Whereas, I believe all animals deserve to be treated and respected as individuals with needs and interests of their own, and whereas I believe that animals are not commodities or property to be bought, sold, disposed of, or killed at an "owner's" whim, I hereby pledge to:

1. Adopt and rescue rather than buy or sell animals;

2. Live my life with an ethic of respect and consideration for all animals, rather than one of "ownership";

3. Represent myself as a guardian, caretaker, protector or friend rather than as an "owner" or "master."

— Judy Carman in Peace to All Beings