| Dear John, “Know your stuff and never give up” is advice that was given to me years ago. And it’s true: focus and perseverance are key factors for success. And they are why AAVS is celebrating 140 years of advocating for animals! It started with a strong woman taking a stand. After years of flatly denying university doctors who demanded dogs to use in their cruel experiments from the shelter she started, Caroline Earle White became so determined to stop them that she founded AAVS in April, 1883. I admire her tenacity and determination—and her understanding of the issues and of people. She devoted her life to protecting animals from harm, and her legacy remains an important foundation of AAVS’s work to end the use of animals in science. From the 19th century to the 21st century, AAVS’s perseverance in the fight to protect animals continues. Most recently, our 23-year effort to gain protection for birds covered under the Animal Welfare Act succeeded in February when the federal government finally enacted regulations for their care and treatment. That’s worth celebrating! As an organization that’s been leveraging our experience to fight on behalf of animals for 140 years, we understand the need for tenacity in order to achieve meaningful, lasting change. And you can count on AAVS to continue to fight for the animals today and every day into the future. We would not be here today without the continued support of the AAVS community. So, take a minute to give yourself a pat on the back for being a part of ever-evolving social progress for animals. Best wishes,
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