Melissa and Lexy Webb, Texas
Wrote a Book About Animal Abuse for Kids!
A few years ago, my daughter, Lexy, and I adopted a kitten who had been abused. When Zoe was just a few weeks old someone cut off her ears, and left her for dead in a garbage dumpster. A gentleman walking by found her, and took her to a local animal rescue group for help. After receiving treatment, Zoe wound up being fostered by our neighbor. We fell in love with her at first sight, and made Zoe a permanent member of our family.
It was soon after that Zoe inspired my daughter and I to write a children's book about a little earless kitten. Our hope was for the book to educate children about animal cruelty and pet adoption. We also hoped to educate them on differences—that we may ALL look different on the outside, but are really ALL the same on the inside.
The book was published and today the three of us visit schools and share Zoe's story. We talk to children about how animals have feelings, and explain how they hurt just like we do. We also ask the children to promise to never to hurt animals, and to love them like they are a true family member. We truly believe that if you educate children at a young age about animal cruelty, they will not be abusers themselves.
Zoe's story has been featured in many papers and magazines throughout the U.S. and Canada—and we hope to continue to spread the word!