her lifelong commitment to animal welfare is something we should all aspire to. Her efforts have clearly made a significant impact, and we need more people like her.
I used to think adoption was complicated, but hearing her explain it makes me feel like it’s worth the effort. There are so many animals in need of good homes.
She makes a great point about how owning a pet is a long-term commitment. I’ve had my dog for 12 years now, and it’s a lot of work, but so worth it. People need to think about that before getting one.
This just makes me think of my dog from a shelter. He had been there for months, and they told me he might not make it out. He's been with me for 5 years now, and I can’t imagine my life without him.
The problem of backyard breeders and their lack of concern for the animals they produce is a serious issue! More awareness and action are needed to address this, hopefully spreading this message around is the start of that awareness!
her emphasis on doing SOMETHING, no matter how small, is empowering. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by big issues like this, but even little actions can snowball into significant change!
My first dog was from a shelter too! He was an older dog, and I feel like people forget how much love senior dogs can still give. He was the best companion for so many years.
I think more people should hear about what goes on behind the scenes in some shelters. The fact that overcrowding can lead to aggression, which then leads to euthanasia, is such a sad cycle.
I love animals and the people who care for them, educate others to be prepared to care, and to know what to watch out for. Thank you for your contribution, your insights and your knowing that we live on and in an animal planet! Mother Nature applauds you.
I used to be quick to judge people surrendering pets, but this talk made me realize that sometimes they just don't have the knowledge or resources to cope. We should offer more community support for struggling pet owners.
I volunteer at a shelter and it has been so rewarding for me. Even just playing with the dogs or cuddling the cats for a bit makes their day. If you can't adopt, definitely consider helping out!
Her story about rescuing the injured dog on that cold night really touched my heart. It's amazing how one small act of kindness can have such a big impact. We all have the power to make a difference.
This talk has made me reconsider how I view pet ownership in my community. Almost like it's no longer a personal choice because it affects everyone, and that's why more education on responsible pet ownership should be available
I just want to reiterate that shelter pets are not damaged goods. In fact some of the coolest, most loving dogs and cats I've met have been rescues. They've got a ton of personality and often just want all the love and affection
The story about the dog in the parking lot was a powerful start to the talk. It's inspiring to see someone so dedicated to making a difference in the lives of animals.
just made me realize even more how important it is to have a plan for your pets in case of emergencies or big life changes. I need to update my will and think about what would happen to my dog if I had to move.
Totally agree, adopting a pet shouldn't be a free-for-all. You've got to make sure they're going to good, responsible homes that will have the means to be able to love them forever.
her story about rescuing injured animals really got to me. I don’t know if I’d be brave enough to stop traffic for a turtle, but I’m definitely going to keep some numbers for local rescues on my phone now.
I feel like this will inspire a lot of people! It seems like there are so many ways we can help, and it all starts with taking action in our own communities.
I can't believe people who wouldn't adopt a shelter dog because they might need a little extra love or support. This is something that's going to be a part of your family and give so much joy, how is it not worth spending a little extra effort on them
I'm glad she addressed the issue of backyard breeders and puppy mills. They often fly under the radar but contribute so much to the problem. We need stricter regulations on breeding.
I never realized the extent of the pet overpopulation problem. 70 million homeless animals is just staggering. It's made me seriously reconsider my stance on adopting vs buying from breeders
You are the best Marci, I couldn’t agree more for all you stand for. Bear is so lucky to have you as his mama and Bubba for having you find him the perfect home. Will for sure share your message, more people need to hear this, changes NEED to happen! We need more people like you in this world!
The idea of post-adoption check-ins is genius. Catching issues early could make the difference between a pet staying in their home or getting sent back to the shelter.
