Though she did not grow up in an environment where she was able to have a cat or dog, Ana found the animal companionship she desired nonetheless with her guinea pig, Woody. Through Woody, Ana got to experience the unconditional love that comes from having a pet, as well as the responsibility of caring for an animal.

When it came to selecting which animal rescue organization to volunteer at, Ana did her research. Animal League America stood out among the rest of the facilities for her because of its no-kill mission. Now that she has been involved with Animal League America for over a year, Ana truly appreciates just how far that commitment goes. She has seen the dogs and cats who might have been euthanized somewhere else, have a chance to live and eventually find a home.

Her time in our Pet Health Centers has also helped Ana feel more certain than ever about her career direction. “My favorite part is interacting with the animals and knowing they are going to get better and have a wonderful family to look forward to,” she said. “I really enjoy watching their progress, helping them out, and providing love along the way.”

According to Deana Merino, Shelter Medical Supervisor, Ana always arrives for her Saturday morning shift ready to jump in wherever needed: “Ana is amazing! She makes sure our animals are clean and comfortable, with a bed and a toy. She handles them all incredibly well, and has the biggest heart.”

Ana encourages others who might be considering getting involved not to hesitate if they worry they won’t know what to do. “The staff and volunteers around you are there to help you process things; they will take their time to explain. I’ve learned so much from everyone there.”

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month

At North Shore Animal League America, we could not perform all of the hands-on work that we do without the help of our incredible team of dedicated volunteers.

If you’d like to learn more about the Volunteer Program and available opportunities, please visit animalleague.org/volunteer.