December 2009

One Hundred Years of Caring

For the NHES staff, volunteers, members, and animal welfare community as a whole, this December represents an especially important mark in history. Beyond the joyous holiday festivities and the tales of animal rescue miracles that abound this time of year, is a woman—a crusader—who is celebrating 100 years of life and more than 85 years of saving animals.

Much like the 200 cats and dogs of Briggs Animal Adoption Center and the nearly 400 cats, dogs, horses, and other animals of Peace Plantation Animal Sanctuary, Mrs. Anna C. Briggs, founder of The National Humane Education Society (NHES), encountered numerous, painful obstacles in her youth. At the tender age of just four years old, she was sent to an orphanage with her sister, where she waited many agonizing years for a new family, while heart-aching for her old one. Later, Mrs. Briggs found herself living with a strict aunt, which she describes as some of her most difficult days as a child.

What is most amazing about Mrs. Briggs’ childhood, both common and quite uncommon in its telling, is that she did not become bitter. She did not grow to seek only her own wants and desires—instead, as that young child desperately awaiting love and affection in an orphanage, Mrs. Briggs developed a sense of understanding, empathy, and caring for the suffering of others that has carried her through a lifetime of helping animals, and in this way, helping people too.

When Mrs. Briggs finally found herself living back with her mother and family, she rescued her first dog when she was just 14 years old. She brought a beaten, sad German shepherd back to life with her love and strength. Eighty-six years later, through her humane work and NHES, thousands upon thousands of animals have been saved from suffering, while countless children and adults have heard the message of kindness to animals and have acted to help too.

This December as we celebrate the holiday season, we also take joy in celebrating a hero whose natural childhood love of animals has blazed a path that we can each—in our own way—follow to create a more humane and kind world for animals and people.

Happy 100th Birthday Mrs. Briggs!

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Learn more about Mrs. Briggs' lifetime of caring and share your own greetings to her!