If you live or travel in Baltimore, you may have seen the billboards and other ads for the new Show Your Soft Side animal care campaign.  Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake started an Anti-Animal Abuse Advisory Commission  in July, 2009, headed by Executive Assistant Elizabeth Koontz, with the goal eradicating animal abuse in the city of Baltimore.

Pictured here is Qadry Ismail, one of several professional athletes from the Ravens, Orioles, and Harlem Globetrotters who have agreed to be photographed with their animals to show young men that a compassionate heart is the hallmark of a true man.

Leo Howard Lubow took the pictures for the ads, which are also displayed on the group’s Facebook page. Members of the public are also requested to post photos of their “soft side.”

What a great idea!

Until next time,

Good day, and good dog!