I'm guilty of having gotten a new pet on a whim. I was 18 and had kind of floated the idea with my mum about like oh what if we got another dog as a friend (for the dog we already had) and she wasn't super resistant to it so one night I was at the mall and just bought this puppy and brought it home. My dad absolutely flipped out and I had to give it away. I was really lucky to have found someone to take him
@@evanesterneg Nope... we all looked after her in terms of who would feed/walk her. We also already had three cats though so maybe that was something to do with it lol but in my mind that was more of a reason to get another dog, to even out the numbers a bit 😂😅
My family has always adopted pets from shelters. We even got a purebred once! It just goes to show you that there are all kinds of animals waiting for homes in shelters
Man this is sad to think about, my first dog was from a shelter and he was the best. They said he'd been there for ages and no one wanted him because the breed got a bad wrap as being aggressive but he was such a good, gentle dog
I adopted my cat from a shelter where they were about to put him down due to overcrowding. We can save so many lives just by being a bit more aware and responsible!
I'm always so perplexed by people who just don't care about animals like.... ??? I don't know if it's a selfish thing or they just lack compassion but I think it's people like that who contribute to this problem
I got an offer to work front counter at my local shelter. I've wanted to work somewhere that I can be proud of for awhile now so when I saw this opportunity I jumped on it. The other bit of news I got this morning was that the family dog is showing pain signs and that it's her time. The end has been approaching for awhile now, she's 16, but I think because of the suddenness it's really hitting me harder than I expected. This has got me worried about my ability to handle this job long term.
I don't mean to sound cold but it's not like you're going to develop the kind of love for each of the shelter animals that you have for your family dog. Of course you're going to care about the animals but also if you're working the front counter it's not like you're going to be the one putting the animals down either
the part about shelter workers facing retaliation for speaking up was shocking. we should be protecting people who are trying to help animals, not punishing them. that's messed up.
What a knowledgeable and inspiring lady. Some really difficult to stomach information in this talk, but it's important people know. We can all do our bit, however small.
I'm definitely inspired to get involved after hearing this. Whether it's adopting, fostering, volunteering, or spreading the word, I wanna help make a difference for these animals.
It feels extra upsetting because 70,000,000 homeless pets doesn't just happen overnight. This is a long standing issue that's probably never been prioritized
My best friend got her two kitties from a shelter and they are the sweetest little kittens. Also one of them is a ragdoll! I was so surprised because I was under the impression that shelter animals are never of a breed and just sort of mixed strays
It's actually so upsetting to think about all the healthy, adoptable animals being killed in shelters. I wish there was somewhere they could all just go and roam free.
I had no idea that some rescues could be untrustworthy. It's disheartening, but I guess it makes sense. Definitely gonna do more research before supporting any organization in the future.
The idea of creating an animal abuse registry sounds like such a necessary step... It seems like such a huge oversight that abusers can just adopt again without any restrictions.
I don't know I feel like I've just lost all faith in humanity at this point. So many people just doing the dumbest ish and couldn't care less about how it impacts the world around them
What an informative message. I don't think enough people think about what to do about animals who need help. I wish more people were as informed and compassionate as Marci Elliott.
I've been trying to adopt a senior cat, but got denied. I have a job. The only problem is I have an 8-4:30 job and I've been denied a couple of times for having a job where I'll have to leave the cat alone for 8 hours a day. Has anyone else had this happen?
I've always thought the connection between animal abuse and other forms of violence is chilling. A national animal abuse registry could potentially prevent a lot of suffering - not just for animals, but for humans too.
The fact that there are 70 million homeless cats and dogs in the US alone is staggering. Good on her for educating and advocating in this way because truly it is needed
She is spot on about the need for better adoption screening processes. It's not just about checking to see if it's a good match it's about keeping the animals safe!!
There are so many heart-breaking points here but I think the worst of all is that these are innocent animals completely at our mercy. We need to do better. There's no reason for the cruelty they face.
I feel this is such an overlooked issue. Glad to see someone trying to educate people about it. I think of myself as an animal lover and even I had no idea how high all those numbers are
My partner and I moved house mid-pandemic and there were so many stray cats that would come through our backyard. It was pretty close to housing commission and I don't want to stereotype but I got the vibe that people were just leaving and not taking their cats with them. It happens so often it's kinda crazy
I had no idea that fear could be misinterpreted as aggression in shelter animals. It's heartbreaking to think of scared animals being put down because of a misunderstanding. We need better training for shelter staff.
