This is a support group for non-profit organization Animals Asia Foundation. We hope to host meetups and mini events periodically, whether it's a movie screening, a doggie play date, a street fund raising event or a get-together at a veggie restaurant--our goal is to raise awareness and funds for Animals Asia's campaigns, including “Moon Bear Rescue”, “Friends….or Food?”, “Doctor Dog”, “Professor Paws”, “Project Asia” and “Animal Welfare Action”.

• Moon Bear Rescue - In countries across Asia, thousands of bears live a life of torture on bear farms, so that their bile can be extracted and used in traditional medicine to cure ailments ranging from headaches to haemorrhoids. Bears are confined in cages which vary from agonisingly tiny "crush" cages to larger pens, all of which cause terrible physical and mental suffering.
  
• Friends....or Food? - Dogs are eaten in large numbers in China, Vietnam and Korea. The cruelty is often deliberate and slaughter methods are designed to intensify and prolong the suffering in the misguided belief that torture equals taste.
  
• Doctor Dog - Our Dr. Dogs are spreading their special brand of canine love to thousands of people throughout Asia. They are ambassadors for all dogs, our loyal friends who won't judge us for the way we look. They accept us regardless of class, race, age or disability.
  
• Professor Paws - Our tail-wagging "professors" are improving the English language and literacy skills of local children, while promoting another positive example of the ways companion animals can enrich our lives.
  
• Project Asia - Speaking out for animals on issues as they emerge; bringing to public attention archaic and cruel practices that continue in the name of public entertainment and traditional medicine; exposing the reality of live animal markets; co-ordinating emergency relief for animals in desperate situations.
  
• Animal Welfare Action - Animals Asia's focus is on the welfare of animals in Asia but this doesn't mean that we don't support other campaigns or other organisations in their fight to improve the lives of animals worldwide. This is why we have dedicated this section to those struggles. While we may not be directly involved, we can provide you with facts on each issue and information on the organisations you can get in touch with to add your voice in support of their campaigns. We will also keep you updated on our letters to various authorities and organisations to lobby their support on issues as they come up, and for improvement in animal welfare in general.
  

Time and time again, New Yorkers have proven to have hearts of gold. We love our pets and we never hesitate to help those who are less fortunate. Being citizens in the capital of the world, we have always concerned ourselves with issues both here at home and internationally. This will be a group that uses positive energy to make a difference. Through our future meetups, we hope to make more friends, unite more animal lovers, and together we will help end animal cruelty someday.

Thank you for your support. Looking forward to meeting every single one of you.

Bear Hugs,
Madeleine