MIDLAND, Texas — Some fourth grade students at Ben Milam Elementary School worked to make a difference this semester. Ms. Ancira, their teacher, gave them the assignment to write a persuasive essay.

WORTHINGTON, Minn. -- When Dustin John wrote an essay earlier this year explaining why he would like to win a pig and how he would care for it, he had no idea that once the pig set foot on their farm, ...

This guest essay reflects the views of Julie Castle, chief executive of Best Friends Animal Society, which collects data from more than 7,900 shelters and rescue groups. As we mark the five-year ...