The idea of carrying a pet carrier and leash in the car is such a practical tip. Being prepared to help animals in need is something we should all consider.
her lifelong commitment to animal welfare is something we should all aspire to. Her efforts have clearly made a significant impact, and we need more people like her.
Thank you!
I used to think adoption was complicated, but hearing her explain it makes me feel like it’s worth the effort. There are so many animals in need of good homes.
Thank you
She makes a great point about how owning a pet is a long-term commitment. I’ve had my dog for 12 years now, and it’s a lot of work, but so worth it. People need to think about that before getting one.
I adopted a 15 year old dog 6 years ago. She just passed 1 month ago. Our pets can sometimes surprise us when it comes to longevity!
shows how important it is to support local shelters and rescues
Every little bit help...be it manpower in the form of volunteering or monetary support.
I used to foster dogs, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences. Hearing her talk makes me want to get back into it.
We need all the help we can get to help the voiceless and vulnerable. Thanks so much for having stepped up to the plate in the past!
This just makes me think of my dog from a shelter. He had been there for months, and they told me he might not make it out. He's been with me for 5 years now, and I can’t imagine my life without him.
This lady is more than amazing, it truly takes a lot of courage to stand up for animals, educate about animals and advocate for animals.
Thanks so much. Helping the voiceless and the vulnerable. I want to make that contagious!!!
Her dedication to animal welfare is incredibly inspiring, and it makes me want to do more to help these vulnerable creatures.
Thanks, and remember that every effort- large or small- can make a difference!
The problem of backyard breeders and their lack of concern for the animals they produce is a serious issue! More awareness and action are needed to address this, hopefully spreading this message around is the start of that awareness!
Please help me spread the message far and wide!
It's really impressive that this is something she's been committed to since the age of 16! Seriously admirable.
her emphasis on doing SOMETHING, no matter how small, is empowering. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by big issues like this, but even little actions can snowball into significant change!
that's true and with enough people doing it it could actually lead to some kind of change
My first dog was from a shelter too! He was an older dog, and I feel like people forget how much love senior dogs can still give. He was the best companion for so many years.
Seniors are the best. I adopted a 14 year old years ago and my last senior dog adopted at age 15 just died at age 21.
I think more people should hear about what goes on behind the scenes in some shelters. The fact that overcrowding can lead to aggression, which then leads to euthanasia, is such a sad cycle.
Please spread the word on this unfortunate dilemma. Thanks!!
I love animals and the people who care for them, educate others to be prepared to care, and to know what to watch out for. Thank you for your contribution, your insights and your knowing that we live on and in an animal planet! Mother Nature applauds you.
Your kind words are so very much appreciated. Thank you😊
I used to be quick to judge people surrendering pets, but this talk made me realize that sometimes they just don't have the knowledge or resources to cope. We should offer more community support for struggling pet owners.
Yes. Changes need to take place!
I volunteer at a shelter and it has been so rewarding for me. Even just playing with the dogs or cuddling the cats for a bit makes their day. If you can't adopt, definitely consider helping out!
Thank you for your dedication to the voiceless and vulnerable.
@@MarciElliott-Advocatingf-xn5ib thank you too
Very powerful and hard to watch, but worth a watch anyway. It's an important topic.
Absolutely, I didn't know about a lot of the stuff she talks about it, difficult but worth watching
Her story about rescuing the injured dog on that cold night really touched my heart. It's amazing how one small act of kindness can have such a big impact. We all have the power to make a difference.
Got me teary-eyed for sure
what a lovely woman - what a great purpose
One small act can lead to many big acts by many
She is my new hero, love her
Love this talk and thanks for sending to me
Wow, thank you so much, Marci! This was so informative, thank you for being who you are and advocating for these poor animals.
This talk has made me reconsider how I view pet ownership in my community. Almost like it's no longer a personal choice because it affects everyone, and that's why more education on responsible pet ownership should be available
The idea of a national animal abuse registry is a great one. We need to take steps to protect these animals and hold abusers accountable.
