My husband choked back his laughter the one time I mentioned that I was a cheerleader way, way back in high school. I wasn't surprised or offended by his reaction—not only did I retire my miniskirts a long time ago, I've also always been a klutz. But back in those days, I could do the splits, no problemo.

Well, I couldn't stop myself from doing cartwheels after I watched PETA's End of Year 2009 video. Miraculously, I did so without knocking over any lamps, but you might consider clearing any breakables before you view.

From celebrity ads and PSAs to our Ringling Bros. undercover investigation and every single demonstration held by our supporters, PETA was a force to be reckoned with in 2009. If that video doesn't have you convinced, check out our first-ever map of accomplishments. Head over there, click around, and read all about the victories, protests, investigations, and other events that helped make a difference for animals last year.

Now that we've cheered PETA's efforts and accomplishments during 2009, let's look ahead: Tell us how you'll be helping animals in 2010.

Written by Karin Bennett

squidoo / CC

With 2010 fast approaching, the holiday shopping season is at its peak, and the business of year-end listmaking is well underway. We couldn't resist the urge to take inventory of '09, so we're counting down our five favorite animal-friendly ads of the year—from CGI hamsters to Claymation squirrels. The companies on our list offer further proof that promoting compassion toward animals is as easy as saying "yes" to educating people about our furry friends and saying "no" to the abuse of animals in the entertainment industry—animals who are denied food as a means of forcing them to perform on cue and who are often beaten when they don't do as commanded. Here are 2009's finest GOODY-winning marketing masterpieces:

5. AT&T: "LG Xenon Mobile Phone." When a lucky woman gets to use her cell-phone to transform the real world, the first change she makes is to swap a barbecue restaurant with a vegetarian paradise—delicious, cellular, cruelty-free brilliance.
4. Ask.com: "Mutts Are Better." In this thoughtful commercial, a man asks his wife whether purebreds or mutts are better, and she proudly answers mutts, of course! Here's another no-brainer: Is Ask.com awesome?
3. Mutual of Omaha: "Aha Moment." We still get goosebumps every time we see this mother beam over her 6-year-old son's decision to donate money to homeless animals instead of asking for birthday gifts.
2. Diamond Foods, Emerald Nuts: "The Nut Snob." Claymation squirrels with French accents—um, more, s'il vous plaît!
1. Kia Motors: "A New Way to Roll." This year, Kia taught us that vehicular envy isn't unique to the human species. Four wheels are always better than one—even if you're a CGI hamster.

Written by Logan Scherer