I'm always proud to see the tremendous progress happening in the relationships between dogs and people. So many of you regard us as true members of the family and treat us with kindness and respect. The scientific community now acknowledges that our social-cognitive functioning is similar to that of a child (Science Daily, Jan. 5, 2012). It's a good time to be a dog.

While it's true that far too many of us still experience inhumane treatment, there is no doubt that many of us are living pretty amazing lives. For those of us lucky enough to share our lives with people who love us, we eat well, sleep well, play well and thrive. There are a lot of happy pets out there, and I'm thrilled to see it!

Some of the very same people who pamper their dogs, however, often give very little thought to the way other animals are treated. Specifically, the same people who are devoted to the happiness of their four-legged friends might not be very concerned about what happens to their food before it becomes burgers or bacon.

I wish people could remember that we are all sentient beings – including humans, dogs, cows, sheep and pigs. We're all mammals. We feel emotion. We feel fear. We feel pain.

Please don't get me wrong: I'm not getting on a soapbox about being vegetarian or vegan – that's entirely up to the individual. What I am passionate about is putting an end to factory farming. Decades from now when people come to their senses, the way we treated animals in 2012 will no doubt seem barbaric and ignorant.

What people don't see can hurt them. Turning a blind eye to the horrible injustices that happen to most animals before they give their lives to feed people is simply wrong. All animal lovers have a responsibility to care about what he or she eats and buys, as well as to care about the health and environmental repercussions of factory farms.

The good news is that it's easy to take a stand. Choose certified humane, organic, grass-fed, free-range, local or cruelty-free products. Stop frequenting fast-food restaurants that support factory farms. Sure, making these choices may be more expensive, but it's the only compassionate option. If more people would just stop rewarding companies that mistreat animals, it really could make a difference.

I love that so many people adore their dogs. It feels really good to be on a pedestal. We like the attention. But I'm saddened that my fellow animals don't always enjoy the same kindness from people. I'm disheartened that well-meaning humans unintentionally promote atrocities in the animal world.

If all of this feels a little daunting, it's not. Michael Pollan's books are available to everyone. Food, Inc., is an eye-opening documentary. These and many, many other resources are out there. The ills of factory farms are a very poorly kept secret. The problem is that a lot of people simply don't want to know.

If you haven't taken a stand, there's no time like the present. If you've already taken one, don't be afraid to gently encourage your friends, family and colleagues to do the same. Sweeping change happens when one voice becomes a chorus of voices.

People like to teach us single-word commands. (Speak. Sit. Stay.) I have a gentle command for my animal-loving friends: Care.