Yes yes YES!!
Such an important talk, so little is given the our fluffy friends - bless her
Thanks so much!
I just want to reiterate that shelter pets are not damaged goods. In fact some of the coolest, most loving dogs and cats I've met have been rescues. They've got a ton of personality and often just want all the love and affection
Now if only MORE people realized this!
And they seem to know they were among the lucky ones - who got another chance at love!
The story about the dog in the parking lot was a powerful start to the talk. It's inspiring to see someone so dedicated to making a difference in the lives of animals.
Thank you.
Yes, definitely attention grabbing
Honestly it had me emotional from the get-go
Okay the points she makes around the 7:00 mark made me weirdly anxious thinking about them. Seems like such a big sacrifice to make
This is such a noble thing she's devoting herself to. I wish I had the time to volunteer at a shelter.
just made me realize even more how important it is to have a plan for your pets in case of emergencies or big life changes. I need to update my will and think about what would happen to my dog if I had to move.
Thank YOU!!! Spread the word...please
@@MarciElliott-Advocatingf-xn5ib I do
Totally agree, adopting a pet shouldn't be a free-for-all. You've got to make sure they're going to good, responsible homes that will have the means to be able to love them forever.
So great to see this posted! Your passion for this topic shines through in your presentation. 👏🏼👏🏼
Appreciate it, Amy!
I can't imagine how big this womans heart is that she can bear all the emotions attached to what she does. Amazing.
Thank you
her story about rescuing injured animals really got to me. I don’t know if I’d be brave enough to stop traffic for a turtle, but I’m definitely going to keep some numbers for local rescues on my phone now.
POWERFUL my TEDx Sister! Thank you for sharing this critical information with the world!!
Thanks TEDx sis!
Thank you for sharing this important message. I'm confident it will inspire people to do more. Great job, Marci!
I think so too.
I feel like this will inspire a lot of people! It seems like there are so many ways we can help, and it all starts with taking action in our own communities.
Yes indeed!!!! Spread the word!!!!
This needs to be heard...
Agreed. Spread the word!
I can't believe people who wouldn't adopt a shelter dog because they might need a little extra love or support. This is something that's going to be a part of your family and give so much joy, how is it not worth spending a little extra effort on them
So true!!!!
What an important message, Marci! Truly eye-opening! Save these animals!
I'm glad she addressed the issue of backyard breeders and puppy mills. They often fly under the radar but contribute so much to the problem. We need stricter regulations on breeding.
Mad respect for her dedication to this cause. We need more people with that fire in their belly to stand up for these innocent creatures!
For sure, you know you can also do this stuff too, right?
Thank you
@@MarciElliott-Advocatingf-xn5ib 😁😁😁
Her passion for animals really shines through. She's doing great work and I hope all those goals are realized!
Thank you
I never realized the extent of the pet overpopulation problem. 70 million homeless animals is just staggering. It's made me seriously reconsider my stance on adopting vs buying from breeders
Powerful message! Thank you for speaking and advocating their care.
You are the best Marci, I couldn’t agree more for all you stand for. Bear is so lucky to have you as his mama and Bubba for having you find him the perfect home. Will for sure share your message, more people need to hear this, changes NEED to happen! We need more people like you in this world!
That story about her rescuing the injured dog, I felt that in my soul. I think most of us animal lovers would've done the same in that situation.
Adopting a pet is a big responsibility, not just a cute accessory. She nailed that point.
💯💯💯💯
The idea of post-adoption check-ins is genius. Catching issues early could make the difference between a pet staying in their home or getting sent back to the shelter.
What up fantastic message. You are one of the most compassionate, caring animal advocates & caretakers I know. ❤
Proud to call you my friend, Marci!! You rocked this
What a thought-provoking, but also action-provoking, talk this was!
What a great speech! Glad I was able to share the stage with you!
I appreciate that she actually gave us routes of action that we can take instead of just bumming us out with stats
😂😂
Thank you.
