As the youth correspondent for www.MuttsComics.com, Julia W. writes about animal issues. Read on to learn why she helps animals—and how you can too.

Julia W.: I think people are born with certain traits. I was born as a lover of animals. I am aware that animals have feelings. Part of that comes from having cats and a dog. I am aware of their needs, ready to care for them and pay attention to them. In return they greet me when I come home from school, they put me to bed. We have a special bond.

I became aware of animal issues when I was very young. I became a vegetarian in 1^st grade. It seemed like a very obvious thing to me. Even in my 1^st grade mind, I knew animals were suffering to get on my plate.

It is hard sometimes to trace a love of something or a special feeling about something. I get my love of animals from a lot of things. My mom and dad, my cats and dog, my awareness about animal issues. When I hear that the polar bears are dying, the tigers are dying, it makes me love that animal even more.

KN: How did you become youth correspondent for MuttsComics.com?

JW: About two years ago, my mom and my dad and I had dinner at a vegan restaurant with Patrick McDonnell, his wife Karen O’Connell, and the MuttsComics.com staff. We talked about our interest in wildlife and how Mutts could help tigers in India. Patrick asked me if I would write about animal issues for the Web site. Of course, I said yes!

Ever since then I have been writing articles for MuttsComics.com. I have written about my trips to India, pets affected by Hurricane Katrina, and the bear hunt in New Jersey. I also interviewed Alan Rabinowitz, wildlife biologist with the Wildlife Conservation Society.

KN:  How do you decide what topics to write about?

JW: I write about topics that interest me. When I am writing nonfiction, I usually write about animal issues. For instance, I wrote the article about the bear hunt in New Jersey because I am concerned for all the animals that are coming back to America as forests regrow. People should be learning how to live peacefully with animals such as bears and mountain lions—not hunting them!

I was able to interview Alan Rabinowitz because of my mom. She interviews people for Sanctuary, India’s wildlife magazine, and I get to come along. I really like interviewing wildlife conservationists because they always have amazing stories.

Nobody should have to write about topics they’re not interested in. When you write about a topic you’re not interested in, chances are, the article or story will not turn out interesting. Write about things that you are passionate about!

KN: What animal issue worries you the most?

JW: The issue that worries me most is the wild tiger. The tiger is such a symbol of strength and love throughout the world. Lots of people don't even know tigers are endangered! Making people aware of the problem is a big step toward saving these beautiful animals.

But don't stop there! Write letters to the Indian prime minister, start petitions, teach people. It's not just the tiger you're saving, it's all the animals who live near and around tigers. By saving the tiger, you're saving the chital, the wild boar, the peacock—all the animals that share tigers' habitats. People praise tigers and say they are magnificent animals. What happens if they become extinct?

KN: Sometimes kids think that, because of their age, they can't help animals. What would you tell them?

JW: Age should not be something that stops kids from doing great things for the world. Even the smallest things help, like saving electricity and water. You can also write to your local or school newspaper about animal and environmental issues. Getting an awareness group together is a great way to talk about world issues. You might be surprised how many kids want to join!

There are an infinite number of things kids can do to help save our world. They don't take a lot of time or a lot of energy, just a little caring!