Founded by author and animal-lover Cleveland Amory, the Fund's motto is "we speak for those who can't." Having recently joined forces with The Humane Society of the United States, the Fund for Animals is crusading on a number of fronts:

* With eight full-time lawyers manning their Animal Protection Litigation section, the Fund spearheads legislative agendas calling for bans on cruelty, and stronger protection for domestic and wild animals.

* With the HSUS, the Fund provides wildlife rehab, a low-cost companion animal wellness center, and the Rural Area Veterinary Services program, which brings vet care to underserved communities.

* And best of all, there's the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch. Located in East Texas, the ranch sits on 1,300 acres, and is home to more than 1,200 animals, from burros to bobcats, prairie dogs to chimpanzees.

If you're looking for a unique vacation destination, consider spending a few days at the ranch volunteering with ranch maintenance, or simply visiting with the critters.

And, as always, the animals need your help, so please click on www.fundforanimals.org and send 'em what you can.