Of course it's a valid question, but the way I feel is....
There are a ton of charities out there that need money. Giving to any one of them won't save the world, but your contribution helps. Who to give to though, when so many need your assistance? The way I feel is I give to what's near and dear to my heart, or what personally touches me. I give to a charity that helps kids who have birth defects, because I have a child who was born with one. I give to breast cancer research, because my mom died of breast cancer. I give to a few other charities that have personal meaning to me as well. When it comes to animals specifically - my shelter here needs money too, and yes I have donated. But they are better off here than they are in Mexico, there are more people willing to help their local shelter than a relatively unknown shelter in Playa del Carmen. Since I know (and love) Andy and Jen and I consider them near and dear to my heart, that's enough reason for
me to donate my time and/or money to them from time to time. I love Playa too, it means something to me personally, so when someone needs help, I try to do what I can (bomberos, hurricane relief, etc.). Doesn't mean I won't help another charity, animal related or not, just means I am ALSO helping some friends in Mexico who need it.
Put it this way - one person can't save the world with their donation. At some point and time, if you have money to donate, you have to decide where that money is to go. You can pick the Peanut Pet Shelter and know it's a worthy cause (I've been there, I know!) and right now they REALLY need our help. Next time you have money to spare, you can donate to your local shelter. And so on and so forth.
Just my dos pesos.
