and his family who are going through the loss of their golden retriever, Jasper. It sensitively describes the family’s special last day with Jasper (who is in lots of pain and sick with cancer) and their decision to put him to sleep. Selected as the best picture book by NAHEE in 2003, this book is helpful for families who are going through a similar experience and acknowledges the sadness and loss felt. Ages 4-8
	Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Harry Bliss, 2003. It's an amusing diary written from a worm's perspective and helps students view life from a different perspective. Ages 4-8
	A Dog's Best Friend: An Activity Book for Kids and Their Dogs by Lisa Rosenthal, Chicago Review Press Inc., 1999. This book gives more than 60 suggestions of activities for children to do with their dogs. It teaches basic dog needs, instills a sense of responsibility and promotes a strong bond between children and their pets. It also contains additional resources about animal related websites, facts, and organizations. Ages 6-12 Saving Emily (Young Readers) by Nicholas Read. Prometheus Books, 2001. Chris and Gina are able to work together to help an unusual heifer, Emily, thanks to Mr. Bridges and his animal “Rescue Ranch.” Ages 8-11 Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo. Cambridge: Candlewick Press, 2000. Won NAHEE’s award of the best chapter book in 2003. It tells the story of a ten year old girl Opal, the homeless dog that she adopts, Winn-Dixie, and the funny adventures and friendships that they have together. Age 8 and up Straydog by Kathe Koja. New York: Frances Foster Books, 2002. Rachel, an isolated high school student, is determined to help the feral dog she names Grrl through her volunteer work at an animal shelter. While helping Grrl she gains other friendships and develops trust. This book was recommended as Best Book for Young Adults by NAHEE in 2003. Young adult readers, high school

 Web Resources

Caring Canines Visiting Therapy Dogs
This Boston area organization has a process to certify dogs who are eligible and interested in becoming visiting therapy dogs. Caring Canines organizes group visitations of dogs with their handlers to youth and adults in the community who are interested in a visit. Handlers need to be at least 18 years of age.

National Association for Humane and Environmental Education (NAHEE)
They honor books that have an exceptional focus on being humane to animals. See this webpage for a listing of even more books you can enjoy with your family.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
They have a link which helps you to search for adoptable pets in your area. They also have a bookshelf with lots of resources and books about animals.

Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary is a farm animal protection organization. This organization protects farm animals in upstate New York and California along with providing education and advocacy. They have information about how to become part of the activist network, a free Guide to Veg Living resource, and links to a number of other farm animal welfare websites. Website also has free resources for teachers, such as Cultivating Compassion: Teachers’ Guide and Student Activities (for students in grades 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12) and information about how a bill becomes a law.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
This website has information about pets, farm animals, animals in research, wildlife, and marine animals.

    PETA kids website    
    Check out this website to play educational games, learn about protecting 
    animals, and receive a kit to promote vegetarian diets in schools.

Hugs For Homeless Animals (H4HA)
These links help you search for an animal shelter in your area.

    The H4HA Worldwide Shelter Directory    

    The H4HA Worldwide Shelter Directory - Massachusetts    
    This website has a search engine by area code that enables you 
    to find a shelter near you.

http://www.secondchanceanimals.org/maacolist.htm
Nice website with list of animal control offices by town in MA and links to websites (where applicable).

Endangered Species.com
Tons of helpful information about endangered species, facts, and ways families can help!

http://www.endangeredspecie.com/Ways_To_Help.htm
Very impressive website with a list of ways adults and kids can help with the environment as well as help to protect endangered species. (The environmental problems also impact the habitats of many animals.)

http://www.wildlife.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=endangered.main
Endangered species in Alaska and more information on how to help.

US Fish and Wildlife Service
For more information on threatened, endangered and extinct species of animals, check out this slide show.