Ideally everyone could live in a home where they're able to have a pet. I wish that kind of security for everyone.
helping animals takes real dedication. You've got to be their voice, even when it's hard. Never stop fighting for what's right!
Yeah it seems like there's a lot of stuff working against them
@@hudsonhalloway not really, I'd say it's just people
This is such an amazing presentation! I’m so glad you had the opportunity to speak on this topic.
This is a great message she's spreading, everyday people really can help to reduce those numbers
So very true!
Thank you. Help us help the voiceless and vulnerable...in any way that you can😊
I'm guilty of having gotten a new pet on a whim. I was 18 and had kind of floated the idea with my mum about like oh what if we got another dog as a friend (for the dog we already had) and she wasn't super resistant to it so one night I was at the mall and just bought this puppy and brought it home. My dad absolutely flipped out and I had to give it away. I was really lucky to have found someone to take him
I wonder why your dad flipped out. Was he the only one taking care of the dog you had?
@@evanesterneg Nope... we all looked after her in terms of who would feed/walk her. We also already had three cats though so maybe that was something to do with it lol but in my mind that was more of a reason to get another dog, to even out the numbers a bit 😂😅
My family has always adopted pets from shelters. We even got a purebred once! It just goes to show you that there are all kinds of animals waiting for homes in shelters
Man this is sad to think about, my first dog was from a shelter and he was the best. They said he'd been there for ages and no one wanted him because the breed got a bad wrap as being aggressive but he was such a good, gentle dog
Okay now all the videos I see on instagram about people just randomly finding and adopting cats makes a lot more sense
thank you for shedding some light on this!
Thanks Marci for your passion for all pets. Your presentation was very informative. You rock
Thank you
Appreciate your kind words!
I adopted my cat from a shelter where they were about to put him down due to overcrowding. We can save so many lives just by being a bit more aware and responsible!
What a caring and important message. Very impactful Marci, thanks for educating us and being a strong voice and advocate for animals.
I'm always so perplexed by people who just don't care about animals like.... ??? I don't know if it's a selfish thing or they just lack compassion but I think it's people like that who contribute to this problem
I got an offer to work front counter at my local shelter. I've wanted to work somewhere that I can be proud of for awhile now so when I saw this opportunity I jumped on it. The other bit of news I got this morning was that the family dog is showing pain signs and that it's her time. The end has been approaching for awhile now, she's 16, but I think because of the suddenness it's really hitting me harder than I expected. This has got me worried about my ability to handle this job long term.
Don't think of the sorrow; think about the joy of helping the animals!
@@johnsondubois816 agree
so sad, you are a good person for caring
@@sabahachim yes agree
I don't mean to sound cold but it's not like you're going to develop the kind of love for each of the shelter animals that you have for your family dog. Of course you're going to care about the animals but also if you're working the front counter it's not like you're going to be the one putting the animals down either
the part about shelter workers facing retaliation for speaking up was shocking. we should be protecting people who are trying to help animals, not punishing them. that's messed up.
What a good woman, wow. I love whats shes doing....
What a knowledgeable and inspiring lady. Some really difficult to stomach information in this talk, but it's important people know. We can all do our bit, however small.
Thank you.
I'm definitely inspired to get involved after hearing this. Whether it's adopting, fostering, volunteering, or spreading the word, I wanna help make a difference for these animals.
Wonderful!
Wonderful to hear!
It feels extra upsetting because 70,000,000 homeless pets doesn't just happen overnight. This is a long standing issue that's probably never been prioritized
My best friend got her two kitties from a shelter and they are the sweetest little kittens. Also one of them is a ragdoll! I was so surprised because I was under the impression that shelter animals are never of a breed and just sort of mixed strays
It's actually so upsetting to think about all the healthy, adoptable animals being killed in shelters. I wish there was somewhere they could all just go and roam free.
Had no idea this was such an issue, really sad to hear but glad to be a bit more informed about it
Thanks. Please spread the word!!!
I had no idea that some rescues could be untrustworthy. It's disheartening, but I guess it makes sense. Definitely gonna do more research before supporting any organization in the future.
