By the time PETA learned that a tiny kitten had become trapped inside a statue of President Abraham Lincoln at a museum in Florida, concerned folks, including the local humane society and fire department, had attempted a variety of methods to rescue him, unfortunately without success.

The frightened kitten was trapped a few feet down with only a tiny hole through which his helpers could pass food and water. The only way to rescue him would be to break open the statue, but the museum owner balked.

PETA's caseworker spoke to members of the museum owner's family and warned them that he could face abandonment charges. Voilà! The next morning, the owner let the fire department cut a hole in the statue in a rescue worthy of the Great Emancipator himself. The kitten—now named Little Abe—is being fostered until he is healthy enough to be adopted into a permanent home.

Little Abe's rescue serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance. As Lincoln once wrote, "Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed, is more important than any other one thing." If an animal is in danger, never take "no" (or even dozens of them) for an answer. Keep trying until help arrives.

These days, it may seem like no one can stop gushing about their Valentine's Day plans, but for those of us whose brains haven't melted to love-mush, we are launching a contest to celebrate February's real holiday: Presidents' Day.

We're giving away a pair of inspirational books written by two leaders who know about making an impact on the world: PETA President Ingrid Newkirk's One Can Make a Difference: How Simple Actions Can Change the World and the Dalai Lama's Becoming Enlightened. Both offer moving stories and guidance for making the small changes in your life that can make a big change in the world. And because most of us will enjoy a day off on Presidents' Day (another reason why the holiday may be superior to Valentine's Day), what better time is there to settle down for a good, inspiring read and get some tips on taking action to help animals in need?

To enter, leave a comment here and let us know how you plan to create change for animals this year. The contest ends on February 23, 2009, and the most inspiring comment will win. We'll contact the winner on February 24, 2009. Make sure to read our privacy policy and terms and conditions, as you're agreeing to both by commenting.

So what are you waiting for?

Written by Liz Graffeo

topnews / CC

OK, maybe that headline is a teensy bit of an exaggeration. What President Obama really said during his town-hall meeting in Fort Myers, Florida, on Tuesday was that he's "open to any idea, whether it comes from a Democrat or a Republican or a vegetarian …." Did you catch that? Vegetarians aren't just mainstream, we've been elevated to the status of a political party! Can a faux chicken in every pot be far behind?

We're so honored by the president's personal "invitation" that we've dashed off a letter giving him one of our best ideas: Stop dumping unhealthy meat, eggs, and dairy products on the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).

Why are kids being force-fed artery-clogging animal products, you ask? Because the NSLP is under the aegis of the USDA, which is in the business of supporting the meat, dairy, and egg industries. This is easy to do if you buy up a bunch of the crap yourself and then foist it off on chronically underfunded schools, which aren't exactly in a position to say no.

Instead of continuing to prop up an industry that hurts animals, pollutes the environment, and exposes people to a greater risk of heart disease, we think that the government should be in the business of promoting healthy veggies. Only common sense, right? Hopefully, the president agrees.

Written by Alisa Mullins