…firing up your laptop and firing off a letter to the editor of the local newspaper. Circus coming to town? Let readers know what really happens under the big top. Or dish praise on that vegetarian restaurant that just opened. There are many ways to give the animals' side of the story.

…treating friends to a veggie burger or bean burrito. Once they realize how delicious their fast-food fix is without the meat, they'll never go back.

…volunteering at the animal shelter one weekend a month. Or start a drive to collect much-needed shelter supplies like dog food and kitty litter.