The idea of creating an animal abuse registry sounds like such a necessary step... It seems like such a huge oversight that abusers can just adopt again without any restrictions.
I don't know I feel like I've just lost all faith in humanity at this point. So many people just doing the dumbest ish and couldn't care less about how it impacts the world around them
What an informative message. I don't think enough people think about what to do about animals who need help. I wish more people were as informed and compassionate as Marci Elliott.
Thank you.
Thank you!
I've been trying to adopt a senior cat, but got denied. I have a job. The only problem is I have an 8-4:30 job and I've been denied a couple of times for having a job where I'll have to leave the cat alone for 8 hours a day. Has anyone else had this happen?
That’s not right, cats are perfectly capable of being alone during a workday.
small cat rescues are usually pretty crazy with their vetting process. You may have better luck with a bigger animal shelter.
keep looking you'll find some place that will welcome you, and then you can find your new BFF
Thats just strange, I have never heard of people being rejected.
Keep trying, I was turned down once too, but have 3 rescues now.
Thanks for shedding light on such an overlooked issue.
Thank you
I never knew the extent of these issues. Appreciating the education!
Thank you
I've always thought the connection between animal abuse and other forms of violence is chilling. A national animal abuse registry could potentially prevent a lot of suffering - not just for animals, but for humans too.
The fact that there are 70 million homeless cats and dogs in the US alone is staggering. Good on her for educating and advocating in this way because truly it is needed
She is spot on about the need for better adoption screening processes. It's not just about checking to see if it's a good match it's about keeping the animals safe!!
Thank you.
@@MarciElliott-Advocatingf-xn5ib thanks for your talk, well done
Appreciate your kind words.
Powerful talk. Makes you think about our role in animal welfare and what it could be if people were just a little more aware
It’s not just about adopting pets but also about making sure they’re going to GOOD homes.
Yes indeed!!
There are so many heart-breaking points here but I think the worst of all is that these are innocent animals completely at our mercy. We need to do better. There's no reason for the cruelty they face.
I agree it's just heartbreaking.
So true TTB and again thanks for posting this to our group!
She is doing great work, and yes there is no reason that this happens...
The reason is because we humans are not humane at all.
Yes its truth, we are so cruel to animals.
The thing that frustrates me so much about all this is how needless it is. People are just so careless with any life that isn't human.
I feel this is such an overlooked issue. Glad to see someone trying to educate people about it. I think of myself as an animal lover and even I had no idea how high all those numbers are
Thank you
Me loving the work coz am always in love with pets
My partner and I moved house mid-pandemic and there were so many stray cats that would come through our backyard. It was pretty close to housing commission and I don't want to stereotype but I got the vibe that people were just leaving and not taking their cats with them. It happens so often it's kinda crazy
good people do good things - great people do awesome things - keep going Marci...
Thanks much!!
I had no idea that fear could be misinterpreted as aggression in shelter animals. It's heartbreaking to think of scared animals being put down because of a misunderstanding. We need better training for shelter staff.
It's a real nightmare that results in lost lives...millions...
@@MarciElliott-Advocatingf-xn5ib It truly is. Thank you Marci.
Thank God for the small rescue groups out there pulling at-risk animals from kill shelters. They're the unsung heroes in this fight. - Gary
Ditto, Gary. They are angels!!
Yes sir. Everyone who steps up and does anything to help - large or small- is special indeed!
The idea of carrying a pet carrier and leash in the car is such a practical tip. Being prepared to help animals in need is something we should all consider.
Easy peazy!!!
The thought of pets being discarded like tr ash is devastating. We need to do better as a society to care for and protect these innocent animals.
So much respect and admiration for you doing this ❤
The heart stick method is so disturbing, I wish I could save all the pets who need a home, they deserve so much better.
This is really cool and I feel like if we all start having conversations with our friends and fam we could make some real progress
I mean maybe... I've never had my family take on anything that I have to say but maybe that's just me...
Everyone should hear this. It’s time to take action for animal welfare!
Thank you
Yes. Let's shout it to the heavens!
This is a good person, well done Marci